How Long Shall We Mourn in the Dark: A Fantasy Grand Crossover
- Thread starter mcclay
- Start date
- Crossover Fantasy
-
- Tags
- fantasy exploration
ThatGuyWithIdeas
Treize died for our sins
- Location
- Romania
[X] The Eldar
[X] The Nobility
[X] The Nobility
- Location
- Peterborough
[X] The Dwarves
[X] The Nobility
[X] The Nobility
Character Creation 2: Home
- Location
- Reno
- Pronouns
- They/Them
It is rare for the Eldar to be gifted with a child of any sort, and as such when a birth happens the entire community celebrates. Long are the lives of the Elves, and thus long it is before one dies and their spirit returns to Mandos's Halls to be wrapped in flesh anew and sent out into the world as an elf-child. Thus in TA 2893, shortly after a mighty force of Southrons troubled the realm of Gondor, great joy was had to an elven family and their friends as they were gifted with a child. Stalwart lords and protectors of the realm, this family lived in:
[ ] Lindon: The Grey Havens are home to the Sindar elves, those of the Teleri who stayed in Beleriand and did not complete the Great Journey to Valinor. The last stopping point for the Eldar who wish to quit Middle Earth and return to Valinor to resist the fading of their bodies, the Grey Havens are a somber and quiet place. Those who live here do so only to ease the passing of their kindred, and when Middle Earth is empty of elves they too shall depart West. Your father owns an estate and a small harbor near Harlond, south of the Gulf of Lhun. From an early age you were taught to be at home on ship as much as you were on land, and how to navigate by starlight.
[ ] Imladris: Rivendell, the Last Homely House, is home to the greatest dwelling of Noldor in Middle Earth. Ruled by Elrond Halfelven, the Deep Elves are masters of craft and song. Having born host to a great many heroes of Arda they are a storied people, if a tragic one. The High Elves slowly wither, few among the Noldo have seen the Light of the West. They are fading quicker than any other race of elves, and once Rivendell is empty there will be none left of them in Middle Earth. Your father owns a small hunting lodge on the outskirts of Elrond's valley, and taught you how to make beautiful things with hammer and anvil from a young age; as well as teaching you the ancient pride of your people.
[ ] The Woodland-Realm: The Silvan Elves of Mirkwood, once Greenwood the Great, are the most populous of the elves in Middle Earth. From Thranduil's Halls they rule over Northern Mirkwood, making merry in the forest glades and dancing under the light of stars. Still they are threatened by the shadows coming from Dul Guldur, and much of their beloved home has grown dark and terrible as of late. Your father commands an outpost cut into a hill overlooking the Men-i-Naugrim and has quarreled much with the Uruks of late. He taught you how to string and shoot a bow when you were young, and of the ancient paths known only to the elves through the forest.
[ ] Lothlorien: The Galadhrim are the greatest of the Silvan Elves, ruled directly by Celeborn and Galadriel. The Golden Lord and Lady keep the golden Mathom trees in full bloom all year long, protecting Lorien from the touch of winter and death. The elves of Lorien know much of the ancient lore of Valinor, the magic of their queen teaching them much about the old ways. Your mother owns a small estate near the borders of Lorien and keeps a grand court there. She taught you the smaller songs of power, the elf-magic that amazes the other peoples of Middle Earth, at a young age; along with the names and uses of many plants and herbs.
There is little difference physically between the men and women of the elves. They are both beardless and lithe, well muscled and agile. Both prefer long hair and carefully shave themselves when not on the road. Socially, however, there is a preference towards men. Women are expected to pour their attention and energy into raising their children and then afterwards onto supporting their husband. It is up to the men of the elves to create and rule; though in Waning Days, where there are few elves left period, women can more easily step into the rules of their male counterparts. This is held most true among the Noldor and Sindar, though notably Elrond seems to care little for these bits of the old ways. The division of gender is held in the least regard in Lothlorien, as Galadriel's presence has made the old restrictions of Valinor fade and ease. The elf child was known to their parents as:
[ ] Male: Men, or Neri, are considered the more dominant partners between the two main elven genders. They are most often the ones to inherit titles, be taught crafts, go to war and explore the world. They are assumed to take the more proactive role in the fortunes of the world and it is expected that your parent will pass their holdings and treasures on to you.
[ ]Female: Women, or Nessi, are the more passive partner in traditional Valinoran ideals. They are expected to take care of the household, raise children, bake bread and provide support for their husband and brothers. While an elf-maid going to war, inheriting titles and adventuring would be considered stranger, it would not be more so than an adventurous hobbit would be in the Shire. A loving family would support you, as will your friends. Outside of your enemies the most you will receive in backlash should be minor annoyance or worry.
