Ruler Ramblings
The Sayings of Siblings
Lady Ele Isenfolme
One thing about becoming the ruler of any Kingdom is that it gives you a whole new perspective. As a Rider, certainly, I was interested in other people and their contributions, but it always tended to be in the context of the activities of which I was already a part. Now… it's as if a new horizon has opened up. Suddenly I see the Kingdom as a whole. And I must say, it's one of the most amazing and humbling things. Meduseld, or the Riddermark as it has now become, is full of talented, creative, inspirational people, and you all show those skills and talents every day. I am unspeakably proud that I have been chosen to represent such a fantastic lot.
It is the fact that you are all so hardworking, dedicated and talented, that
gives me great hope for the Olympics which are just now beginning. I have
confidence that we can do whatever we set our minds to do, and so should you
all. Lift those banners high, three cheers for Imbe and Ides,
our Olympic team captains, and cheer loud - Forth Eorlingas!
From the Desk of the Héafodnótere
Éile
This month has seen quite a flurry of planning about our newly renamed kingdom, The Riddermark, as teams were coordinated for the Middle-earth Olympics, and events were developed for our upcoming Harvest Festival. Ele has smoothly settled into her new role as Éomer and the rulership of the Ele's already promises to be one the finest the Mark has seen.
For myself, this issue marks my first full month as editor of the Rædboda. While it has made for a busy month, it has been a wonderful and rewarding experience. Several new writers have either joined or rejoined us this month. (See the names below in bold.) I have been most happy to welcome them all. In addition to our new writers, we also have several new articles this month including a 'Comedy Column' from our Third Marshal, Éormed. Nearly 30 writers have contributed their ideas, and writing talent to the Rædboda this month to make it the newsletter you have before you now.
And last but certainly not least, the Rædboda could not be what it is without the efforts of our wonderful staff. Congratulations one and all! I look forward to working with you all in the months to come!
Anka ~ Bilfrobag ~ Boo Radley ~ Caewýn Sharrasi
~ Ciardwen ~ Culfinwen Lêoht ~ Deregaré ~ Elarith ~ Eldrith
~ Ele Isenfolme ~ Elestar ~ Éoarod ~ Éormed ~ Ereidemiel
~ Fëawen ~ Fyliwion ~ Gemætancwén ~ Goldmoon ~ Hobbithole63
~ Idesinholdè ~ Imbeannowyn ~ Larcwen ~ Minyadagniriel ~ Otori
Takeo ~ Penny Ærdæg ~ Rorina ~ Rosawyn ~ Scymrwendian
~ Sethiel Eluchil~ Silformona ~ Taethowen
News
and Tidbits
Silformona and Elestar
Meduseld Special Ranks for October: Silformona
As awaited every month the Meduseld SCRs were awarded not to long ago, the ceremony starting with our lovely King Éomer... awarding the Ranks,
Amadhrill, featured as the cute 'n' lovable Freda
Boo Radley (Twin Demon), awarded the Windfola
and last but not least, the lovely Caewýn Sharrasi as Háma!
The ceremony grew as people from all kingdoms, from Rohir to Elf, Minion to
Dwarf, creatures tall... and well, not so tall, came to show their gratitude
and congratulations.
The first of the awarded riders to appear was Boo Radley, formally known as Twin Demon, who said she chose the horse Windfola because, "Well, to start off, I love horses. But Windfola in particular is a horse I love, due to her part in carrying Éowyn and Merry all the way to Pelennor. Although she kind of ran off, her fear was understandable, *G*. I always get the chance to RP as a horse-rider, but I've always tried to add my horse's thoughts into the posts, yet it was harder. I thought it would be great to get a horse SCR to get the chance to RP as an animal I've always loved. Of course, I also love the name! I think it is one of the most beautiful horse names I have every heard... Except for my own. *G*"
Next to arrive was Caewýn Sharrasi who accepted her rank gracefully, "Really, I was happy to be given the chance to play any character in Rohan. I have always respected Háma, for being such a loyal doorward to King Théoden. I know I have always been someone who enjoys being in a respectable position and likes to lead, and Háma, as Captain of the King's Guard, most definitely falls into this category. It is truly an honour to wear the icon for the month."
And not far behind came in Amadhrill who, taking her new child's form, had one heck of a time, thanking those who had come to congratulate her, and the King and Queen for awarding her such an honor.
