Parth Levnui ~ Volume V
Pennas Lairë ~ May Issue

Note: The following magic symbol returns you to the top of the scroll: 

Once more I take up my quill to write of happenings within the Bards’ and Writers’ Guild during the last month of spring in the Valley. For myself it was a month I will never forget as it began and ends in such happiness for me, but other events of note have also taken place and it is to these I will pay my addresses first.

First and foremost I must report on changes within the Guild’s leadership at the beginning of the month, as both Saranna and Ann-thannath have had to step down from their roles as Taidril due to such heavy commitments and responsibilities held elsewhere. These must inevitably claim more of their respective time and concentration, so whilst I accepted their resignations with much sorrow I know they have made the truly brave decision and that the release from their formal responsibilities within the Guild will allow them both to return to us lighter in heart and burdens when they have the time. I look forward to seeing them both again soon, simply enjoying the atmosphere within our Halls as senior bards again, meeting friends old and new and singing and listening to many songs and tales.

Such changes of course meant that I needed to look about for someone to support me in the administrative work so necessary to the development and continuance of the Guild. Luckily my search did not have to range about too far as a great and good friend, Galen Aranor, our much-loved Adar Govannas or Father of the Guild was at hand and, more importantly, at liberty once more to return to a ‘hands-on’ executive role within the Guild. To say I was relieved to find such a replacement for Saranna and Ann, and so quickly too, is putting it very mildly indeed. Announcements were duly made for the departures and appointments; such is the way of the Guild that there has been little if any perceivable disruption to the running of the public areas of the Halls, or indeed to our current open venue, the Rainbow’s End. For myself, I must express great joy and satisfaction in being blessed with such an able and experienced administrator and I am very much looking forward to long working closely with a Bard of so much grace and ability, whom I have long admired as a true brother in creativity. Welcome once more muin Galen to the role of guardian and guide in service to the Guild.

Again the Guild attracted many visitors this month as well as our regulars, notably some newcomers (to the Guild, if not to Rivendell): Mar-Evayávë, Lorry (aka Queen Lucy just now) and just recently Taban, have all made telling appearances this month. We have also been joined by two minions, Nyx and Silendra (aka Tisiphone), which has made for some interesting exchanges at the Rainbow. In fact the presence of two such prominent Black Landers has stirred us up quite effectively and our company of Bards have been inspired to bring forth more expressive laments and works on the darker side of life than usual. We have had stories inspired by the Sea, of doomed love between the Two Kindreds, and of the living death offered by Dark Lords in exchange for immortal souls, as well as the other nasty little niggles of life that our honoured foes appear to think the Firstborn are not afflicted with, or even know of. Small wonder then that blades were drawn in malice and one was thrown (though not aimed to harm) within the Inn and both the Aralirdan and the Adar Govannas had to remind a guest and a senior bard of our rules of hospitality, before others thought that such aggressive antics were commonplace or indeed tolerated within our Halls. They are not and never will be. This is not to say that the presence of two minionesses has been an entirely morose and troublesome experience for our members – rather it has been most interesting to have mortals who are not of the Valley, or indeed the Free Peoples, amongst us. I think the presence of both has brought a vigour to our company that many have enjoyed in terms of fresh talent and a different approach to verse and storytelling than we see normally, but also the new perspective brought just by their being with us. It has been stimulating to see the interaction between our two very different outlooks and cultures – always a refreshing exercise for any true Bard.

I have left mention of the presence of one other new face until last. We were joined by Galen’s twin brother Silen; speaking only for myself now, I am very pleased that Silen has decided to stay in Imladris for the foreseeable future, which I surmise will continue to a very distant and hazy date indeed. Though he has yet to play for us I know his musical skills will be much appreciated in the Guild in the coming summer months, when there will be celebrations aplenty in the Valley. Until then gentle readers, adieu.

~ Janowyn

 

Confessions of a JR Drill Team Member

What is Junior Drill?  That was the question I asked myself shortly after arriving in Rivendell, a timid newbie who had been drawn to the Plaza by the Trivia Quiz on the main page.  Back then I didn't know a soul on Plaza, never mind in Rivendell, and I spent most of my visits just looking around lurking in the background.  I had never RP'd before in my life, but I did fancy that I knew a little something about Tolkien's Middle Earth.

One day I stumbled across a thread mentioning JR Drill.  I hadn't a clue what it was, but asked about it anyway.  The season hadn't started yet, and I ended up forgetting about it.  Someone poked me about it a short while later so I joined the team.  It wasn't long before I found out what JR Drill was all about.  There are several teams in the league, most teams representing their Kingdoms, Rivendell, Lothlorien, The Shire, Mordor and Fangorn, and one "at large" group Team Hank, with members from the other kingdoms.  Matches between teams are scheduled to take place in the different kingdoms, and that got me out visiting other kingdoms for the first time.

