Tanuchan

This is a chronology of Tanny's story as told through the several threads at The Pen. Some stories are unfinished (but with plans to be finished... at some time), and others were not posted in the chronological order of events - as many happened during Carnival activities that were written before one given story was finished. The Main Arc are those events that affect the development of the character, while Events are those that bring some elements in the story that are used, or referred to, in later tales. ~Chronology~ Main Arc Events Comments Forum Arrival to The Pen Keep Bachelor date with Merelas beginning of the friendship with Merelas Assembly A Book (in progress) [/td] with Venefyxatu Assembly Perfect Sell meeting Stephen Hascodem Assembly A man and a camel arrive... leads to the Beauty Pageant Conservatory Summer Carnival Beauty Pageant with Stephen Conservatory A long overdue account... getting closer to Lord Panther Assembly Flying Lesson with Stephen and Panther Conservatory Lost... leads to Spirits; with Stephen Conservatory Spirits [td]development of further elemental affinity; unblocking empathy; with StephenAssembly Back to Index

Sweet: when do you plan to start this game? I want to be in, but I'll be without net access from 12-25 July... so I think that I really won't be able to be in...

This post was written with both Vene and Panther, and describes the first attempt by one of us - Tanny-tanuki. We'll be writing the attempts together, and posting here as our "story" advances. Thanks, guys - it's fun writing with you! ~~~~~~~~~ Stephen and Tanny arrived at the booth just in time to hear Panther laughing and explaining that Mynx wanted them to throw themselves at the ground and miss it. "Miss the ground...?" Tanny blinked, and as Panther nodded without hiding his amusement, she also started laughing. "This is crazy... how do we miss the ground?" As she looked at CheerMynx, though, her laughter died and gave place to wondering. "Though... well... she is at the very least floating..." Carefully, Tanny let herself feel the surrounding threads, and couldn't sense any magic or elemental energy being channeled. Shrugging, she looked at Stephen and grinned at his puzzled face. "Dear Ranger, wouldn't you like to go first?" Stephen frowned. The idea somehow made sense, as long as you forgot about gravity. "I'm not sure I feel like trying at all anymore now that I know the secret ... but we'll need some higher ground to begin with." Tanny nodded, then shimmered into her tanuki form. Stephen sensed the change, and queried her. ::I'm lighter in this way... and remember that two objects attract each other with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them...:: He blinked. ::No, no, I don't think I remember that. In fact, I don't think I've ever known that ... :: Laughter came through the mind-link with the answer, ::In other words, multiply the masses of the two bodies being attracted... the world and I. Supposedly, if I'm lighter I would hurt less...:: :: So if we somehow get you weightless, it won't hurt at all because you won't hit the ground? :: Still laughing hard, Tanny quickly and deftly climbed up a startled Stephen, balancing herself on the top of his head. ::I guess that is the whole idea behind the instructions... kind of makes sense, huh?:: Stephen carefully held his head still to make sure he wouldn't unbalance the Tanuki. :: In a weird, twisted way it all makes sense, yes. What exactly is it that you're planning up there?:: ::Well, you said to get to higher ground... this is higher for me right now... Now, throw myself to the ground and... miss it?:: Stephen resisted an urge to both laugh and nod, and grinned. :: Higher, maybe, but ... ground? :: Tanny giggled, and looked at Stephen upside-down. Her whiskers tickled his nose and with a sharp breath and a quick forward crouch he sneezed, launching the Tanuki forward. ::Aaaaaaaaaaaaack....:: Panther, puzzling over a way to follow CheerMynx's instructions, was thoroughly surprised when he was squarely hit in the chest by a furry, tailed ball, which he grabbed out of instinct. ::Ack... thank you, Panther...:: Tanny gasped, completely dizzy and grabbing his robes with all paws to keep balanced against him. Slightly winded by the sudden impact, Panther swallowed hard and looked at Tanny. "Well, I guess you missed the ground, but you didn't escape gravity..." The feline mage sensed an amused mind-whisper from the tanuki that suddenly hugged him, giggling against his chest. ::Yeah, I think that pretty summarizes it... although I was sort of flying before finding you instead of the ground. Should we try to miss the ground and find each other while trying to dodge gravity?:: "Huh... sure... I guess... " Panther chuckled, also being tickled by the whiskers that touched his neck. "I'll have to think this through before I do my attempt..." ::Honestly, you might want to bring Anguis in...:: Stephen, oblivious to the fact that Tanny had landed on Panther instead of crashing into the ground, wondered whether she'd actually succeeded. He talked into her general direction, never noticing some startled looks at him talking to nobody. "Congratulations ... it really is that easy, hmm?" He realized he was wrong when he heard movement behind him, followed by Panther tapping him lightly on the shoulder. "I guess you lost this..." There was a grin on Panther's face that Stephen could guess from his tone, and he felt both Tanny's presence and the weight of the tanuki on his shoulder. He mumbled confused thanks to the mage before turning his attention back to Tanny. "I guess it didn't work, then?" Tanny considered if she should go back to some other shape, but hitting Panther as a tanuki was about the most she would do in one day, and wolves were not done for perching on a ranger's shoulder. So she just slipped to the ground, changing back to human as she hit the ground. "That was some understatement, Stephen..." she grimaced, rubbing her shoulder where she had hit Panther. "And one would think cats would be softer to land on..." She grinned at Panther, thanking him again. "... but thanks for cushioning my fall. Maybe we should try to work something out... " A sudden thought made her start giggling again, and she mindspoke to both Stephen and Panther - though almost sure this last could not understand her in her present shape. ::And indeed... if cats always land on their feet or at least know how to cushion their fall, we might learn something from a big cat...:: She looked affectionately at Panther, who glared at her in a mocking way. So he can understand...? The fleeting surprised thought was stored in a corner of her mind for later consideration, as Stephen briefly wondered at that last thought but started thinking about how he was going to cushion his own fall when he tried. ~To be continued~

