Kingdom
& Cavalry News
Interview with Malorn
Third Marshal of the Mark
Calvary
Ærendboda: Eormed
The Rædboda: Why did you decide to join Rohan?
Malorn: That was an easy decision. I love the Cavalry! I think it is the hammer and anvil of a military and Rohan has the best Cavalry.
Ræd: Were you surprised by your promotion to Marshal?
Malorn: A little. I think that all wigends should strive to better
themselves and get promoted. I was, myself doing the best that I could
with all the situations given to me. What really surprised me was that Amhran
took notice of me when I was an officer in the East and she was in
charge of the West.
Ræd: How do you think the Wigends should 'better themselves'?
Malorn: Take time to learn from those that are more experienced then
they. Also get involved, and not just in the pubs. Even though I love the
pubs, wigends should find ways to plug in somewhere.
Ræd: Do you have any ideas for the Westmark or the Cavalry now that you are a Marshal?
Malorn: Well I want to embark on another adventure (RPG). I am pleased
that we have begun field training. One thing that I have been thinking about
is possible doing some training exercises between the Eoreds. Iron sharpens
Iron! I think that would be fun and useful training.
Ræd: You mean like the Eored Training we are going through right now, or something different?
Malorn: Well perhaps some Eored against Eored stuff. I think it would
build camaraderie. We would just have to have a good moderator and make sure
that that people know it is for fun.
Ræd: What is your favourite kind of cheese?
Malorn: Ummmm?? Caught me off guard with that one. I would have to say cheddar.
Ræd: Yummeh. So, what do you think of the other armies (if anything) and how do they compare to the Cavalry?
Malorn: Well of course you are going to get a bias answer from me.
But I would pit our Cavalry against any two of theirs anyday. Not saying that
theirs are bad, just not as good as the Cavalry.
Ræd: Do you think there are any ways that they could improve?
Malorn: Improve? So that they can stand a chance against us? Well
for starters they should learn how to properly ride a mount into battle.
Other than that I think I am most impressed with the way most of the Cavalry
works well with each other and that right there sets us apart. Miles apart
in
my opinion.
Ræd: Are there any ways the Cav could improve?
Malorn: There are always ways and reasons to improve. I think that
we should always strive to become better and not get stagnant. A member of
the
Cavalry should learn how to do their supervisors job,that way if the need
arises then the gap will be filled fluidly.
Ræd: Any last words?
Malorn: Depends if that is a threat on my life? No I'm just kidding.
Well I would like to state that I love the Cavalry and will do everything
I
can to help it run as smoothly as possible and grow. And everyone should know
that I am a very approachable person so one should hesitate to talk to me.
Other than that lets have some fun!
Ræd: I believe you mean they should NOT hesitate... ;-) Anyway, thanks for your time!
Malorn: LOL oops. Thanks for your time too.
Ræd: *off-air tone thingy*
What's News in the Calvary?
Calvary
Ærendboda: Eormed
Once again it is time to sharpen our swords
in a little Cavalry training. This time, to help the different Éoreds
learn more about each other,
the Cordhors (Companies) from each have been paired up with Cordhors from
a different Éored, as listed here:
Eastmark Company A= Westmark Company B
Meduseld Company A= Eastmark Company B
Westmark Company A= Meduseld Company B
Read next month’s issue for a summary of the training sessions.
Encaitarion, reviving an idea from a long time ago,
has gathered several bards from the ranks of the Cavalry to help him immortalise
our past
wars with Dunlendings, Easterlings, and what have you in song. The legendary
Ele Isenfolme is also helping out by providing us younger Wigends a history
of the battles long ago. When the project is complete it will be given a room
in the Cavalry Stronghold where all may come and listen to the tales of
brave warriors in the great battles of old, and perhaps see a few relics from
past quests (No, Ele will not be one of them ;-).).
In the Dragon Room, a debate over whether the Rohirrim
would have uniforms or a simple dress code. The discussion was again brought
back from a
time long ago (DR XX to be specific) when Anawen eagerly sacrificed herself
listening to the long stories of the elder Riders in Edoras to find out
what exactly our “uniform” looked like. So far it is looking a bit
like something from the Interkingdom Debates, as Eoarock pointed out, although
most
now agree that strict uniforms are not something the Rohirrim would wear.