The team members RP arriving at the JR Drill Hall and then each team is presented with a question to answer (both teams get 5 questions for each match).  We're given 36 hours to find the correct answer using The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and the Silmarillion, and that's when the real fun begins.  It's a challenge and a pleasure to use our knowledge of the books to hunt down the answer to the question.

The Kingdom Rulers provide us with a working thread to post our ideas in so all the team-members have a chance to throw in ideas or comments.  I noticed a real sense of team-work and camaraderie in our group.  When we've had tougher questions we'd end up on MSN with several team members discussing ideas, and having fun getting to know one another.  Our Co-Captains Finrod and Iluve are really great, encouraging us and making sure that everyone gets a chance to shine!

It has been so much fun, and sometimes a bit frantic coming down to the deadline still trying to find the answer that "feels" right.  I'm proud to say our team did very well this season, making it to the Semi-finals before losing out to our honourable opponents Team Hank, and we wish them luck in
the Finals.

Now that I'm not such a newbie anymore, I can say that the JR Drill team and its members welcomed me, made me feel a part of things, and I've made some good friends there.  I would recommend joining our team if you have a love of the books and like a challenge, or just come out as a spectator in support of your Kingdom Team next season!

~ Hithleen

 

Everything is running inside the walls of the healing house as it always has been. All the carpeting is finished and the gardens look well again, due to the tireless care of all our wonderful and dedicated healers. The aphador class is going well, and although some students gave up we still have enough to become new healers. The class has entered its final lessons and soon the exam will be given out. I wish all the candidates good luck in advance.

Wilara, our beloved receptionist, took care of all the patients coming to our healing house. Among the visitors was Legolas with serious wounds; he was healed by Minestor Ancalima and Taidor Laitaine. The aphadors Isiliel, Amaurealote, and Istawen had their own patients to tend. The nestors Fuin, Numellote, and Idhwen helped heal the wounds of yet others. And as always Minestor Ancalima and Tanestor Tinessael were there to assist everyone.

Some sad news must also be reported; the nestor Aikari had to leave home for an unknown time, while Tinessael reported she had too much work to do and would be back in about four weeks. In the meantime Lady Aikári has been appointed to temporary Tanestor, until Tinessael is back.

~ Lady Aikari

 

Once again, the old season had come to a close and the Imladris cheetahs had taken their break very seriously. For the first few weeks of the off-season, they had made sure to do nothing but rest, relax, and eat.... and all of this despite the best attempts of their elven racers to convince them that they ought to stay in some sort of shape, even during break times.

Now the time had come for the cheetahs to move back into a new round of competitions. Despite past setbacks, the Elves were convinced that victory could be in sight. Practicing, practicing, practicing, they made their cheetahs work off any lay-about tendencies picked up during break. Pushing for speed and perfection, including long-distance speed (never a cheetah strength), they called for a practice race. Claws dug into turf, paws padded around the track, and some of the cheetahs even decided on a brief round of synchronized racing. Suddenly, abruptly, the practice race was over, and Hurricane was smugly contemplating her winning run.

With little or no warning, the season was upon them, and most racers were caught unawares. Those who were free hurried over to the Isengard race track, where they jumped into a race only half-prepared. This haphazard beginning did them in, as from the beginning the Isengard rats took the lead. Indeed, most of the cheetahs sullenly refused to run any direction but backwards, and finished near the end of the pack. While not an inspiring start to the season, the Elves consoled themselves with the thought that the rest of the races would surely be better....

~ Nenuphar

 

 

Kingdom Events

SCRs of the month!

There was the sound of bells pealing with joy through the silent morning of the valley. It sounded through, disturbed the rests of some, but no one seemed to mind. The bells were sounded in times of danger and celebration, but the Elves of Rivendell all knew that this peal resonated with joy and peace that could only be tied to that of the honour of some of their very own Elven friends.

"Friends," Elrond says, "Today it is time to honor three Elves of our fair home, all of whom have long served with dedication in quiet or very public ways." Busy bee Hithleen who has been so active and enthusiastic around the Valley but in particular in the House of Healing and the junior Drill Team (and has given the Herald a great article on the latter in this very issue) was honoured in the presence of our lovely Celebrían. Meanwhile Gildor Alatar who has also been much appreciated in the Drill and Debate Teams as well as taking up the reins as Gamesmaster of the Teliol in Imladris was a natural to look after the marvellous Gildor Inglorion and lastly the presence of Círdan was awarded to Æ for his excellent work in RP training and in general for helping newcomers to the Valley settle in.

Indeed, as the Lords would say, we should praise them with great praise. Eglerio hym!

~ Adapted from an original article by Keleos Nenharma

 

 

IK Poetry Report (Season 2 Round 4)

With Season 2 almost halfway through, the Council has seen nothing but smooth sailing and wonderful poetry and teamwork in these Matches. Which to us, is exciting and both wonderful and greatly appreciated. The teams also seem to be growing in their ability to pick up more members. With the Quick Fire rounds pre-empted by each ongoing match some of the most unique and funny poems were seen. To name a couple of the themes in the Quick Fire, we had 'ugly sock monster' as well as "Moonbeams and 'Water' to name a few. These are open to anyone who wishes to give a go at writing and poets from all over are allowed in those.