[ ] Non-binary: There are few of the Nean among the Eldar. Whether it be because elf-spirits always reincarnate as the gender they were in their lives before, as is the common view, or because of cultural pressure is unclear. Nean have a strange place in elven society, being able to flit between the passive and active at will. There have been enough Nean that even the most conservative Noldo believe they exist, but what they mean and should do is up for debate. The most common view is that there is a line of souls with no fixed gender, created by Eru in order to provide special insight into his world. Thus Nean are often pressured into positions as loremasters or oracles, expected to hold some secret knowledge the rest of the Eldar do not. They rarely inherit property and titles, though it is not utterly unheard of. Elven society will hold you at an arm's length while expecting you to give them some hidden wisdom.
[ ] Lindon: The Grey Havens are home to the Sindar elves, those of the Teleri who stayed in Beleriand and did not complete the Great Journey to Valinor. The last stopping point for the Eldar who wish to quit Middle Earth and return to Valinor to resist the fading of their bodies, the Grey Havens are a somber and quiet place. Those who live here do so only to ease the passing of their kindred, and when Middle Earth is empty of elves they too shall depart West. Your father owns an estate and a small harbor near Harlond, south of the Gulf of Lhun. From an early age you were taught to be at home on ship as much as you were on land, and how to navigate by starlight.
[ ] Imladris: Rivendell, the Last Homely House, is home to the greatest dwelling of Noldor in Middle Earth. Ruled by Elrond Halfelven, the Deep Elves are masters of craft and song. Having born host to a great many heroes of Arda they are a storied people, if a tragic one. The High Elves slowly wither, few among the Noldo have seen the Light of the West. They are fading quicker than any other race of elves, and once Rivendell is empty there will be none left of them in Middle Earth. Your father owns a small hunting lodge on the outskirts of Elrond's valley, and taught you how to make beautiful things with hammer and anvil from a young age; as well as teaching you the ancient pride of your people.
[ ] The Woodland-Realm: The Silvan Elves of Mirkwood, once Greenwood the Great, are the most populous of the elves in Middle Earth. From Thranduil's Halls they rule over Northern Mirkwood, making merry in the forest glades and dancing under the light of stars. Still they are threatened by the shadows coming from Dul Guldur, and much of their beloved home has grown dark and terrible as of late. Your father commands an outpost cut into a hill overlooking the Men-i-Naugrim and has quarreled much with the Uruks of late. He taught you how to string and shoot a bow when you were young, and of the ancient paths known only to the elves through the forest.
[ ] Lothlorien: The Galadhrim are the greatest of the Silvan Elves, ruled directly by Celeborn and Galadriel. The Golden Lord and Lady keep the golden Mathom trees in full bloom all year long, protecting Lorien from the touch of winter and death. The elves of Lorien know much of the ancient lore of Valinor, the magic of their queen teaching them much about the old ways. Your mother owns a small estate near the borders of Lorien and keeps a grand court there. She taught you the smaller songs of power, the elf-magic that amazes the other peoples of Middle Earth, at a young age; along with the names and uses of many plants and herbs.
There is little difference physically between the men and women of the elves. They are both beardless and lithe, well muscled and agile. Both prefer long hair and carefully shave themselves when not on the road. Socially, however, there is a preference towards men. Women are expected to pour their attention and energy into raising their children and then afterwards onto supporting their husband. It is up to the men of the elves to create and rule; though in Waning Days, where there are few elves left period, women can more easily step into the rules of their male counterparts. This is held most true among the Noldor and Sindar, though notably Elrond seems to care little for these bits of the old ways. The division of gender is held in the least regard in Lothlorien, as Galadriel's presence has made the old restrictions of Valinor fade and ease. The elf child was known to their parents as:
[ ] Male: Men, or Neri, are considered the more dominant partners between the two main elven genders. They are most often the ones to inherit titles, be taught crafts, go to war and explore the world. They are assumed to take the more proactive role in the fortunes of the world and it is expected that your parent will pass their holdings and treasures on to you.
[ ]Female: Women, or Nessi, are the more passive partner in traditional Valinoran ideals. They are expected to take care of the household, raise children, bake bread and provide support for their husband and brothers. While an elf-maid going to war, inheriting titles and adventuring would be considered stranger, it would not be more so than an adventurous hobbit would be in the Shire. A loving family would support you, as will your friends. Outside of your enemies the most you will receive in backlash should be minor annoyance or worry.