Pink boots and fluffy mail hauberks, however, are probably going to stay on the disallowed list.
New Sperewigends: Snowwolf
Meduseld News
Meduseld Ærendboda: Calisto
Here ye here ye here ye!!
Come and sing the song of the Riddermarket,
as you wander through her streets and see all the wares on offer.
Raindrops on Riders and whiskers on
door flies
Bright copper kettles and warm woollen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of our favourite things
Cream coloured ponies and the strong
badger's blend
gold jewels and daffodils and tulips
Seamstresses that fly with threads and buttons and things
These are a few of our favourite things
Saddles soap and candles with baskets
of gifts
shampoo bubbles that stay on my nose and make me sneeze
halters and lead ropes, sugar cubes and carrots
These are a few of our favourite things
When the king calls
When the marshal bellows
the whips roars through the air
we simply remember our favourite things
and then we don't feel so bad!!!!
********************
As you wander into the kingdom of the Rohan people,
there is so much to do, where to start? Well, you've got the Great Thief Hunt,
that keeps the mind occupied daily don't mind the traps that Daewyn sets for
you, watch your footing.
Now most of us would like to think we are hardened warriors, but walking into
the pub, the local pub that is, merriment is the order of the day.
There is the IK Racing League: Fangorn vs. Meduseld, right now playing at
your local arena are the Rohirrim and the everlasting Ents.
Who is the fastest? The great M-E Idol (Rohirric Finals)! Vote now!, had been
battled between Ele Isenfolme and Anka, was a total blast to watch, and the
great joy when the winner was called out. Can I say it? Yep folks it was Ele
Isenfolme!
Are we lacking some inspiration here? Come and join in the Rohan Writer's
Prompt- March 2004 and give Rochestel a run for her money.
We are the Horse Lords of Middle Earth! Join in on the The Rohirric Horsemanship
Trials - It begins! Don't leave your horses out to pasture! Make them run
and give you a real bad or good reputation out there!
Next month no ditto's from this weary traveler, but check in and see what
I have discovered behind the walls of Rohan.
Foreign Affairs
Fangorn
Fangorn Ærendboda:
Truggers: Feranfolc
After a long winter, the Ents of Fangorn are starting the regain their leaves. In celebration of this, it would seem, several new threads have "sprouted" up amongst the usuals. First off is the (Entish Crafting Guild) [linked to address below], specializing in furniture, vases, pottery, sculptures, and...well, pretty much everything! It's open to all races, and looks like a lot of fun!
http://www.lotrplaza.com/forum/display_topic_threads.asp? ForumID=45&TopicID=122118&PagePosition=1
The (Fangorn Deli)[linked to address below] is now catering to a kingdom near you! (A personal favorite of mine is the Huorn Apple and Root Steak with a big mug of Strawberry Sap!)
http://www.lotrplaza.com/forum/display_topic_threads.asp? ForumID=45&TopicID=116944&PagePosition=1
The Fangorn Debate team faces off against Minas Tirith this week, after a disappointing defeat to the Shire in the first competition of the season. Congratulations to all participants!
Finally, the Entish newsletter, the "Tree Voice" is undergoing. The position of Meduseld Corespondent is still open as I write this, but it won't be for long, so hurry on down to (Reconstructing the TreeVoice) [linked to address below].
http://www.lotrplaza.com/forum/display_topic_threads.asp? ForumID=45&TopicID=121502&PagePosition=1
Khazad-dûm
Rockin'
On -What's New In Khazad-dûm
Khazad-dûm Ærendboda:
Penny Lytscop: Feranfolc
March marked the wedding day of Nain Mithrlear, one of Moria's
most prominent dwarves, to Lerin Brasslaughter. Vows have been exchanged,
and it is likely that the revelry following the beautiful ceremony shall continue
for quite a long while. Congratulations to the both of them, and may their
union be as resiliant and cherished as mithril itself!
Word-Sleuthing continues in KD, the current match being between the Dwarves
and our own Riders of Rohan! Drop in to cheer them on, or perhaps just expand
your vocabulary.