Onward to the Round 4 Matches. With us shy of one Council member however, with how well things are running and looking for that one, Quill and myself were making extra sure each and every one of the teams remained happy and excited by these rounds. Themes that have never been thought of are used, as well as the forms chosen. The theme for this round was The One Ring. And the Forms were the Swap Quatrain along with The Monotetra. Here are how these forms looked.

Swap Quatrain
The Swap Quatrain was created by Lorraine M. Kanter.
Within the Swap Quatrain each stanza in the poem must be a quatrain (four lines) where the first line is reversed in the fourth line. In addition, line 2 must rhyme with line 1, and line 3 must rhyme with line 4 and so on, BUT not repeat the same rhyming pattern on subsequent stanzas.
Rhyming pattern: AABB, CCDD , and so on. This form is best done with a syllable count of 8 , due to the reversed line.

Monotetra
The monotetra is a new poetic form developed by Michael Walker. Each stanza contains four lines in monorhyme. Each line is in tetrameter (four metrical feet) for a total of eight syllables. What makes the monotetra so powerful as a poetic form is that the last line contains two metrical feet, repeated. It can have as few as one or two stanzas, or as many as desired.

Stanza Structure:
Line 1: 8 syllables; A1
Line 2: 8 syllables; A2
Line 3: 8 syllables; A3
Line 4: 4 syllables, repeated; A4, A4

Lets begin now with Match One of Round 4. Hosted by Isengard and consisting of the teams, Isengard, The Riddermark, Khazad-dûm, Lothlorien and The Shire. Each team writing some beautiful poems, this is how they finished.

Winners by Scores:

Khazad-dûm	119.0
Lothlorien	118.5
The Shire	116.5
Riddermark	111.5
Isengard	102.5

Then for Match 2 Hosted by Minas Tirith , the teams consisted of Minas Tirith, Mordor, Fangorn and Imladris. Again wonderful and quite unique poems were seen in this round. The results were as follows:

Winners by Scores:

Minas Tirith	121.0
Mordor	118.0
Fangorn	114.5
Imladris	103.0

And that freonds, is a wrap for another great and wonderful round of IK Poetry. With Round 5 awaiting scores and results, next month you will see how those came about. Why not show up and support your team? We are really wishing more would get involved in this. It makes a huge difference in how well a team feels if they know they are being cheered on. Until next time, may the winds always be at your back, the seas smooth beneath your feet.

~ Goldmoon Dunami

Artist interview ~ Fuin Elda

GD: Where were you born Fuin? What's it like there and what are some of your favourite places you like going to see or spend time at? (real life question)
FE: I was born in northern Manitoba. About an hours drive north west of a place called Rivendell. Seriously. Um easiest way to describe it is 'The Shire' It's a farming community with a few small streams and one river running through it and a few small bits of wood and a lot of open fields. I'd spend hours wandering in the woods around my family's farm at a time.

GD: What was it that got you interested in drawing, and how did you get to be so good at it, and how long have you been doing this?
FE: I don't know what got me interested in drawing, I just started when I was capable of holding a pencil. I've always used it as a way to pass the time so I did it all the time in the summer as I never went to preschool or did anything off the farm until I was 6. So I was hooked young and have been keeping it up ever since. So it's been around 19 years of drawing. As for how did I get good... practice obviously and lots of it... (Art is apparently a good excuse for getting out of chores.) Really my parents encouraged it far too much I think some days (at least when I go shopping to replenish my art supplies)

GD: Are there special things you like more than others, people, places, things you see?
FE: Water, and birds - get me with a sketch book by a stream where there are birds and I'll be there for hours drawing. And quite admittedly hands. I've missed a bus stop because I was staring at some guys hands because they were so interesting and I wanted to memorize how the light played off them. Weird I know.

GD: Your art from what I see is extraordinary, unique. How do you do these, what programs if any do you use?
FE: Well for a lot of them I use traditional mediums... Pen paper, I actually use a lot of pencil crayon on things like character designs, though I use a wax based pencil crayon (prismacolors - expensive but worth it to me...) for computer I use Adobe Photoshop CS2 and an Intuos 3 tablet that I treated myself to after my graphire 3 died.

GD: What are some of your favourite pastimes, real life and plaza life?
FE: What activities are I involved in here on plaza? In RL I'm everywhere, sort of like the Plaza. If I'm up north I'm likely to be fixing farm equipment or a motorcycle or doing some sort of massive physical labor. I'd be using my forge but I ran out of smithy coal expensive stuff. On the plaza, goodness - in Imladris I’m part of the Tingdain, the IK race team, the Healers, the Kingdom Histories, I help out in coding the bios and RPG summaries, and the host, and of course I run the Elven Artist Association with the help of Tolotos. Else where I'm just about as nuts - I'm the PR Admin for Canada, which has been a lot of fun working with other Canadians and bouncing ideas off Halfir. Great guy really. I also help out wherever I can in the Library (where I've recently become a mod which is going to be another adventure!) and the RPG forum. Mainly harassing Nurbor about the RPG Chronicles.