In honor of this month's SCR recipients, we have three new threads open! For Hama, we have Past Perfect- Helms Deep, for Freda we have Past Perfect-The Village, and for Windfola we have Past Perfect- Pelennor Fields.
Congratulations to the three receivers this month, may you enjoy your new
characters!
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Amadhrill |
Boo Radley
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Caewýn Sharrasi |
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|
 Windfola |
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Tribute Ranks for October: Elestar
The number of ATR's this month was significantly less than last month, though the recipients are, I am sure, no less deserving! The recipients of this month's ATR's were announced in the Administrators Messages forum, and I encourage you all to stop by and offer your own congratulations to these hard-working Plaza members.
Tabi Geinin received the icon of Pengolodh from Ander
Uhhh received the icon of Ungoliant from Mo
Tinw received the icon of Melian from Feawen
Eorlhelm received the icon of Eonwe from Alkthoniel
Beowulf received the icon of Osse from Arlo Cuthalion
Lail Lyftea received the icon of Urwen from Sere Feataurie
Fean ZaramUzbad received the icon of Thingol from Pip Reonyea,
and last but not least,
Oro received the icon of Turin Turambar from Protoguy
As you probably noticed, the icon of Turin Turambar is new among the ranks of ATR's this month. The product of the artistic Peeg, Turin received many compliments at the ATR ceremony this month. The once-bearded dwarf, Oro, had to suffer everyone to drool over and admire his new clean-shaven look for the month of October *g*! I am sure he enjoyed his time as an ATR this month, but I am also certain he will look forward to returning to his dwarvish appearance after October is over.
This being my first month writing this column, I attempted to interview the two Riders who represented our own Meduseld among the recipients of ATR's. Unfortunately, I did not succeed in conducting an interview with both Eorlhelm and Lail Lyftea, but I did manage to catch up with the latter.
Ræd: Why
do you think you received the ATR this month?
Lail: Uhh, no idea really! I guess, for my contributions to the Plaza
so far…and cause I'm so cool *g*
Ræd: How have you 'used' your icon
so far this month?
Lail: *laughs* I get a high salary… I haven't really had a chance
to RP the character at all. There was the RPG in the IK forum a while ago,
but it seems to have died muchly since then *g*. Oh! and I battled in the
arena…and lost *roffles*
Ræd: What do you like about your 'character'?
Lail: *giggles* She's Turin's sister which is completely awesome! He's
one of my favorite characters created by Tolkien. And she's so happy! What
happier name is there than Lalaith/laughter!
Ræd: If you could have chosen your
'character' would you have chosen Lalaith?
Lail: Hmm..that's really tough. I suppose she would've been my pick
out of all the ATRs so far. But, if I'd had the choice of anyone that'd been
really hard for me. I might have chosen Nienor instead *g*.
Ræd: Which of the icons is your favorite
so far?
Lail: Hmm...TURIN! And Ungoliant is pretty cool lookin'… though
Urwen is pretty too.
Ræd: How does Lailindeiel differ from
Lalaith?
Lail: She didn't die when she was three? Lalaith is a human, and Lail's
half elf. *g* Yeah yeah, I made it up when I was a newbie, thinking it was
original and stuff like that. I can't quite imagine Lail being *as*' happy
go lucky' as Lalaith.
Ræd: Have you enjoyed the change in
RPing different personalities?
Lail: Yeah… sometimes its gets sort of boring playing the same
types of people or the same character *g*. A change to the character's personality
and developing them more, or playing someone new is always fun!
Ræd: What was your initial reaction
when you found out that you were awarded an ATR for October?
Lail: Basically: O_O whoa!!!!!!*cannotbelieveit*--shock *g*.
Ræd: *g* What do you intend to do for
the remainder of the month as an ATR?
Lail: Hehe well, I hope to be able to RP Lalaith somewhere! And I must
say I can't wait until Halloweeen!!! *bounces*
Ræd: What kind of stuff do you enjoy
participating in on the Plaza in Meduseld and other Kingdoms?
Lail: Mostly RPG's and RPing anywhere… and the newbie stuff!!
Ræd: What is your favorite part of
the Plaza?
Lail: Oh dear! Does Meduseld in general count? I'd have to say all
the people and friendships that form, and of course the general love for Tolkien,
along with RPing in ME.
Ræd: I can't think of anymore questions,
but thanks for your time!