King Annolori recently started a thread entitled "Leaving Plaza,"
causing many members of his kingdom to experience the real meaning of the
word "heart attack." However, upon entering the thread, the distressed
dwarves discovered that they would not, thankfully, be losing their king.
This thread was begun to cope with the growing numbers of "burnouts,"
Plaza members who have been leaving because it's just too much pressure to
cope with Plaza life and RL at once. Anno encourages all stressed-out Plaza-ites
to cut down on various thread-responsibilites, take a break for a few weeks
or even a few months, or simply find someone to talk to! I would highly recommend
this thread to anyone (myself included) who has been feeling a bit overwhelmed
of late.
The celebration of Queen Marin's rule, the longest KD has ever seen, continues
in the "Marin Rules!" thread.
Gabil Raven Gathol (Mighty Raven Tower) continues to be one of KD's most successful
and innovative new additions, drawing from the long-existing bond between
the dwarves and the ravens of the mountains. At the GRG, dwarves can volunteer
to help to train ravens for cave or forest activity, or can help match certain
ravens to their dwarven companions.
Lothlórien
Lothlórien Ærendboda: Waenethiriel:
Feranfolc
As always, Lothlorien is a pleasant kingdom to visit. What with mystical whisperings and an enchanting, blue atmosphere it’s hard to believe that these Elves can be as crazy as mortals sometimes. In fact, for visiting riders that are in need of a little humor, I recommend their new Confessions thread to enjoy deep, intellectual discussions regarding chicken nuggets and pink blankets.
If that happens to be a little more of Lorien than you really wanted to see, a calmer, but mystifying introduction to the Golden Wood would be Lend Lothlorien, a thread dedicated to tourists to view the beautiful realm. Other places of interest include the Horticultural Center (to not only look at but learn about the various vegetation of the wood), the Caras Galadhon (where you may witness kingdom discussions and hear announcements), and, of course, the ever enjoyable Glade of Trivia, Puzzles, and Riddles (where recreation and stimulation join together for those whose humor does not extend towards pastel security blankies and poultry munchies).
On the competitive front, Lothlorien’s Inter-Kingdom debate team has won their practice debate with Rivendell and will proceed to the Shire for their first real debate. The topic is whether Éonwë should have taken Maedhros and Maglor captive immediately, and if you are interested in watching, the debate begins March 18th.
The Elves, long well known for their delicate handcrafting skills, continue to ply their trade in the thriving Lothlorien Jewelry Association. The LJA is open to all races and has departments for Designers, Gem Cutters, Crafters, and Replication. Any and all craftsman will find it worthwhile to check out, and who knows? You could even find yourself a career in the LJA.
After a dramatic competition for Lorien finalist in Middle-Earth Idol, Nuviel Antulien has won the title. Her popular and amusing limerick caption won her the vote, and following her gracious acceptance speech she’s off to the final round of Middle-Earth Idol in Rivendell. There she joined other finalists such as Eledwhyne Isenfolme, Tinw, Terithavrindiel, and Grishnak, to whom she gave a lovely potted plant. Spectators await the beginning of the Finals and Grishnak’s reaction to the gift.
Minas
Tirith
Minas Tirith Ærendboda: Eleowyn:
Feranfolc
Festivities are the order of the day as Minas Tirith celebrates the two-year plazanniversary of their beloved Queen Laielinwen. Spam (the kind in a can) and coconut milk are the featured items at the feast, and visitors have been arriving from all over Middle-earth to join in the celebration.
The second round of the Jello Wrestling Tournament has finally been completed. The Mystery Woman who squared off against Arteris turned out to be D45, who was declared the winner by a (possibly biased) judge, but not before things got pretty squishy.
Minas Tirith has named their Middle-earth Idol, Terithavrindiel. In addition to being an accomplished poet, Terith is also a Hyandaner Ranger of Gondor. The competition was fierce and close, but in the end, Terith was declared the winner over runner-up Hoyamir. She now joins contestants from all of Middle-earth as they each try to claim the coveted title of Middle-earth Idol.