GD: What brought you here to Rivendell and have you always been so artistic?
FE: Rivendell has always been a favourite place of mine in the books, as for always being this artistic, I've always been into art, I've progressed consistantly in how artistic I am. I have some of my old pieces and it's amazing to look back... Quite often I go I drew THAT?

GD: Do you use special pastels, paper, ink, pencil in your art and are you also into any other form of art?
FE: I just use good quality stuff, generally I avoid Prang, and Crayola but that's about it. Though I do use possibly the cheapest oil paint brushes I can find someone once told me the good ones would be worth it if they were made of unicorn hair I couldn't agree more... Am a fan of Prisma color and Winston paints. Other forms of art, metal work with my forge when I can with a welder when I can't, soap stone carving, am currently working on building a steam chamber so I can bend wood to make bows and chairs and all sorts of fancy nonsense, and my little brother wants me to air brush him a fancy goalie helmet, so that too will be something new since I'll have to learn how to actually use the airbrush set my dad got me 6 years ago...

GD: What are some of your hobbies, people you look up to, and name a time in history you feel you would belong in if you could go back?
FE: Hobbies, I love growing herbs both for healing and cooking, and fixing cars and stuff petty much anything physical I love. As for people I look up to, I have to admit my dad is like #1 on the list. He's taught me so much about how to do everything I know, except perhaps draw. He couldn't draw a stickman to save his life. As for a time in history... I'd be in trouble any time I went back to... I'd be burnt as a witch or something because I'm far too curious and just love learning stuff about herbs and healing metal work, horses, get me on a topic and I'll soak it up... Maybe back in Ireland during the reign of Elizabeth I. Apparently women had it pretty good back then...

GD: Name some people who to you, has inspired you, mentors as it were?
FE: My dad for sure, he got me hooked on Leonardo, Michelangelo ... So I could say all the great Renaissance artists inspired me.

GD: What would you tell people about yourself and your art to draw more to your thread?
FE: I don't bite. Really. And comments make me feel warm and fuzzy.

~ Interview by Goldmoon Dunami with Fuin Elda

Oldbie Perspective

Mae Govannen mellon!

These might be some of the first words written to you upon entrance into the Vale of Imladris, and from there you are made to feel as welcome as one might. Be you old, young, former member, or returning member of the Vale, all recieve a warm welcome upon their coming to the House of Elrond.

For someone who hasn't spent much time in Imladris there's much to be explored. For those who used to be part of the kingdom much has changed since the Elder Days, and its growth continues every day. Whether visitors wish to be part of the many Guilds which decorate the Vale's homestead, part of the Army, or even part of the Healers, there is something here for those who enjoy craft of any kind.

The coming of new ideas brings new places for people to play in as well. There's even a thread specifically for the planning and discussion for ideas, which is open to all. Along with this thread there's a complimentary thread that keeps a guide listing each of the threads running inside the kingdom.

Coming back to Imladris from a foreign kingdom, I noticed a great many things that I took to right away, and even most of the same activities within Imladris that I had enjoyed being a part of in the past as well. With such a warm welcome, and so many places to get involved, it's quite the beginning to keep up with. As time passes people find their niche within the Vale's realm, becoming part of this organization or that; every organizer of the activities is glad to see a new face. And it doesn't even matter about your character's age *g*.

And thus it comes to be that those who visit Imladris finds themselves enjoying the relaxation and peace that comes with being part of the Home of Elrond. For wise council and rest for the weary is part of its fame, and even included in the banner.

~ Nurbor

A Day without the Plaza

0700H: Ring!!! Ring!!! I kept my eyes closed, still hoping that my very nice dream of fighting orcs and wargs alone in the Mountain Pass during a blizzard was to be a reality. Wait. No alarm clocks here. Dang it.

0730H: At least my large red T-shirt reminded me of elves. A (not so) quiet sniff escaped me as I passed my computer. I contemplated not eating breakfast and getting 5 minutes online, until I realized that there was no time for breakfast, either.

0900H: History. Boooring. There wasn't even swordfighting! Used the time to sketch the outline of the new RPG.

1000H: During the break, the computer class was closed. Bah.

1030H: Biology: continued the outline. It is looking quite good now.

1130H: In music, which was again boring, as elves had NO jazz as far as I know, I wrote the first post. But when will I do the banner? Help!

1200H: In Political Sciences we were assigned to make a plan of economical development for a thought-up community. The teacher did not mention that we need to think it out on our own, so I took Imladris. *sniff* In the end I said that the lords should be elected, money should be introduced, and export and trade with other countries should be more developed. It is only to get a good grade though. Me want no money in Rivvy.