"Stephen, I swear you will pay dearly for this..." Tanny smoothed the front of her dress, glaring at the Ranger. "... but I never said I would bid in the auction, Wolf-Lady... I don't even think I have the geld for that..." Stephen Hascodem made his best innocent face. "I surely cannot beat any bids for you". He stepped aside just in time to avoid the pillow she sent flying at his face, and deftly picked it with his free hand. "Thank you, I was really in need of a new pillow." He heard the soft sigh, and the sound of Tanny plopping on the bed. He went to her, and pinned the corsage on her dress with surprising ease. He rested a hand on her shoulder, massaging it lightly. "You will do fine, Wolf-Lady. And I am sure you look beautiful." Tanny glanced at the mirror, and blushed as she saw how the dress modeled her perfectly, the bodice fitting tightly but comfortably while the long skirt flowed graciously. Her raven-black hair made a nice contrast with the lilac of the dress, and the white/lavender of the flowers. Stephen smiled, sensing her relaxing somewhat. "Stephen, you will pay for this." The ranger just grinned, offering her an arm that Tanny accepted with another sigh, and then they proceeded to the stage for the presentation. Tanny blushed again as soon as she stepped on the stage, remembering too well the Beauty Pageant that had been Stephen's prank the last Carnival. I wonder if I would have done better as a wolf right now... Looking at the audience, she shrugged mentally and spoke in a crystalline voice that carried far with smoothness and clarity. "Most of you know me, either in this shape or as the black wolf who loves the Banquet and the Conservatory rooms of the Keep. I don't like talking about myself, but the pieces that you can find at both places should tell you something. I love the forest, and the water, both of which are my Elements. The rest... well, whoever wins the bid will find out." She smiled, and left. Meeting Stephen at the foot of the stairs, she whispered to him while grabbing his arm to leave the stage premises. "I guess I should be just glad that this time you didn't sign me up as a wolf, but I do swear you will get retribution later, dear Ranger. Now, let's see about your flying lessons, shall we?"

Katz, sorry... is this still alive in some way? *curious*

First of all, I have a couple posts/background/follow-ups that I received via PM, and the players didn't have the chance to use or post. I'm pasting them here since they were very nice/fun to read, and there is no way for me to paste them in the IC thread. Also, in Ozy's case, he wanted to post soon after his 'death', but that would point to the fact that one of the wolves was killed, and so I asked him to modify it a bit - which he didn't have the opportunity to do. He wanted me to post the following at some point, but it seems he was kidnapped by RL at some point... so I'll paste it here, and when he comes around I'll just add it to one of my mod posts in the game thread. I hope you don't mind it, Ozy! As for the comments on the secrecy of roles to the end - thank you The reason why I didn't reveal the roles was directly linked to the theme and to the fact that the RB was to be kept a secret at all times. Also, I thought that it might be good experimenting with it and see if it would help focusing more on RP than wolf-hunting... but as it seems that neither side enjoyed much the secrecy, I think that I'll just go with the traditional way in the follow-up to this game (in some month's time). Though... there is a possible variation where I could just say that a special has been killed, though not saying which special. Would that favor the wolves? Or, after the 3rd special being killed, would that end up balancing itself? Anyway - for the follow-up, I'll be more precise in the setting/route, since I understand Ayshela's view and agree completely with the RPing importance of it. Thanks for participating ~Tanny

*hugs the mutually confusing team * Congratulations, Ayshela and Alaeha!! Sweet, thanks again for having this activity - I had lots of fun, and I do blame RL for not leaving either myself or my blue partner time to find the last answer... But next time we hope to do it better!

I thought prudent to confirm that I'm in - I asked Vene to help me by writing a way to get Tanny into the Auction, since IC it's something she wouldn't be comfortable doing.

hehehe... yeah, the threads are fun to find and read... there are lots of other small things that appear.