Mordor
Mordor Ærendboda: Anawen: Feranfolc
Revolution, Racing and Route 666
Revolution has overtaken most of Mordor, with a calling to all Minions to participate in the Revolution RPG, where the minions are fighting amongst themselves because of a sudden change of command in Minas Morgul by the Dark Lord Sauron himself. The revolutionaries have had a hard time overcoming the secret passageways through Cirith Ungol and Minas Morgul. While fighting continues on the western mountainsides of Mordor, the minions from Barad-dur, the Sea of Nurnen and the eastern plains are summoned under the banner of the Red Eye to defeat this coup. The Mordorian IK racing team is undefeated this season so far, most recently defeating the badgers of Khazad-dum with their own lava snakes, in a final defeat of 59 to 37. And not forgetting one of the newest RPG's in Mordor, run by our very own former Rider, Rohanna, the Route 666, a perilous journey across Mordor, filled with wizards, dragons, sea creatures, and Mamukil set against minions trying to make their way through the Dark Lands. In government news, Mandallah is quickly adapting to the One Ring and wielding her new power around as Lulani is enjoying the fire whip she now has keeping the minions, and all visitors, in check.
Poetry
and FanFiction
Poetry and FanFiction
Ærendboda: Culfinwen: Feranfolc
Another Day: The Quest for Harmony
Another Day, written by Lailindëiel, is a touching story about Alawyn, a seventeen-year-old girl living in the peaceful land of Liara. Yet one day, this serene life is shattered when war comes to Liara and her brother Neriol and her friend Dante go off to fight against the Gebrytans. When Alawyn receives word of Neriol’s death, she decides after her initial and lasting grief to assist the warriors in battle. She receives permission from General Alastair, the leader of the Liaran army, and begins her training while fighting with her feelings of love for Dante, who has been captured by the enemy.
Meanwhile, Dante learns that his captor is the king of the Gebrytans, an evil man named Fyren. When Dante discovers that he is really Fyren’s son, he is horrified, and begins to doubt himself and all goodness in him as he sinks into despair. Yet Dante cannot resist doing whatever his father says, for Fyren has captured Tryna, a friend of his from Liara, and Dante dares not put her life in danger.
The time comes when Alawyn’s prestige as a fighter is doubted, and she is given orders to return home. These orders, though given out of concern for her from the General, hurt her more than she lets on. However, when the General falls sick and dies, Alawyn is given permission to stay. Though increasingly distressed and confused between her love for Dante and the love given to her by Ferain, a young man from the Liaran army, Alawyn steps into battle.
When she meets Dante, leading the Gebrytan army, her world takes on an even darker shade of confusion. He saves her from certain death and takes her back to the castle, where Alawyn discovers that he returns her love. Although both joyful, they know full well the dangers they might encounter if Fyren hears wind of it. While hoping to restore peace, they must first save themselves.
This wonderful story is now on its second thread, which can be found here: http://www.lotrplaza.com/forum/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=26&TopicID=105707
Valinor
The Shire Ærendboda: Anawen:
Feranfolc
Mounted on Celemirë, Anawen rode into the forest, reins
in her right hand, a small piece of parchment in her left. It was from Protoguy,
with specific directions to meet him, or so she thought. She wandered about
the entranceway to the forest for a bit before she noticed a gleam of white.
Spurring Celemirë forward, she found Nahar, the magnificent horse of
Oromë, one of Peeg's many names. With a sigh of relief, she dismounted
Celemirë, took off his saddle, and left him in the company of Nahar.
Walking deeper into the woods, she finally met up with Oromë. He stood
there gazing at the whispering leaves as they shook through the wind, his
forest green tunic edges following their movement as "Pointy", his
blade clapped on his thigh gently. It appeared he hadn't noticed right away
Anawen standing behind him. He did however, "Let's take a walk in the
woods near our home. I've always loved the woods and it seems a fitting backdrop
to this interview. The wood near the Woodhead home is an ancient stand of
larch and oak. Though the oak tends to exacerbate my allergies a bit, the
larch is quite lovely in fall." Bryne quickly turned around and stretched
out his large calloused hand, and met with Anawen's. And with that, they began
their journey and her interview…
Anawen: We Rohirrim see you as Heortebryne when you visit in our fair kingdom,
while you are also Oromë and Protoguy to the other citizens of the Plaza.