1400H: In English, had to write a short fantasy story. YAY! My favourite type of assignment. It became a tiny bit long; I wrote 10 pages. I can use it in the Army RPG

1430H: With all this missing of the Plaza and re-reading the LotR, I completely forgot we have a test in chemistry. Who cares, anyways. Elves did not have chemistry.

1500H: In German had to write a poem. Mental note: Post it in the Govannas i-Glirdain!!! Translated, of course.

1530H: Math. Pfft. So an un-Middle-Earthly subject.

1700H: Home!!! Unfortunately, my parents forced me to tidy my room and said that otherwise I can only dream of going online until I am 18. *wails* They are so using my love for something. So what if you need to jump over a heap of dirty laundry to get in my room? And then I had to do homework. I cannot focus on it. I already have 5 opening posts ready, but have only read two pages out of ten for physics.

1930H: In the evening I wanted to sneak online, to post and answer the emails, but nooo, I need to go to the grocery store with my mum.

2230H: As I went to bed, I understood: I did not go to the Plaza!!!!!!! NOOOOOOOO!!!!!! HELP!!!!!!!!! Oh Eru, please forgive me. *sniff*

~ Tinessael

 

 

 

Things have been buzzing in Fangorn Forest, and it's not just the beehives. Inter-Kingdom Championships have been the word of the day, as Fangorn recently completed a trifecta of competitions. The Derndinglers won the last season of racing, finished top of the table in the regular season of the debate league (the playoffs are due to start May 29th, but Fangorn is claiming a championship anyway), and most recently, destroyed the competition in the Arda Cup Battling Tournament. Fangorn's team defeated Mordor in a hard-fought championship match, as Lady Fimbrethil's watermelon helmet proved the difference between the 10-6 margin of victory and a suspense-filled gladiator match.

In other news, the antique toilet plunger out of Wellinghall has been reported stolen by Sprucebark Crappersmith, the janitor of the facility. This plunger was used by Manwe to kill eight Balrogs at once, and it was also used by Manwe for another unfortunate incident. In any event, if the plunger is spotted, please alert Wellinghall at once, as Comrade Crappersmith is offering a reward. Otherwise, Fangorn's forest life continues on as normal - sans plunger.

The Tavern continues to be a popular watering hole for all people of Middle-earth, despite a minion invasion a few weeks ago. Catiri's "Treebeard's Treatments" thread has been a hit among residents and visitors to the Forest, as was the "Hasty Stories" thread. In "Hasty Stories", competitors were challenged to tell a story related to Middle-earth in six words, no more and no less. It was such a big success that a sequel has been announced; this time, all stories must be related to the new Tolkien work, “The Children of Hurin”. That's all from the eaves of Fangorn Forest.

~ Nav

 

The Land of the Mallorn Trees has seen many a change this past month. A very strange occurrence for Lothlorien, indeed! In over a month ago there were many elves who took it upon themselves to visit other lands and leave Lorien for awhile. Whether all will return is still a question to those who have remained behind. But, all was not lost to a land that suffered from depression for a few days; for in the midst of good-byes was discovered a great deal of hidden talent that seemed to surface almost over-night to help the Woods stand on its own golden (or should that be silver) feet.

The Galadhrim are working very hard at making Lorien more open to friends and visitors. There has been something of a revamping throughout the kingdom as new ideas have been fleshed out and old ones reconstructed. The Guard, the Gardens, the fighting grounds are a few things that have seen some new changes. Many a new comer to the Woods has dived into the activities and become an integral part to the growing realm.

A few days ago, there was yet another change when ecaps, Celeborn of Lothlorien, gave up his seat beside our lady Galadriel to the lovely Nienna Tindome.  Although, the surprise of having one, who has ruled the wooded realm for nearly three years, stepping down was great, the latter was welcomed with warmth and happiness. The Galadhrim shall miss seeing the lime green of Celeborn, but one hopes to see ecaps around and about.

~ Shadowheart

Minas Tirith Report

Salutations, Eldar of Imladris! It is a delight to bring you tidings of the realm of Gondor once again. Ahh, the skunk racers of Minas Tirith are off to a flying start this IK Racing season! Gondor has won the first races they have been involved in this season; against the Riddermark, allies of old, they scored 86 to 75 with Carandol in second place with skunk Beleg, and against the hobbits of the Shire Minas Tirith won 40 to 37. This writer was the individual winner with his skunk Roger!

Along the lines of praising I must announce that this month Jevesh, the King of Minas Tirith more popularly known as Arteris, celebrated his twenty-first birthday; a party was held in his honor in the White City… many unusual guests attended such as a robot-costumed dwarf, a sperm whale, a serious alien with pointed ears, a girl from a strange land called Kansas, and two creatures with red and blue fur who spoke in strange, cute voices… The party is still going on and people are welcome to RP any character from science fiction or fantasy excluding the tale of The Lord of the Rings.