I don't mind having to go in a who-finishes-first contest, but honestly I don't think it's fair for those who weren't online when Sweet PMd the list - or who won't have the time to actually look for anything until later. I'm online, supposed to be studying also, but my partner is working and might not be online until either very late tonight or tomorrow. And I'll be leaving for work soon, so he'll have to work on whatever I don't find by himself too. No idea how Ayshela and Alaeha are concerning the timing either... so, if being quick awards points, I'm just wondering whether it is fair or not. Two cents... no offense meant, Katz.

Mmm... prep? Well, I usually spent around 1-2 hours writing each modding post... and having the game in my mind most of my free time, thinking about where to take it, and how. But there wasn't a great deal of planning ahead, just a general idea of the route. LotR is my favorite book ever... I've read it for the first time 14 years ago, and must have re-read it in full at least 8-9 times since. It was also my first book ever that I read in its original English version. Maybe that explains why I know where to find whatever I want in the books . Thank you - all of you. I'll post again commenting the comments on roles later *hugs*

Heh... don't you worry... neither Finnius nor I have that much time either, since those 48 hours of the activity will be busy days for both of us! (I work on Friday all day long... classes on morning, then mid-afternoon to evening until around 9 pm... )

Congratulations to the Villagers, for winning the game - and to the wolves, for putting up a good fight. And congratulations to all players for a *very* good RP from all of you! Final Scorecard Giles => Baelestimah, Elf of Rivendel (male), servant of Arwen Ayshela => Linador, horse-master elf (male) from Rivendell Savage Dragon => Raus Tanathos, lynched Sweetcherrie => Stoomp, killed Mynx => Jagkatha, lynched Gyrfalcon => Frerin, first Ringbearer, killed Gryphon => Mattias, wolf, lynched Ozymandias => Jin, son of Jalen, Seer, killed Vahktang => Yeager Tickle-Bottom, wolf, lynched Venefyxatu => Neriam Therzyn, Baner, killed Phoenix => Megwyn, lynched Akallabeth => Turin of Dol Amroth, second Ringbearer, killed Katzaniel => Rootmaker, lynched Sinsor => Irvin Bartholomew Muskfoot, killed Finnius => Filkiormous Magnanimous Berrison, lynched Patrick => Seothen, killed Panther =>Garnorn, wolf, lynched A summary of the Special's targets: Seer: Gryphon / Giles / Seer got killed Baner: Mynx / Gyrfalcon / Venefyxatu / Baner got killed Ringbearer: the One Ring hasn't been used by any of the villager's RBs. Everybody alive ended up being Seen by the last wolf when he got the OR. Wolves: Sweetcherrie / Gyrfalcon / Ozymandias / Venefyxatu / Akallabeth / Sinsor / Patrick To clarify, the Baner lost his baning to dice on the night he Baned the wolves' target. And Phoenix made a most unfortunate (and odd) mistake when she mentioned Ozy/Jin as dead right before the kill was posted - the wolves had sent me that kill literally days before her post, since they had their three first targets chosen from the beginning - the dwarves. I hope you've had fun playing this game - I had lots of fun modding it. Also, I have two final questions, and would be grateful if you posted any comments on them: 1- Did the fact that the roles weren't revealed during the game detract from it? (Though there was reason for that, since I didn't want to reveal where the OR was). 2- Would people be willing to play a second game on the same theme, now focusing on the way from Helm's Deep on? It would be with new characters, but the same premise (probably - I have some ideas to change it a bit). *hugs all* ~Tanny