Firstly, was Heortebryne a character you developed when you first entered
the Plaza, or did he develop later on?
PG: Hmmm, yes...there are moments when I don't feel quite like myself.
Fëa has helped me in this quite a bit. I go by many names. My Rohirric
name, Heortebryne, means Heart of Fire. I had been roaming Middle Earth as
Oromë but the Mark has always been my home. I had been visiting the Cavalry
pub for a while before I decided perhaps I should actually join the Cavalry
and be 'legal', so to speak. This was the moment that I took the name Heortebryne.
Of course, Heortebryne has always existed and had always been a warrior for
the Mark. He had been a soldier in one of the far-flung outposts but had left
to see if he could make a name for himself in Edoras. He had left his post
without informing his commander. This might have caused him to be seen as
a deserter by some, but his commanding officer didn't seem too concerned to
have him back.
So Bryne joined the Cavalry and became a trainee. Here he met his wife Fëa.
His first encounters with her were not what you would call poetry. Bryne has
problems you see. After a brief battle of wills, he finally accepted his fate
and her proposal and they became Bryne and Fëa. (Wee
Edit... Meh!)
Anawen: Where did you come up with the name Protoguy, as it doesn't seem
to be Tolkienesque in anyway shape or form?
PG: My given name is Guy. Other times I am Protoguy
or PG or simply, Peeg. The name Protoguy itself has a past. There was a smith
that worked the outpost where I was stationed named Jim. I called him Earthworm
Jim. Don't ask. He told me that artists, for that was my true calling, were
lower than protozoa, which are tiny foul little creatures that are too small
to see. So he began to call me Protozoa. However, there was already someone
named Protozoa. So I took my given name, Guy, and stuck it on the end and
became Protoguy. Some hold that proto means 'first' and this is sort of true,
but proto means more like 'early' as in first draft, unfinished. Like early
man in his first stages of development. So Protoguy is Early Guy with plenty
of room to evolve.
Anawen: Just how often do you get marriage proposals?
PG: I don't get proposals all that often. At
one point, an Elf-witch named Mori proposed and then immediately began marrying
me off to any and all who came along. I believe I ended up being unofficially
married to about 37 people. Not good. I believe my reaction was "GAH!!"
After many attempts to keep her at a distance, mostly for her own protection
(since people close to me tend to get attacked) I finally accepted
the inevitable and married Fëa. Once married, I found I had a family,
something I had avoided pretty strenuously for the same reasons. I now have
Aria as a daughter on the Plaza in addition to Prisca as a God-daughter. Both
sweethearts.
Anawen: Do you go running around the plaza breaking the hearts of women
in many kingdoms? And what would your wife have to say about this?
PG: I am not aware of any hearts broken on my account, though Laire,
the latest Elf-witch to propose to me, may say otherwise. My sweet Fëa
was not pleased by this and it took many hours and numerous yellow roses to
convince her that I had nothing to do with it and not to rend the Elf into
little bits.
Anawen: How long was it that you were simply a member before you were made
an administrator?
PG: Sounds like
a wrestling headline. I joined the Plaza on January 17th, 2002. 17 days after
it was opened. There were not a whole lot of people on the site in those days
and it was like a little disfunctional family. After being labeled Grumpy
by Vivienne, I was asked by Eru to be an Admin. I think this was less than
a month as a member.
Anawen: What originally brought you to the Plaza, and what kept you here?
PG: I came to the Plaza looking for quizzes. I love trivia and had
taken the onering.net's trivia test and was looking for more. Once here I
found the place to be quite special. I can't quite say why except the people
were nice and fun and of course it was Tolkien. Of all the reasons I could
name, I think the reason I stay is for the friends I've made. The Midnight
Society in Mordor was the place I hung around most. It got it's name for the
fact that at midnight Eastern US time, there weren't a lot of people on the
Plaza and a few of us gathered there to create mischief. This is where I met
El Sila and Luthy and Achoo and a few other members, some no longer with us.