[ ] Non-binary: There are few of the Nean among the Eldar. Whether it be because elf-spirits always reincarnate as the gender they were in their lives before, as is the common view, or because of cultural pressure is unclear. Nean have a strange place in elven society, being able to flit between the passive and active at will. There have been enough Nean that even the most conservative Noldo believe they exist, but what they mean and should do is up for debate. The most common view is that there is a line of souls with no fixed gender, created by Eru in order to provide special insight into his world. Thus Nean are often pressured into positions as loremasters or oracles, expected to hold some secret knowledge the rest of the Eldar do not. They rarely inherit property and titles, though it is not utterly unheard of. Elven society will hold you at an arm's length while expecting you to give them some hidden wisdom.
- Location
- Somewhere!
- Pronouns
- She/Her
[X] Non-binary
[X] The Woodland-Realm
Nean stuff sounds cool, that's my only reasoning.
[X] The Woodland-Realm
Nean stuff sounds cool, that's my only reasoning.
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[X] Imladris
[X] Male
I'll admit, I don't know all too much about Tolkines elves. I do, however, know of Rivendale. So I shall go for that one. Plus, y'know, Elrond seems like he has a good head on his shoulders.
[X] Male
I'll admit, I don't know all too much about Tolkines elves. I do, however, know of Rivendale. So I shall go for that one. Plus, y'know, Elrond seems like he has a good head on his shoulders.
THatWhichWillBe
The Squiddly One
- Location
- In The Darkened Deep
[X] Imladris
[X] Male
Because making cool stuff is cool.
[X] Male
Because making cool stuff is cool.
Eternal_0bserver
(Unverified Bookworm)
- Location
- Earth, Northern Europe
[X] Lothlorien
[X] The Woodland-Realm
[X] Female
I love the idea of a hero that defies expectations. Also, since the author wants to explore the topic of prejudice, I will choose the option that seems to work best for this.
[X] The Woodland-Realm
[X] Female
I love the idea of a hero that defies expectations. Also, since the author wants to explore the topic of prejudice, I will choose the option that seems to work best for this.
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- Location
- United Kingdom
- Pronouns
- She/Her
[X] The Woodland-Realm
[X] Female
[X] Female
- Location
- Peterborough
[X] The Woodland-Realm
[X] Female
[X] Female
[X] Imladris
[X] Male
[X] Male
[X] Lothlorien
[X] Male
[X] Male
- Location
- Ohio
[X] Imladris
[X] Female
[X] Female
- Location
- Somewhere!
- Pronouns
- She/Her
[X] The Woodland-Realm
[X] Female
[X] Female
Foadar
Tolkien Loving Swampman
- Location
- A drained swamp
- Pronouns
- He/Him/Equivalent
[X] Imladris: Rivendell, the Last Homely House, is home to the greatest dwelling of Noldor in Middle Earth. Ruled by Elrond Halfelven, the Deep Elves are masters of craft and song. Having born host to a great many heroes of Arda they are a storied people, if a tragic one. The High Elves slowly wither, few among the Noldo have seen the Light of the West. They are fading quicker than any other race of elves, and once Rivendell is empty there will be none left of them in Middle Earth. Your father owns a small hunting lodge on the outskirts of Elrond's valley, and taught you how to make beautiful things with hammer and anvil from a young age; as well as teaching you the ancient pride of your people.
[X]Female: Women, or Nessi, are the more passive partner in traditional Valinoran ideals. They are expected to take care of the household, raise children, bake bread and provide support for their husband and brothers. While an elf-maid going to war, inheriting titles and adventuring would be considered stranger, it would not be more so than an adventurous hobbit would be in the Shire. A loving family would support you, as will your friends. Outside of your enemies the most you will receive in backlash should be minor annoyance or worry.
[X]Female: Women, or Nessi, are the more passive partner in traditional Valinoran ideals. They are expected to take care of the household, raise children, bake bread and provide support for their husband and brothers. While an elf-maid going to war, inheriting titles and adventuring would be considered stranger, it would not be more so than an adventurous hobbit would be in the Shire. A loving family would support you, as will your friends. Outside of your enemies the most you will receive in backlash should be minor annoyance or worry.