*Big* thanks to Ayshela, who wrote about 99.9% of the post - she volunteered to help me with the battle scene for the end, but it was so good that I ended up adding just a few lines at the end. ~~~~~~~~~~ The night was clearing, letting stone walls dry and feet find purchase once again. The sinking moon shone brightly now, allowing clear sight of the battlefield for all within the walls. The bright moonlight brought no hope with it, though, for by its light the defenders saw the numbers of their enemies growing as still more came up from the valley to join those already assaulting the gates. With renewed fervor, the waves of orcs swept toward the gate and wall again and again. Ropes with grappling hooks were hurled over the parapet. Hundreds of ladders were lifted to the walls. Grappling hooks were thrown back or the ropes cut, ladders were thrown down, but they came faster than they could be removed and soon orcs sprang over the top to battle the defenders directly. Linador and Baelestimah fairly flew up and down their sections of the parapet, rallying their companions as blades flew, slicing ropes and spilling orc blood with every motion. Again and again they pushed or threw the orcs from the wall. Again and again another orc came up to meet their blades in the place of the one just fallen. The bodies of the dead lay at the foot of the wall in ever-growing mounds, yet on and on they came in waves as seemingly endless as an inrushing tide. At the height of battle, when nearly all the defenders had rushed to the top of the wall to beat back the invading orcs, a cry arose behind them. Orcs had made their stealthy way through the culvert through which the stream flowed out and down the valley. Garnorn swung around and rushed to help the Guard defending the horses, harried as they were with orcs who had crept into the jaws of the Deep. Men sprang from the Rock and rushed to their aid, driving the orcs into a narrow channel so that those who fled the rising defense met with the guards of the caves and were slain there. In a final flurry of activity, Linador and Baelestimah rallied the defenders once more and the orcs were driven back. Leaning against the wall to brace themselves as they caught their breath, Linador and Baelestimah watched as Garnorn brought the men from the Rock down to the gates. Some came to support the defense on the wall, but most went to gather broken stones and small boulders to close the culvert down to a narrow channel which barely allowed the stream to trickle out. Baelestimah seemed distracted as he took the momentary peace to check on his animal companions. Linador watched the activity, then said wearily, "We should go down and help them." Baelestimah shook his head. "No, there are men enough down there to close the culvert, and Garnorn, however I may distrust him, is directing them well. We're needed here, where one man missing may be enough to cause the wall to fall." Linador scanned the nearly exhausted men atop the wall and agreed. "I worry about Garnorn, sometimes. Our numbers have fallen steadily since we left Rivendell, and I've long since become convinced one of us wanted to interfere with our progress. I can't believe any who left with us would have allied with Mordor, nor even with Isengard. It must have been from wanting the power to try to change the course of events." Baelestimah agreed. "Wanting the power without understanding how that power would change him or her. A risk you must have known, as I've never known you to seek for power, not even over the many animals you've brought to Rivendell to work with or the horses in your stables." "True," Linador said. "And there have been many, yet each has proven as well as the next that once befriended, they will do what you ask because they want to please you. That's always better than because they're afraid of you, as you well know from long years in Elrond's house. And because you're of Elrond's house, I have confidence in your motives. Elrond would not send any of his people did he not completely trust in them to support the Ringbearer." Linador's eyes fell on Garnorn once more. "As much as I don't want to think it of him, it must be. I wonder what he would do with it?" Before Baelestimah could answer, there came a flash of light and an ear-tearing crash. Smoke billowed out from a gaping hole in the wall as orcs swarmed through to attack once more. "Down!" Linador shouted. "Down from the wall, they've blasted through it!" Yet even as he called, hundreds of ladders rose against the wall again and the final wave of orcs swept over and under the wall, pushing the defense back before them. Some of the defenders were swept up the Deep, giving ground only slowly as they fell back, step by step, toward the caves. Others grimly made their way toward the citadel, leaving those orcs who tried to turn them aside to the caves to ponder their failure as they died. Baelestimah had moved toward Horse Brother and his other companions, but all sight of him had been lost as Garnorn and Linador made the foot of the stairs to the Rock and the rear gate of the citadel. Shoulder to shoulder they stood, blades flashing as each defended their approach so that any who could gain the stairs could make their way to safety. As the last two who could reach the stairs began to climb, a hoarse shout of rage came from the orcs still pressing in to stop them. Garnorn took the head from one and impaled another in one swift, sweeping motion. He nearly caught a blade in his throat, but Linador swung the orc he faced, over-large and pierced through the chest, in front of Garnorn as a shield. With foot upon the dead orc's chest, Linador freed his blade and shoved the corpse back onto the front rank of attackers. "Up now, hurry!" he shouted to Garnorn as they slowly fell back, one step at a time, until the last defender had safely passed within. As Garnorn turned and raced up the stairs, Linador slit the throat of the orc which sprang after him. Once more throwing the corpse to his fellows, Linador turned and followed Garnorn. With only three steps left, Linador gasped and fell as a well aimed rock larger than his fist hit the back of his knee. Garnorn whirled around to pull Linador back to his feet. They sped up the last few steps and as they passed within, the gate clanged shut and Garnorn fell against Linador. Linador turned to catch Garnorn before he hit the ground, cursing the orcs furiously as he saw three arrows in his back, the orcs' last desperate attempt to keep them from the gate. "Be still," he told Garnorn. "Let me see..." "No," Garnorn stopped him. "Just..." Garnorn coughed a little, and blood trickled out his mouth as he tried to speak. His hand took something hidden in his belt, and he pressed it against Linador’s hand. "Tell Falmar I'm sorry." Garnorn's eyes widened as he arched in a spasm of pain. "I just wanted..." He slowly relaxed back to the ground, his voice trailing off as if speaking were becoming too difficult. "To help..." Garnorn stared unseeing at the men whose escape he'd defended. Linador looked down at him with a sad smile. As he reached to close Garnorn's eyes, he said, "I know. Whatever else I may have questioned, I never doubted that." Falmar knelt besides them, and sighed. "One more gone. Perhaps two? Is Baelestimah here?" Linador shook his head. "I last saw him near Horse Brother. He probably got swept back toward the caves with the others we were separated from." Falmar nodded. "May he be well. He'll find it more to his liking there with his companions by his side. I must report to the King." Falmar turned to make his way to Theoden while a few of the Riders moved Garnorn. Linador called the Elf Lord softly, and pulled him aside for a moment. “Garnorn gave me this.” Falmar looked at the ring that Linador had put in his hand, and frowned. “So, was he the Ringbearer we were to protect and help?” Linador hesitated a moment, then whispered, “I don’t know who Elrond appointed as the Ringbearer, but Garnorn was the last to have It. He asked me to tell you... that he was sorry. I know he did what was in his judgment the best way to help us against the Enemy.” Falmar nodded, no more words necessary, and gave the One Ring back to Linador before turning to look for Theoden. “Down through the breach of the dike charged the king’s company. Down from the hills leaped Erkenbrand, lord of Westfold. down leaped Shadowfax, like a deer that runs surefooted in the mountains. The White Rider was upon them, and the terror of his coming filled the enemy with madness. The wild men fell on their faces before him. The Orcs reeled and screamed and cast aside both sword and spear. Like a black smoke driven by a mounting wind they fled. Wailing they passed under the waiting shadow of the trees; and from that shadow none ever came again.” J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Two Towers” ~~~~~~ OOC: Garnorn/Lord Panther was killed defending Helm’s Gate and his companions. The One Ring is with one of Elrond’s household, and the Enemy has been defeated at Helm’s Deep. Congratulation to the villagers! Last info and comments at the OOC thread.