I still consider El and Luthy two of my best friends here.
Anawen: How hard do you try to keep the member half away from the Admin
half?
PG: As for keeping
Admin and member halves seperate? I don't really. I don't know how others
see me except for the fact that I intimidate some, as Admin, but I've been
Admin so long, this is who I am on the Plaza.
Anawen: I see you online most of the time, at all hours of the day and night.
Just how often are you online, and what type of hours do you keep on the Plaza?
How does your job and/or lifestyle allow for such hours?
PG: I work as a
graphic artist. I work on computer all day long. As I'm working, I keep the
Plaza open and check on it ocassionally. This is how I can be there when needed
at almost all hours. Once I leave work, I usually pick up my daughter from
school and spend the evening with her, making dinner and maybe going to a
movie or something, then I get online once again and hang until about 2 in
the morning, on average. Then it's up at 7 to start over. Being a single dad
I don't get out much except to spend time with my kid.
Anawen: Do you dedicate time to be just a member, posting in forums or
RPing when possible? Or is this folly to attempt?
PG: I don't specifically take time to be a regular member and post,
I simply do it when my time as Admin allows. My personal life as well as my
Admin duties don't leave me lots of time to commit to any one thread or forum
so I tend to stay away from that sort of thing. I don't care for RPG too much
since they tend to go on way too long for me to commit to or to hold my interest.
Anawen: Is that perhaps why you enjoy the Riddermarket so, as it's a relatively
loose RPG, or do you just prefer torturing shoppers with your foul socks?
How ever did you convince Fëa to not burn them?
PG: That is one reason why I enjoy it. I'm having a lot of fun with
Bryne. It's nice to let go once in a while and play a complete loon. Though
I do find it hard to keep the lunacy going at times. No doubt you've noticed
that stress makes Bryne a little more clear-headed. When his Fëa is in
jeopardy and such. When everythings ok, that's when his little brain tends
to go on holiday. Fëa couldn't burn the socks because poor Bryne would
have cried, hehe.
Anawen: What forums and discussion topics are most likely to evoke a response
from you? I see you post quite often in the Tolkien: The Man forum, as well
as many of the threads that teeter on the religious line. Where else do you
frequent, and how often do you like to jump into a discussion?
PG: You hit the
nail with where I tend to post as a member. I am pretty much everywhere as
Oromë, but as Protoguy, I do tend to post most often in the threads that
discuss Tolkien and religion. It has been and always will be a pet peeve of
mine that people wish to appropriate Tolkien's work and genius and make it
their own. There seems to be a constant attempt by certain religious groups
to make his work be about them and their religion. I am very stubborn as most
people know, and do not sit still for what I feel very strongly to be completely
against what Tolkien has said his work is about and what it stands for. Some
feel that it means I am anti-Christian, but I am not. I was raised Catholic
and went to church and Sunday school until I was 14. I am not religious, but
am not anti-religion either. I simply do not believe that Tolkien wrote a
Christian story.
As for where else I frequent, I can be found in the Lore forums and Books
and sometimes in Poetry and Fan Fic as well as the pubs and Riddermarket in
Meduseld and the White Council.
Anawen: How long have you been a member of the Rohirrim Cavalry, as Heortebryne?
PG: I have been a member of the Cavalry in Meduseld for about four
or five months. I joined because I had been hanging out in there for a while
without being a member. At first it was simply a place to hang out. But then
I met Fëa and there was a reason for me to stay. As Admin I had become
used to going anywhere I wanted, but began to feel it was unfair of me to
be in a Cav only pub and not be a member of the Cav. Even though I was Oromë
and basically the Rohirrim God in residence, I felt it was the right thing
to do as a member. I didn't want to be treated like an Admin and felt it would
be odd to have a God as a trainee so I created Bryne.
Anawen: When did you first pick up Tolkien? What was it about his works
that turned you into the Tolkienite that you are today? What would be your
favorite work of Tolkien and why?
PG: I picked up Tolkien in 1983 while on a trip to New York. Actually,
I read ROTK first and then TTT and then FOTR. So yeah, I read it backwards.