[X] Lindon
[X] Female
[X] Female
Character Creation 3: Life
- Location
- Reno
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Known as the Last Homely House to men, the valley of Rivendell is typically a quiet place. Imladris rarely sees children outside of when the Dunedain come to rest and recuperate, and even then it is rare that they bring their young. So the birth of an elf-maid was much celebrated by all, heaping great praise and celebration on the elf lord Orthoron and his wife Calithilnith. Within their splendid hall on Amon Aglar, one of the hilltop fortresses on the edge of the valley, they held a great many feasts and toasts as their daughter slowly burbled at the other guests. Within a year the young elven woman was able to dance and speak and so she was slowly pushed towards education and finding her path in life. Rivendell is full of renowned sages and warriors, so she had a great pick of tutors and teachers. In the end she chose
[ ] The Sword: The Noldor are renowned warriors, capable of facing down and cutting through hordes of lesser foes. With their graceful curved blades they have brought fear into the hearts of Morgoth's servants over the ages, and they shall continue to do so. To have a woman join the ranks of the Swordmasters of Imladris may have hurt their pride sore, but any lost pride would be made up tenfold in the soul of a Nessi who sought to join their ranks
--[ ]Daughter of the Oath: Hair black as night and pride burning in her soul, Glorfindel was unable to deny that there was something to this elf-maid that reminded him of an old friend, long ago. Taking her under his wing the High Elf taught the young woman much of his martial knowledge. Skilled with both the blade and the hammer, she learned some of his songs of ancient power, enough to augment herself on the battlefield. Though she often frustrated him with her arrogance and pride, there was enough kindness and joy of living in her heart that Glorfindel referred to her as Fëanornith in mostly good humor. (Destiny Point)
[ ] Her Tongue: Elves naturally have a way with words, as much of their power comes from understanding the ancient language of Quenya and its relation to the songs of creation sung at the dawn of the world, but the daughter of Orthoron was skilled beyond the norm for the Eldar. With silver tongue she was able to charm sweets and treats from her caretakers as a child, so much so that her father took notice. Taking her under his belt, Orthoron personally looked over her rearing, teaching her how to sway the hearts of men and elves alike. Command would be given to her, his only daughter, and damn the whisperings of others. She grew bold and sly in smile, able to change minds and bring agreement with only a few muttered phrases.
[ ] The Loom: Art is the most traditional path for a Noldroian lady, after taking care of the home and child rearing, and the elf-maid saw no need to deviate from this path. Studying directly under her mother she learned how to weave things of great beauty, mixing spider silk and colored dyes in ways that seemed to draw the very stars down from the heavens. Her works took on a shimmering life of their own, inciting deep emotions in those who looked upon her tapestries and turning away blades and arrows from those who wore her clothing. The secrets of the weaver's craft were revealed to her, and she dreamed of traveling to the far off places of the world to learn more.
[ ] The Pen: The sage's art is one easy to follow in Imladris. The Last Homely House houses some of the greatest libraries in Middle Earth, with only Cridan's personal collection and the archives in Minas Tirith coming close to rivaling master Elrond's collection. Her knowledge of the people's and lore of Middle Earth grew and grew until she was counted as an important peer and friend by the scholars of Rivendell
--[ ]Student of Half-Elven: Elrond is master of all Imladris and knows all that occurs within his domain. Thus he was aware when the newest child in Rivendell had broken into his private study. The action both amused and intrigued the elf-lord, even more so when he found her looking through accounts of his father's actions during the War of Wrath, and he took the Elf Maid personally under his wing. From Elrond she learned not just scholarly pursuits, but also the secret things of the world. The songs of power, knowledge of the Secret Fire, the identity of many of the nameless things below the earth. Secrets only the Istari and the most Wise would know. The impressed, and somewhat jealous, population of Imladris granted her the title Elrondil, which she carried as a badge of honor for her friend and tutor. (Destiny Point)
Of course, there is but one last thing remaining before the tale can properly begin: the name of our elf-maiden! The Eldar typically take three names. Firstly the Father-name, given to them by their father on their birth. Then their Amilessë, given to them by their mother and based off their personality or, more rarely, their fate revealed to their mothers in a flash of foresight. Finally through their deeds and actions most elves receive a Epessë, a name which signifies their most famous achievement or quality.
Our heroine's Amilessë is set in stone as Eärwen, but her father-name is up to fate and chance.
[ ] Ithilril (S) / Isilmewen (Q) (Woman of Moonlight)
[ ] Lómël (S) / Histissë (Q) (Bringer of Dusk)
[ ] Elenien (Daughter of Stars)
[ ] Write In
Destiny Points are used to denote options that will drastically change the life of a character and set them apart from the rest of the crowd. Primarily they will only show up in this section of character creation, but they may appear every so often throughout the narrative to denote an option that will deeply change and elevate the character. Destiny Points always have both a upside and a downside. These may not, and often will not, be both noted in the text of the option in question. Choosing a Destiny Point option is meant to be a gamble. You are drawing the eyes of causality and the narrative to yourself in hopes of power and influence. The downside will match the severity of the upside, as no power is gained without a price. Tread with caution. This will be the last post in character creation.