I'll be posting the end of the game tomorrow, since there is a missing vote and I couldn't prepare the final post... game's still running until I post.

Team Blue Wolf - Finnius and Tanny signing up

Written with Mynx - thank you ~~~~~~~ A black wolf padded softly among the booths of the Carnival with an air of curiosity. She nodded to some of her friends, and checked also a couple booths she had organized, grinning as she saw some nice poems in them. Suddenly she noticed a booth right around the corner, and Ayshela right in front of it looking as if signing up for something. Curious, Tanny approached her. Recognising the approaching wolf, CheerMynx gave a squeal of delight and leapt over the front of her booth to tacklehug Tanny. "OMG hi! How are you? You're looking so good I love what you've done with your fur! You've come to sign up for my flying lessons, right?" ::Aaaack!:: Tanny had no time to even think of dodging the cheerful mynx that attacked her, and rolled in a ball of fur with her. Struggling to escape her hug, she shimmered into her tanuki shape and slipped away, immediately shifting to human before CheerMynx tried to smother her again. "Erm... hi, CheerMynx... mmm... nice seeing you here..." Unperturbed by the shapeshifting (although she did wish she could play makeup with the tanuki form), CheerMynx's grin only widened when Tanuchan faced her in human form. "You've come to sign up, right?" Tanny blinked, and looked at Ayshela at a loss. The elf giggled, and pointed at the sign of the booth. "Flying lessons?!" CheerMynx nodded enthusiastically. "Uh huh! I have, like, a totally nearly 100% almost foolproof method to teach!" "well... mm... you see... I don't really think I want to learn how to fly... I mean... wolves don't fly..." She tapered off as she watched CheerMynx's eyes widen and brim with potential tears. "You don't even want to try?" "..." Tanny sighed softly, knowing that she would get into trouble... but she huggled CheerMynx. "I guess I can, yeah... but I hope you don't mind if I do it in my Tanuki shape?" The feline let out an ear piercing squeal. "Ohmygod you'd look like so totally adorably CUTE!" Tanny couldn't avoid cringing, but stamped a brave smile in her face and hastily scribbled her name on the signup sheet. What don't I do for friends... or to avoid ribbons on my fur... but at least as a Tanuki I shouldn't get hurt... too much. Giggling happily, CheerMynx pulled Tanny into yet another spine crushing hug, before licking her forehead in gratitude.

mmm... *goes look for her partner in crime* Nice idea, Sweet!