The last few weeks have brought HAM, otherwise known as Human Awareness Month; during this time, Gondorians and Rohirrim, allies for so long, spend quality time together within one another’s kingdom. In Minas Tirith, the Rohirrim and Gondorians participated in a type of pair game involving chutes and ladders.There was also a celebration between the old friends on the peak of Amon Anwar where the pact between Rider and Gondorian was forged by Steward Cirion and Eorl, the first king of Rohan. Elves of Imladris, I look forward to bringing you news next issue! Namarie!

~ Beren Camlost

 

 

 

 

Hello, Elfies. This is the reporter from your not-so-neighbourly totalitarian state speaking. Mordor, naturally, is not only thriving, but far better than Rivendell in every possible way. In fact, a few of your participants have seen the Eye, and moved: I speak, of course, of Tari H and Legolas Fireblade. There may be more, but I'm unobservant that way. In any case, a few other Elves have wandered in to try the Crucible, Mordor's most severe trial by fire. So far everyone's still alive, which is impressive enough, one supposes...

As ever the IK teams are doing well enough, despite the morbid bickering that accompanies any two minions left in one place together. The ones that irritate me most are the ones that I am intimately involved in, of course, since I have no idea how I stand my teammates long enough to do anything with them whatsoever, never mind win matches. By some quirk of Melkor, however, we did manage to win our last Sr as well as Jr Drill match in between all the girl team-members fighting over who was rightful owner of the Captain (Phil). I still maintain it is me; however, we may be forced to mud-wrestle for him sooner or later. I recently got a whip for "good behaviour", (although in actuality I was chosen by lottery), which might give me an advantage there. Other recipients of favour were Phil himself, Tzülien, and Reikon Suchi-Ru (who recently got married to that Miriel person who runs the Lava Snake Racing and Mouth of Sauron. Little Suchi-Rus are popping up at an alarming rate, which really disturbs me.) The other, far weirder marriage is of Nessila and Inzilbeth, which you'll understand I don't really want to talk about.

The Mordini have also been doing well: there have been several new recruits to Mordor's mafia-style family, although an illegal Gambling Den has been set up which no doubt they will try to cash in on. We've also discovered from Mordor's Kitchen that no minions should be allowed anywhere near Gouda Cheese. Nor should you drink anything left lying around in the Pub, as all the drinks have been spiked lately and people are doing decidedly odd things under the influence. I'm pretty sure one of the suspect anonymous poison-pen letter-writers in the Post Office has been partaking of something peculiar, at any rate.

Thank you for reading this report. Incidentally, in the time you took to read this, I have almost certainly robbed your house or surrounded your family with a team of hitmen. Have a nice day.

~ Silendra

 

Rohan Report

Suilad mellyn nin, Westu Hal fair lords and ladies of Imladris. Once again your ever swift and roaming reporter (moi!) is here to entertain, and bring you another edition of news from the lands of the Horse Lords. Never let it be said that life gets boring in Rohan. That, my friends, would be a total understatement for this month. So much is going on and with all the nice springy weather, you can bet that fun is in the air. Edoras was full of many comings and goings this month. The Simbelmyne Festival, better known as the H.A.M. Festival, is a big part of the Gondorian and Rohirrim festivities this month. Great songs and tales were spun as well as games that were played in the Ældsel Inn. The master planner Aodh himself, along with Aldor, are still having a wonderful time as some continue to play 'Five Stones'.

Within the ranks of the Cavalry, many new faces are reaching their training finale. Brego, Halorn, and Polaira, as well as Dragon-helm, a friend of mine, all completed their inductions this month. Also being promoted were Isolde and Ciarda up to Pæthfindians. The Patrols are back once again with six Cavaliers patrolling the many areas surrounding our great land looking for any mischief or wrong-doings. The Calvary members have also received new insignias; these illustrious insignias were shown off throughout the land of Rohan as old and new turned in their old insignias for these fabulous new ones made by Celinawyn.

Your rider friends and family still have new addresses at which they can receive mail, much to their delight. Now it is much easier to receive that fragile letter, parchment, or package you so wish to send.

Rohan has also seen many new faces within its community this month. Imbeannowyn has stepped down from Rulership, and soon became a legend as the Rider of the Month. The Newbie of the Month award went to Dragon-helm, an award greatly deserved.

The final late breaking news comes to you with the sound of horses racing. The Rohan Thunder Race has just begun and it is open to all races. Is your horse the best of the best? Could be; why not stop by and enter him or her into this race and find out?

Our new Ruler Eomer is none other than a great lady who has served as our Editor of the Raedboda for many moons. Elarith herself was surprised, but she already has things well in hand and we all know that our lands will remain safe. With those words, I shall say thank you for taking the time to read this, I wish you a nice happy day, and always smile. It's contagious you know! Namarie.