Lail: *g* No problem!
New Halls of Knowledge, Tomorrow... : Éile
What was that? The long anticipated Fourth Hall of Knowledge is almost ready? Well the word on the streets actually seems to be… tomorrow. Four of the five quizzes planned for the Fourth Hall are written and are currently being coded, it should be noted that Halfir has written three of these. In which case, perhaps tomorrow isn't such a bad thing, as it will provide much needed extra study time. Also, an additional three quizzes are to be added to the Third Hall. Here's what we'll be seeing…
Third Hall
Before the Rising of Arien (pre First Age), written by Arlo
The Food and Drink of Middle-earth, written by Achoo
Entish Lore, written by Collecthor and Morim
Fourth Hall
Tolkien, written by Halfir
People and Races, written by Halfir
The HoME Series, written by Halfir
Battles of Middle-earth, written by Arlo
Languages, (still in the works)
News
from the Cavalry
Behind the Spears
Éormed
INVASION: MINAS TIRITH
While the Cavalry rested from their journeys in Mundburg, a sudden sickness spread through the majority of the Rohirrim, sparing but a few. The knights of stronger will and body were able to shake it off, but many have fallen ill and some are even dying. The most common rumour is that an evil spy or some such character administered poison into the drinks at the White Boar Tavern where many warriors were making merriment with their fellows.
This unfortunate incident was not the only one of the night. Flying beasts including a varying number of fire-worms (depending on who tells the story) came out of thin air and attacked the city. The few Rohirrim that were still capable of action manned the inner towers and desperately fought them off, only to have these vile creatures attack our horses grazing on the Pelennor Fields. Fortunately, the steeds of the elite éoreds personally commanded by the Marshals had been brought within the city, and sallying forth from the gates they drove off the enemy.
Even stranger, there was no army to sack the city in its state of chaos; the purpose of the attack seemed merely to weaken it. The valiant Rohirrim returned to douse the flames and gather the wounded in the Houses of Healing despite their weariness. It is now morning, the city is in shambles, the Rohirrim are nearly exhausted, and yet still the King and his army is in danger somewhere in Gondor…
Back at home, our First Marshal Sicilius has returned after long absence but only to bid the Cavalry his final farewell. He will remain with us a short time to set some issues in order, but it is expected that soon after he will be leaving the Plaza indefinitely.
I'll miss ya, Sic.
Raciendas
þæra Talu Guild Report
Scymrwendian
October has been a rather slow month for Rohan's Lore Guild. Not to say we haven't been busy; in fact, we've been too tied up defending the Rohirric colors to spend much time discussing lore amongst ourselves. The Drill Season started up on October 4th and though the first match lasted a mere week, a second match soon followed. Beside this, many of the Raciendas-members took part in the recent Intrakingdom Debate. Taken together, it's not difficult to see why activity in the Guild was somewhat sporadic.
Needless to say, activity did not halt completely. Where September saw us energetically discussing the what-ifs of the Rohirric people concerned in the War of the Rings (What if Éowyn had not married Faramir? for one ). October found us moving on to discussing Rohirric traditions. Fhomasson suggested the topic and, as little is known about it, asked us to invent traditions that could have been part of Rohirric society. Our creative energy, when it could be spared from other activities, surged. I'm pleased to be able to say we created traditions both credible and interesting.
As I've written several times before, this short summary does not do justice to the source from whence it comes, so as always, I do suggest reading through the records (link below). We covered traditions in each person's life - the child's first horse - and the horse's passing, first hunt and education - as well as in the life of the village - the first ale, the year's harvest. It was interesting, to say the least. Discussing traditions also prompted a discussion on what we know or can assume about the social structure of the Rohirrim. Much is know about the structure of the Cavalry, but far less about how other aspects of the towns were run. Do they have a town counsel? If so, who is part of it? While we cannot find definitive answers - they simply don't exist - between us we could build an acceptable (to us, at least) theory of how a Rohirric town might have been run.
We are delighted to welcome a new member into our ranks - Hobbithole63 has become one of us (and with flying colors, I might add). As the name of the current thread shows, now is the time to join us; the Drill Season has just started up and we are all raring to go!
The Guild always welcomes new recruits - interested parties can take one
of the Raciendas þæra Talu-tests located in Gaebaswanærn.
The current Raciendas thread can be found here: Raciendas
þæra Talu X - Join Us!, and from there one can travel
back to older threads and discussions.