It's alright, Giles.. it happens to all of us. Sorry for not having waited for you, but I was really dead tired . You're now in the last day phase of the game... choose wisely, and good luck to both sides! The setting is the Battle of Helm's Deep, and I would appreciate if you could also RP your moves in that . Scorecard The Company of the Ring... Giles => Baelestimah, Elf of Rivendel (male), servant of Arwen Panther =>Garnorn, human Ranger (male) Ayshela => Linador, horse-master elf (male) from Rivendell ... and those who left Savage Dragon => Raus Tanathos, lost during an avalanche at Caradhras Sweetcherrie => Stoomp, taken by the Watcher of the Lake, Moria Mynx => Jagkatha, fell of a bridge in Moria, facing Orcs Gyrfalcon => Frerin, victim of a crumbling wall in Moria Gryphon => Mattias, fell in Moria Ozymandias => Jin, son of Jalen, lost in the waters of the Nimrodel Vahktang => Yeager Tickle-Bottom, killed by human raiders near the border of Lothlorien Venefyxatu => Neriam Therzyn, taken by an arrow at the Anduin river Phoenix => Megwyn, slain by the arrows of the Uruk-hai Akallabeth => Turin of Dol Amroth, fell from a hill at Emyn Muil Katzaniel => Rootmaker, caught by Orcs with flaming arrows at the eaves of Fangorn Sinsor => Irvin Bartholomew Muskfoot, fell from a cliff in Fangorn Finnius => Filkiormous Magnanimous Berrison, bumped his head badly by falling down a stair in Meduseld Patrick => Seothen, slain by an orc while defending his friends. And by the way... as we're definitely ending the game by the weekend, next mod could start the sign-up... I think it's Akallabeth's game now?

Théoden’s host marched on, gathering news of the great hosts issuing from Isengard as they went on. Deep into the Deeping Comb they got news of battles behind them, and hordes of Orcs and wolf-riders coming upon them. “Let’s make a stand at Helm’s Dike,” suggested Seothen. “No,” and Éomer shook his head. “The breach is too wide, and we do not have numbers enough to man it. But our rearguard will stay there, and hold it as long as it is possible. Come, let’s go.” As they galloped and finally reached and passed the Dike, they turned. They could see the torches coming all around them, down the hills and covering the valley. A darkness was around them, and silence fell among the defenders of Helm’s Deep for long seconds before Théoden’s war cry rallied them once more. They marched towards Helm’s Gate, already being greeted by the men Erkenbrand had left to defend the Burg. There they learned that three parts of the folk of Westfold, old and young, children and women, were in the caves of the Deep – Aglarond, the Glittering Caves. And that there were maybe a thousand men to fight on foot, although most of them either too old or too young. ”The king and his Riders passed on. Before the causeway that crossed the stream they dismounted. In a long file they led their horses up the ramp and passed within the gates of the Hornburg. There they were welcomed again with joy and renewed hope; for now there were men enough to man both the burg and the barrier wall. Quickly Éomer set his men in readiness. The king and the men of his household were in the Hornburg, and there also were many of the Westfold-men. But on the Deeping Wall and its tower, and behind it, Éomer arrayed most of the strength that he had, for here the defense seemed more doubtful, if the assault were determined and in great force. The horses were let far up the Deep under such guard as could be spared. The Deeping Wall was twenty feet high, and so thick that four men could walk abreast along the top, sheltered by a parapet over which only a tall man could look. Here and there were clefts in the stone through which men could shoot. This battlement could be reached by a stair running down from a door in the outer court of the Hornburg; three flights of steps led also up on to the wall from the Deep behind; but in front if was smooth, and the great stones of it were set with such skill that no foothold could be found at their joints, and at the top hey hung over like a sea-delved cliff.” J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Two Towers” The sky was dark and the air heavy with the promise of a storm. Suddenly, yells and screams came from the Dike, and fierce battle-cries from men. Flaming brands appeared over the edge and gathered quickly at the breach, then scattered and vanished. Men came galloping back over the field and up the ramp to the Gate. The rearguard had been