Then I read it again the right way. After the second reading I burned through
the Silmarillion and Lost Tales and Unfinished Tales.
I don't know what it is about Tolkien that fascinates me. I suppose it's a
lot of things. The Elves are a large part of it. I have always loved their
stoic strength and character, their sadness, though the story of Beren and
Luthien has always been one of my favorites. The Lord of the Rings is simply
a masterpiece and so misunderstood by those who don't grasp it or can't see
past the Elves and Orcs. The depth of the story is amazing, the back story,
the history. The completeness of the world.
I love the Silmarillion, but I think the Lord of the Rings as a whole is my
favorite work, simply for the story. The characters in it have a seriousness
and a graveness that is completely lost in the movie.
Anawen: Just how many times have you seen Return of the King? What is
your perspective on the movie versions of the book… Does it do it justice?
PG: I've seen ROTK
4 times in the theater and I think it's a great movie and PJ did an amazing
job with a very difficult project. He deserves any accolades he gets for it.
That being said, I have many many problems with things he changed, simply
because I don't see the changes as improvements. Some changes I felt were
actually the opposite. Making Faramir such a weak character when he was supposed
to be so much stronger and wiser than Boromir was. Having Frodo tell Sam to
go home and to actually have Sam do it? That is a change of character that
I can never forgive PJ for. Bad enough making Frodo a weak little boy who
spent the majority of the film falling on his butt in fear, but his changing
of Sam that way is unforgivable. That and cutting out the one man who had
dedicated his life to Tolkien, Christopher Lee. To have his scenes end up
on the floor was a crime. Gimli going from the serious, grim Dwarf to comic
relief was hard to take too.
And then there were scenes that I felt were the pinnacle moments of the books.
Pippin dropping a small stone in the well and the tension and suspense of
the drumming and the buildup that followed became a comedic farce of slapstick
stupidness. The Witchking at the gate. Gandalf standing alone before him on
Shadowfax. The rooster crowing. The wind changing. I felt those scenes were
so cinematic even as I read them, and to change or leave them out is beyond
me.
Anawen: How much of your life revolves around Tolkien?
PG: My life as it revolves around Tolkien? A bit too much I'm sure,
but not as much as some. I don't dress up as an Elf or a Wizard and I don't
attend conventions, except for a trip to the Gathering, which was more about
meeting Plaza friends than it was the convention. I have a few toys and I
own Glamdring. That's about the extent of it.
Anawen: Are you an artist by profession, or as a hobby and
love? What subjects do you prefer working with (landscapes, objects, people,
etc.?)
PG: I am an artist for a living.
I work for a TV station in Orlando. I have been working in the Art field since
I got my degree in '84. I also paint on the side and am working towards getting
my work in a gallery. I don't have enough of a commitment to that right now
to make it happen though. Perhaps when life is kicking me around a little
less I can dedicate more time to it. Painting is what I'd love to be doing
for a living, but at the moment I can't give up the steady paycheck. Single
dad....
I have been inspired by Tolkien for years and have a few paintings to show
for it. Of my other works, most are landscapes, often from pictures I've taken.
I do have some odd interpretive pieces and the occasional portrait or still
life. My website has a few examples and is in my profile.
Anawen: "The Two Shores" is your latest work in the P & FF
forum, correct?
PG: "The Two
Shores" is my most recent work as a writer. I am happy with the way it
came out and it seems people are too. I don't want to give away too much of
the story for those who have not yet read it and who might after reading this,
but the man and the woman are nameless simply because I have no name for them
and they need none. I feel sometimes that names distract from the story and
take away from the universality of the characters. The reader should be able
to settle into the character as if it is themself and a name distracts from
that. I will say that the woman at the end is Nienna.
I don't know specifically what has inspired this story, but there are many
things in my life right now that have affected me tremendously both in real
life and on the Plaza. My divorce, the custody of my daughter as well as some
recent events surrounding all of that. I have recently been awarded sole custody
of my daughter due to some not-so-nice circumstances. I have also had my fair
share of Plaza drama and all of that tends to go into what I write.
Anawen: What might we look for in the future?