~ Goldmoon Dunami

Lore: Vingilote

Vingilote was the ship of Eärendil. Vingilote (shorter version Vingilot) means Foam-flower in Quenya, the noble tongue of elves. It is said it was the most beautiful ship ever to sail the seas of Arda. It was made of birch-trees from Nimbrethil, which was in the region of Arvenien, in the northern bank of Bay of Balar. The sails were silver coloured, whilst the oars were of gold.

Eärendil used this ship to search for Idril and Tuor, his parents over the great sea, but had no success. But later, with the help of the Silmaril brought to him by his wife Elwing, they came safely into Valinor, passing by shadowy seas to deliver the message to Valar about deteriorating events in Middle-earth. Since Elwing chose to stay in Aman, he did so too, after being given a choice to follow the path of the immortal Eldar or of the Secondborn.

But the Valar hallowed the ship, and Earendil continued to sail it, with the Silmaril on his forehead, sailing through the heavens like a star and giving hope for those in Middle-earth. He was known as Gil-estel, the Star of High Hope, to people in the Outer Lands. Vingilot was a guiding star to Dunedain on their way to new land, which was called Númenore. In their language, Vingilote was named Rothinzil.

~ Númellótë

Language: Quenya ~ Present Tense

In Quenya, the present tense is formed by putting (lengthening) an acute accent on a stem-vowel and adding the ending – "a".

At least this is the case with primary verbs; those that end on a consonant. While with A-stems it is little uncertain. It must be said that this tense deals with ongoing action, action that continues, so you won't in most cases (but not in all) translate this as ''She loves him'', but ''She is loving him''. This tense represents the English present continuous ''is… -ing''. Let see examples how does it work

Primary verbs

Hir – is the verb ''to find''. Since it is said we must lengthen the stem-vowel, in this case vowel ''i'', and then add letter/ending –a. Result should be híra = ''is finding''

Other examples

Mel - ''to love'' > méla ''is loving'', occasionally ''loves''

Quet - ''to speak, say'' > quéta - ''is saying, speaking''

Tur – ''to govern, control'' > túra - ''is controling''

A-stem

Tolkien left us with one example of how this group should look like regarding present tense.

Órea ''is urging'', verb is ora- ''to urge''.
O has been accented, and verb already had ''a'' in the end. Only change came when ''e'' was added between ''r'' and ''a''. That is to avoid double a in the end of the word (ora-a). So it seems that A-stem are formed with the ending –ea.

But there are complications when it comes to some verbs ending in a consonant cluster. Examples calya- ''to illuminate'' , tulta- ''to summon''.

If we follow above mentioned example we will end up with cályea, túltea. You might ask what is wrong with that? You see, one of the Quenyan phonological rules does not allow for a long vowel before a consonant cluster. Though cályea might be possible for ly, ny, ry, they sometimes appear as unitary sounds.

So, the theory is that there should not be lengthening of a vowel in such cases, and we will simply have calyea, tultea.

Also lengthening should not be applied on diphtongs, for they do not do that.

Examples:

roita- verb ''to pursue'' > roitea - ''is pursuing''

laita – verb ''to bless, praise'' > ''is blessing, praising''

Yet this use for ending with an ''ea'' for the A-stem is not at all reliable, one must be aware of that.

Next time we'll have exercises on this subject and some from previous lessons.

With help from Ardalambion

~ Númellótë

Crafts

Due to an oversight last month (the cat dribbled on my spectacles - Ed: Jano) we did not print the instructions for the embroidery demo - many apologies Fuin! So here is the full article that should have appeared then and those helpful images once more.

Embroidery

This month we will be doing some embroidery; this is perhaps not the easiest needlework to start out with but is fairly easy to learn. The design I’ve chosen is one that I am quite familiar with as my mother made me practice it as an elfling since I was born in Doraith. You can of course use any image you like, a flower, animal, or even a simple pattern of shapes. Instead, all you need to do is use a fabric pencil and lightly draw the pattern on the material and then stitch it in.

The symbol of Melian is fairly simple in that it only requires five colors at the most to complete it. Black, white, light blue, dark blue and silver are all that is needed, and if you put the design on cloth that is any of those colors of course you can remove that thread and just let the fabric show through. As the design is also geometrical and symmetrical, if you remember how you’ve stitched it on one side, you should be able to do the same on the other with practice.

I always start from the inside and work my way out on a project, and I have two or three preferred stitches, the first is called a satin stitch, it takes a lot of work to master but it is one of the oldest and most common stitches. It simply requires you to put the needle up through the material, then put it under at the edge of the design and before pulling the needle and thread through bring the needle around and up again as close as possible to the last stitch. This is repeated until the design is filled in.

To get this stitch to look best the stitches should be straight and right beside each other without gaps. If you are working on an item like a handkerchief then, with each area of color that is finished, you will need to tie off the thread so that the work is neat on the bottom. It won’t look quite as nice as the top but it shouldn’t have any thread going from one area to another as this gives a messy appearance.