driven in, and lighting revealed briefly the orcs filling all the space between the walls and the Dike. Hundreds and hundreds more were pouring over the Dike and through the breach. the dark tide flowed up to the walls from cliff to cliff. Thunder rolled in the valley, and rain came lashing down. The assault on Helm’s Deep thus began, with Orcs and Dunland men screaming and waving spears and swords. No answer came from the walls, and the invading hosts rolled towards the Deeping Wall and the causeway, and the ramp that led up to the Hornburg-gates. Arrows came finally, raining over the enemy. But at each time an orc fell, another two came to its place, and the momentary retreat became another surge ahead. Falmar noticed then the large group of men who suddenly leaped forth, holding their shields above their heads as a roof while in their middle they carried two great trunks. Orc archers protected them from the bowmen above, and thus they reached the gates. The trees, swung by strong arms, hit with a great boom. ‘Come!’ called Falmar, and those near him followed – Séothen, Garnorn, Linador, Baelestimah. ”Running like fire, they sped along the wall, and up the steps, and passed into the outer court upon the Rock. As they ran they gathered a handful of stout swordsmen. There was a small postern-door that opened in an angle of the burg-wall on the west, where the cliff stretched out to meet it. On that side a narrow path ran round towards the great gate, between the wall and the sheer brink of the Rock. Together [they] sprang through the door, their men close behind. The swords flashed from the sheath as one.” J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Two Towers” Charging from the side, the defenders fell upon the men. Taken by surprise, they let fall the trees and turned to fight. Falmar’s and Garnorn’s swords took a great many of them, backed by Linador’s knife and Baelestimah’s axes. Séothen launched himself against the leader of the group, skillfully relieving him of an arm and, next, of life. The men ran away, and the orc archers shot wildly before also fleeing. They halted for some moments, wary of any movement, and then surveyed the damage to the gates. “We did not come too soon,” pointed Falmar. “The hinges and bars are wrenched and bent, and there are many cracks.” “Yet we cannot stay here to hold them. Look!” At the causeway, there was another great gathering of Orcs and Men; arrows whistled past the group at the postern path, and they turned and ran. At that moment, a group of Orcs that had lain motionless among the slain leaped to their feet, and came silently and swiftly behind. Two flung themselves at Falmar’s heels, tripped him, and in a moment were on top of him. Seothen whirled, his sword hitting mail as Garnorn and Linador turned to fight, too. A sure flying axe from Baelestimah clove the helm and skull of one of the orcs pinning Falmar down, while the other found Seothen’s sword buried into his chest. Falmar struggled to his feet, trying to find space to swing his sword without hitting his friends. Garnorn pulled him up with a strong hand while Linador protected his back, and cries came from up the walls: the defenders were ready to throw great stones down the path. “Back! Clear the path!” Gasping, the small group fought their way back. Seothen shouted, his great sword gleaming red in the lightning, blood and rain mixing in the stones around him. Garnorn and Baelestimah hit the last of orcs on their way, and turned to follow Falmar and Linador. The postern door was being defended by another group of Rohirrim, and they ran to it. A big orc leaped from the shadows in front of them. As Seothen impaled him, the orc’s spear found its home on Seothen’s chest. With a shout, Falmar and Baelestimah also buried their weapons on the orc, while both Garnorn and Linador grabbed Seothen and dragged him back to the door. Éomer arrived with a group as the stones from above hit the path and rolled down, crushing the orcs who were gathering in another wave. Kneeling by Séothen, he received his last words, whispered in the tongue of Rohan. ~~~~~~ OOC: Séothen/Patrick was slain by Orcs. It’s Day Phase, and the last day of the game. Choose wisely! You have 48 hours... The Battle of Helm’s Deep roars around you. And while you fight, there is the question in Falmar’s eyes – where is the One Ring? Is the Ringbearer still among them, or have they lost both to the Shadows? Scorecard and additional info at the OOC thread.