[ ] The Sword: The Noldor are renowned warriors, capable of facing down and cutting through hordes of lesser foes. With their graceful curved blades they have brought fear into the hearts of Morgoth's servants over the ages, and they shall continue to do so. To have a woman join the ranks of the Swordmasters of Imladris may have hurt their pride sore, but any lost pride would be made up tenfold in the soul of a Nessi who sought to join their ranks
--[ ]Daughter of the Oath: Hair black as night and pride burning in her soul, Glorfindel was unable to deny that there was something to this elf-maid that reminded him of an old friend, long ago. Taking her under his wing the High Elf taught the young woman much of his martial knowledge. Skilled with both the blade and the hammer, she learned some of his songs of ancient power, enough to augment herself on the battlefield. Though she often frustrated him with her arrogance and pride, there was enough kindness and joy of living in her heart that Glorfindel referred to her as Fëanornith in mostly good humor. (Destiny Point)
[ ] Her Tongue: Elves naturally have a way with words, as much of their power comes from understanding the ancient language of Quenya and its relation to the songs of creation sung at the dawn of the world, but the daughter of Orthoron was skilled beyond the norm for the Eldar. With silver tongue she was able to charm sweets and treats from her caretakers as a child, so much so that her father took notice. Taking her under his belt, Orthoron personally looked over her rearing, teaching her how to sway the hearts of men and elves alike. Command would be given to her, his only daughter, and damn the whisperings of others. She grew bold and sly in smile, able to change minds and bring agreement with only a few muttered phrases.
[ ] The Loom: Art is the most traditional path for a Noldroian lady, after taking care of the home and child rearing, and the elf-maid saw no need to deviate from this path. Studying directly under her mother she learned how to weave things of great beauty, mixing spider silk and colored dyes in ways that seemed to draw the very stars down from the heavens. Her works took on a shimmering life of their own, inciting deep emotions in those who looked upon her tapestries and turning away blades and arrows from those who wore her clothing. The secrets of the weaver's craft were revealed to her, and she dreamed of traveling to the far off places of the world to learn more.
[ ] The Pen: The sage's art is one easy to follow in Imladris. The Last Homely House houses some of the greatest libraries in Middle Earth, with only Cridan's personal collection and the archives in Minas Tirith coming close to rivaling master Elrond's collection. Her knowledge of the people's and lore of Middle Earth grew and grew until she was counted as an important peer and friend by the scholars of Rivendell
--[ ]Student of Half-Elven: Elrond is master of all Imladris and knows all that occurs within his domain. Thus he was aware when the newest child in Rivendell had broken into his private study. The action both amused and intrigued the elf-lord, even more so when he found her looking through accounts of his father's actions during the War of Wrath, and he took the Elf Maid personally under his wing. From Elrond she learned not just scholarly pursuits, but also the secret things of the world. The songs of power, knowledge of the Secret Fire, the identity of many of the nameless things below the earth. Secrets only the Istari and the most Wise would know. The impressed, and somewhat jealous, population of Imladris granted her the title Elrondil, which she carried as a badge of honor for her friend and tutor. (Destiny Point)
Of course, there is but one last thing remaining before the tale can properly begin: the name of our elf-maiden! The Eldar typically take three names. Firstly the Father-name, given to them by their father on their birth. Then their Amilessë, given to them by their mother and based off their personality or, more rarely, their fate revealed to their mothers in a flash of foresight. Finally through their deeds and actions most elves receive a Epessë, a name which signifies their most famous achievement or quality.
Our heroine's Amilessë is set in stone as Eärwen, but her father-name is up to fate and chance.
[ ] Ithilril (S) / Isilmewen (Q) (Woman of Moonlight)
[ ] Lómël (S) / Histissë (Q) (Bringer of Dusk)
[ ] Elenien (Daughter of Stars)
[ ] Write In
Destiny Points are used to denote options that will drastically change the life of a character and set them apart from the rest of the crowd. Primarily they will only show up in this section of character creation, but they may appear every so often throughout the narrative to denote an option that will deeply change and elevate the character. Destiny Points always have both a upside and a downside. These may not, and often will not, be both noted in the text of the option in question. Choosing a Destiny Point option is meant to be a gamble. You are drawing the eyes of causality and the narrative to yourself in hopes of power and influence. The downside will match the severity of the upside, as no power is gained without a price. Tread with caution. This will be the last post in character creation.
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