The other stitch on this particular design that I would use is the back stitch as this is wonderful for making out lines, which is what would be needed on most of the black details as well as the silver circles. A back stitch is relatively easy as well and is another one of the old stitches. For this the needle is brought up again from the back (most stitches start this way) and instead of going in the direction you want (say you are going around the outer circle clockwise) you would put the needle back in the material counterclockwise of the first stitch then bring it up a bit in front of (so clockwise) of the first place you brought the needle through from the bottom. The next stitch would go back down in the place where you brought the needle up through on the very first stitch and then ahead of where it was brought up the last time. For this stitch to look really good the length of each stitch should be roughly the same.

All it takes is practice to get the stitches looking right so if you want to start with just practicing the two stitches that is probably the best way to get your first real project to look really good as will all crafts it is practice that makes perfect.

~ Fuin Elda

Word Search

Weapons and Armour of Middle Earth

AEGLOS
ANDURIL
ANGLACHEL
ANGRIST
ANGUIREL
ARANRUTH
BEATER
BELTHRONDING
BITER
DRAMBORLEG
GLAMDRING
GROND
GURTHANG
GUTHWINE
HERUGRIM
NARSIL
RINGIL
STING

~ Tanequil

 

 

Cryptogram

Who was it?

~ Tanequil

 

 

The Foo

~ Fuin Elda

 

Editorial: An Apology

Regrettably, it has been brought to our attention by Sergeant Telly Savaloy head of the Imladris FWAT Team that the Herald was inadvertently drawn into furthering erroneous information wholly intended for another publication of this House – to whit Suil! Magazine. Further complicating this sorry error the offending article was strictly intended for limited publication only in the Gondor edition, but some misguided and zealous newshound happened upon the copy whilst it was unattended on the Suil editors’ desk and swiftly acquired copies for production in the Herald, on the basis that the libellous ‘story’ was of ‘eldalië interest’

Was this really for real? - Telly and Jano said it really wasn't but we sure were fooled!

The article concerned, a ‘Suil! Foo Wedding Special’, invited readers to read the ‘background story’ to the nuptials of Sgt. Telly and his dark foo consultant Janowyn, (better known to us here in Imladris as the High Bard of the Bards’ and Writers’ Guild). Sgt. Telly has stridently denied that any ‘kosher’ wedding ceremony took place and that he remains a loyal and unwed public servant. He has also informed us that, although he could not go into detail, the article was part of an elaborate covert operation to provide a believable cover story for himself and Janowyn when they attended the recent ARPY awards together in Minas Tirith. Apparently the ‘story’ should only have appeared in the White City edition of Suil! to support security surveillance and other arrangements at the ARPY awards.

The organisers knew this star-studded event would attract undesirable elements and so hoped to avoid a complete foo-fest by inviting our FWAT Team to fortify the local lore enforcement measures (FWAT Team officer Fuin Elda was also present to supervise back-stage arrangements; all reports of her ‘vague’ condition during the official after-party are also to be taken with a very large pinch of salt).

To say that the Last Homely Herald is wholly embarrassed by its part in this completely unintentional furtherance of the counterfeit report in the Wedding Special is putting it very mildly. We therefore unreservedly and humbly apologise for our part in furthering spurious reports of an event that in fact did not take place (despite photographic evidence to the contrary – humpf! ~ Ed). Our sincerest regrets for inadvertently publishing such arrant nonsense are extended to both Sgt. Telly and to Janowyn, who has refused to comment on the matter for private reasons; the issue briefly threatened to become sub judice due to the amount of humiliation and pain suffered by our fair High Bard after the article was published in all our syndication across Eriador and the south kingdoms (before heading the Bards the lady concerned had considerable experience in the civil law courts and quite frankly we were looking at a huge compensation claim). Our gratitude for narrowly avoiding the issue of a law suit must be extended to Master Elrond and Lord Glorfindel, who kindly upheld a public declaration in the Chamber of Audience wherein the vexed High Bard declaimed that “with the permission and support of Sgt. Savaloy, a very dear and respected friend and colleague, I utterly repudiate and deny that such a marriage ever took place, in any way, shape or form, in any plane of existence, at any time, era or Age.”

We at the Herald hope that this unreserved apology to the injured parties concerned and retraction of said article in its entirety will now bring about an end to this unfortunate chain of events and cause no further trouble for them in the Valley or elsewhere.

~ Janowyn, Co-Editor of the Herald *whips Ed's hat off

NEWSFLASH - Editorial: An Apology
*Puts hand on the Sil wearing butter wouldn't melt expression* I swear before Eru that my IC did not marry my NPC - *yurk!* And even if I did I was seriously deranged at the time so it doesn't count - right! *Wise nod*
PS - Jano will 'wed' someone much more suitable v. soon - regrettably he's another NPC but at least he's someone else's NPC *swallows another happy pill*

~ Janowyn, High Bard of Imladris