Well, the dice didn't want to kill the Mod... (un)fortunately The Company is riding towards Helm’s Deep, where they will arrive after at least one squirmish – feel free to RP it if you feel like it. Next Day Phase will be the end of the game, and you’ll be in battle once again – be prepared Finnius, please feel free to RP being a nuisance at the hands of the healers Or even trying to escape them, if you feel like it. I didn't have how to get you "killed" in Meduseld... so go ahead! Helm's Deep, from The Atlas of Tolkien's Middle-Earth

”They rode on through sunset, and slow dusk, and gathering night. When an last they halted and dismounted (...) Gandalf only allowed them a few hours’ rest. All was silent, and there was no sign or sound of living thing. The night was barred with long clouds, fleeting on a chill wind, when they arose again. Under the cold moon they went on once more, as swift as by the light of day. Hours passed and they still rode on. The miles went by. The waxing moon sank into the cloudy West. A bitter chill came into the air. Slowly in the east the dark faded to a cold grey. Red shafts of light leapt above the back walls of the Emyn Muil far away upon their left. Dawn came clear and bright; a wind swept across their path, rushing through the bent grasses. Suddenly Shadowfax stood still and neighed. Gandalf pointed ahead. ‘Look!’ he cried, and they lifted their tired eyes. Before them stood the mountains of the South: white-tipped and streaked with black. The grasslands rolled against the hills that clustered at their feet, and flowed up into many valleys still dim and dark, untouched by the light of dawn, winding their way into the heart of the great mountains. Immediately before the travellers the widest of these glens opened like a long gulf among the hills. Far inward they glimpsed a tumbled mountain-mass with one tall peak: at the mouth of the vale there stood like a sentinel a lonely height. Upon its brow they caught, still far away, a glint in the rising sun, a glimmer of gold. ” J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Two Towers” Following Gandalf’s counsel, the Company rode now warily, without drawing weapons or speaking until they came to the gates of Edoras, where many men in bright mail sprang to bar their way with their spears. There Gandalf learned that Théoden King had issued orders to not allow any stranger to pass the gates and at last the Company was introduced into the Hall, where Théoden sit, an aged king but with a bright light in his eyes still. He nodded at Gandalf. Words were exchanged concerning the Riddermark, and their leaders. They talked of Saruman, and of Gondor, and of the death of Théodred Théoden’s son but five days earlier. “Follow Éomer’s counsel,” said Gandalf. “Every man that can ride should be sent west at once: we must first destroy the threat of Saruman, while we have time. If we fail, we fall. If we succeed – then we will face the next task. Meanwhile your people that are left, the women and the children and the old, should fly to the refuges that you have in the mountains. Were they not prepared against just such an evil day as this? Let them take provision, but delay not, nor burden themselves with treasure, great or small. It is their lives that are at stake.” “That shall be done, Gandalf. But you, my guests, should be weary. You have ridden through the night, and the morning wears away. You shall sleep, when you have eaten.” “Nay, lord,’ said Falmar. “There is not rest yet for the weary. The men of Rohan must ride forth today, and we will ride with them. Isengard is strong, and other perils draw even nearer. Do not delay, Théoden, when we are gone. Lead your people swiftly to the Hold of Dunharrow in the hills!” “Nay, Falmar!’ Théoden rose, and stood tall in spite of age. “I myself will go to war, to fall in the front of the battle, if it must be.” They retired then into the great house, for such refreshment as time allowed. They heard below them the heralds crying in the town and the war-horns blowing – the king was to ride forth as soon as the men of the town and those dwelling near could be armed and assembled. At the king’s board sat Éomer, and four of the guests. Gandalf looked around, and suddenly all were aware of the absence of one. “Where is Filk?” Falmar shook his head, quickly scanning the room. “He was with us when we left the Throne Room.” Gandalf and Falmar lead the way back to the throne room, and they also examined the branching corridors. The Elf was the one who saw the small hand sticking out around a corner, down some stairs. They found Filk unconscious, with a bloodied head. Éomer shouted for the healers, while Gandalf examined the hobbit gently. “Not too bad... he must have slipped and fallen from the stairs. Drat the curiosity of these small folk! But at least they are made of harder stuff than it appears to the eye.” The Company ate, and rested, and visited Filk who was left in the care of the healers. Filk pleaded and begged, but Gandalf was adamant: he was wounded, and he would go to Dunharrow where he would be kept safe. So it was that, when they joined the King’s Company a few hours later, between Gandalf and Falmar stood Linador and Balestimah, and between Théoden and Éomer were Séothen and Garnorn. ”[Théoden] lifted his sword and swung it shimmering and whistling in the air. Then he gave a great cry. His voice rang clear as he chanted in the tongue of Rohan a call to arms. Arise now, arise, Riders of Théoden! Dire deeds awake, dark is it eastward. Let horse be bridled, horn be sounded! Forth Eorlingas! The sun was already westering as they rode from Edoras, and the light of it was in their eyes, turning all the rolling fields of Rohan to a golden haze. There was a beaten way, north-westwards along the foot-hills of the White Mountains, and this they followed, up and down in a green country, crossing small swift streams by many fords. As the second day of their riding drew on, the heaviness in the air increased. In the afternoon the dark clouds began to overtake them: a sombre canopy with great billowing edges flecked with dazzling light. The sun wend down, blood-red in a smoking haze. In the last red glow men in the vanguard saw a black speck, a horseman riding back towards them. They halted awaiting him. ‘You come at last, but too late, and with too little strength. Things have gone evilly since Théodred fell. We were driven back yesterday over the Isen with great loss; many perished in the crossing. Erkenbrand of Westfold has drawn off those men he could gather towards his fastness in Helm’s Deep. The rest are scattered.’ While Théoden was speaking [to the messenger], Gandalf rode a short way ahead, and he sat there alone, gazing north to Isengard and west to the setting sun. Now he came back. ‘Ride Théoden!’ he said. ‘Ride to Helm’s Deep! Go not to the Fords of Isen, and do not tarry in the plain! I must leave you for a while. Shadowfax must bear me now on a swift errand. Await me at Helm’s Gate!’ He spoke a word to Shadowfax, and like an arrow from the bow the great horse sprang away.” J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Two Towers” ~~~~~~ OOC: Filk/Finnius has a nasty bump on his head, the result of a fall from stairs in Meduseld, and it’s being kept by the healers. It’s Night Phase – you know what to do. The Company is now riding towards Helm’s Deep. More info at the OOC thread.

O... k... Another tie, mm? Well, I'm missing Giles' vote, but I cannot honestly stay up much more and I'm not willing to extend day phase once again. I'll be writing the post, and if he doesn't come to vote by the time it's ready, dice will tell... *considers the possibility of dice killing the Mod... maybe some tampering with it... mmm... *

*looks pointedly at her scorecard* Yep, you *all* gotta vote! Or I *will* start killing players myself! (Well, I was accused so I might as well live up to the briliant accusation ) Day phase ends in about 7 hours, as soon as I come back from work...

Story will end normally Don't worry, if it still goes on it means there is at least one wolf alive... I'm not killing players by myself (yet ) As you're in five, you probably won't be taken much farther from where you are. I think that Helm's Deep is a good point to stop the story, whatever side wins - so be prepared for a slower change of setting if it's needed! Hope that answers the question?