PG: As far as for
what I might write in the future? I have no idea. I tend to get an idea, sometimes
when I am driving home from work or something, and write it down very quickly
with little planning or editing. I wrote "The Two Shores" in about
an hour. The only revision I made was to change the title from "The Necklace".
I have a lot of writing hidden in P&FF and I may put links in my house
so people can find them. Maybe.
Anawen: Any last comments?
PG: I do not know
what to add other than to say I love the Plaza and the people in it. Even
the spammers. Without them I would have less to do. (No, that doens't mean
people should spam to make me happy). The Plaza is about Tolkien first and
foremost, but the real heart of the Plaza is the people in it. My time here
has been one of the most affecting events in my life as odd as that sounds,
but I have met some of the most wonderful people here and I can't see not
having that in my life. It has been an amazing two years. At times my both
immensely satisfying and fun and at others, heartbreaking and difficult, but
it has been amazing. So odd that a website could do that.
As he finished up his last statements, Anawen suddenly realized they were standing in front of their horses and back to where they began. Bryne was kind enough to help Anawen with her saddle, and in a dash he jumped on Nahar and disappeared into the twilight evening.
White
Council
White Council Ærendboda:
Thingoden: Feranfolc
As usual, there is no shortage of activity, both serious, and
less than serious, occurring in Isengard at the moment. The denizens of Isengard
have begun what will undoubtedly be a laborious, and comprehensive research
project on magic in Middle Earth. This is currently in the formative stages
of discussion and research, however by the time of printing some papers may
have been put forward. For those interested in lore, then keep an eye on this
thread here:
(http://www.lotrplaza.com/forum/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=34&TopicID=121747&PagePosition=1)
These are some of the topics that the Istari members are currently looking
at:
· Investigation of the connotation of a particular Istar's power as
it relates to the Vala said Istar serves.
· The staffs used by wizards are the physical permission and regulating
object from the Valar to the Istari.
· Investigation of ancient magical powers such as name power, song
power and female power.
· Lore magic vs Machinery
· Personal interpretation of magic in Middle Earth.
With all the madness that happened last month in both Isengard and Mordor,
it could be interesting to see how the 'The Trial of Sauron' progresses. The
defense are looking to get some of the charges dropped after Mo who was Sauron
is now Mandos, and Mandallah is now Sauron. Philthrandir is now Saruman, once
a cohort of Sauron, he is now leading the charge as the prosecution. The thread
is here, see if you can make head or tail of the current situation:
(http://www.lotrplaza.com/forum/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=34&TopicID=120114&PagePosition=1)
Just an update on the Parma Nolwe, for those interested in reading what the
wizards have to say on the books, March 22nd will see Roverandom the next
topic of discussion, here:
(http://www.lotrplaza.com/forum/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=34&TopicID=119604&PagePosition=2)
Horse Humor
Top
20 Euphemisms for Falling Off of Your Horse
Penny Lytscop: Feranfolc
We've all had our days where it seems that you spend more time jogging after your loose horse, and nursing a sore rump, than actually sitting atop your noble steed. But, as all good horsemen and women know, there's no better cure for a bruised behind than a good sense of humor. I therefore submit for your enjoyment...
Top 20 Euphemisms for Falling Off of Your Horse
20. Joining Airborne Equitation International (affectionately
known as AAEEEEEEEEEI!).
19. I'm in a transitional relationship with my saddle.
18. High-fiving a nightcrawler.
17. Swan dive (Water Optional).
16. Lunching at ouch cafe.
15. Spending a little quality time with gravity.
14. Checking your girth... from the bottom.
13. Journey To The Center Of Earth.
12. A quick trip to Dirtsville.
11. Trolling for paramedics.
10. Just seeing if the judge was paying attention.
9. A Richter-Scale-5 spot check of footing quality.
8. Insufficient flapping.
7. Studying impact craters at close range.
6. Spontaneous retrograde.
5. Pushing down daisies.
4. Turf surfing
3. Incoming!!
2. Vulture baiting.
And the Number One euphemism for falling off:
1. A Farewell to Fine Leather.
Special thanks to Styba,
who had contributed to this issue, and whose article was once again sucked into the void.