InterKingdom
Competitions
Elarith and Idesinholdè
Olympics Report: Elarith
The end of this month sees the opening of one of the most anticipated Plaza events this year - The Plaza Olympics! This time round the games are being hosted in the Black Land of Mordor. The Minions are currently making the final preparations to the Olympic Village of the Damned, where the competition's participants and officials will be well *cough* well taken care of...
The opening processions, featuring athletes from every Kingdom marching from the Morannon to Barad-Dûr, begins on the 27th of October. Fangorn leads the procession, a wise move by organisers given the Ents less-than hasty nature. Following them will be the Wizards of Isengard, the Dwarves of Khazad-dum, Lothlórien Elves and then the Gondorians. Afterwards come the Elves of Rivendell and our very own Rohirrim, with the Hobbits bringing up the rear being hotly pursued by the hosting Mordorian team.
Once the teams are assembled before the thrones of Sauron and the Witch King, the Rulers of Mordor will make their opening speeches. The actual events will begin on the 1st of November.
Appropriately for the home of the Ring-wraiths, nine different games are taking place, all with a suitably evil twist. Amongst these are The Gauntlet, a team relay across the Black Land; Splat Staircase, in which climbers aim to reach the top of the stairs without falling off or encountering Shelob; and Doomed in Mount Doom, a Mordorian version of bungee-jumping. All events are sure to be great fun, although the possibility of maiming and/or death for unsuccessful contestants is a strong possibility.
Back here in Meduseld, the Rohirrim were queuing up to get involved, and Rohan is proudly able to enter a team for every event. A team banner is in the works, and our Olympic organizers/captains are Imbeannowyn and Idesinholdè. We're sure they will be leading our side to victory! Forth Eorlingas!
All event rules and answers to any questions can be found at the Mordorian Olympic HQ.
For those Rohirrim competing in the Olympics, remember to check the Meduseld
Olympic Team Kingdom Thread,the Meduseld
Olympic Team HQ, and the The
Olympics: Cheer and Shout.
InterKingdom Competition Forum:
Idesinholdè
She has done it again. Yupp it is a Firvey, it's the firveys to end all firveys! In case you don't know, a Firvey is a survey created by Fireose Arien. They have become quite famous (and popular) as they have fun questions, and are known to be quite long. I don't know how long it took her to do it, but she has created a firvey with a 1000 questions! An ebil suvey in honor of her ebil 666 days on the plaza. And yes, amazingly enough, no question is the same. Questions you will get range from, "Do you not like to talk to people?" to "Do you think Photoshop is the greatest gift to mankind?" I do admit that these questions are taken a little out of context, as all questions one way or another is related to the previous one, showing us how the mind of a certain elf works. Surprising amounts of people are filling out the survey, which is already on its second thread cheerfully locking up computers as it goes.
In honor of the Halloween season, we have, Fëa`s Possessed Halloween Contest. As you might gather from the name it is a costume party/contest. Vairë has created several costumes when worn, will change the wearer's appearance from head to toe. You are to describe the costume, how it looks like, how you feel in it etc. It has to be something from Middle Earth, and not already worn by someone at the party. Vairë only feels like weaving it once. It is a costume ball, so seeing Stauron and The Pink Coney dancing together, might occur, you never know. As in any good contest, prices are given, here up to four of them, the judges, and the creators are, Lady ~Gwaihir~, and Lady Vairë.
Due to some unauthorised opening of threads, an announcement has been made;
you are not to open threads in the Inter Kingdom Competition Forum with out
R/A permission. A thread for requesting threads has been created… IK
Forum Headquarters.
Perhaps the most interesting thing that has happened in the Riddermarket
was a fiasco of sorts in Lytscop's Teas. It all started when the Pferd Stuffy
disappeared from the premises of the AUR. A ransom photo led the deprived
GAURdians of the Pferd Stuffy to believe that Penny Ærdæg (owner
of Lytscop's Teas, and eternal fiancé of AUR High Grand Poobah, Pellakal
Aglæca) was the kidnapper.
And so, in an enthusiastic flurry, Watsyn, Leilock, and Halladan, elite members
of the DeltAUR FAURce, invaded Lytscop's Teas demanding answers. Penny has
denied everything, and the Pferd Stuffy is still missing.
Meanwhile, preparation has begun for the annual Harvest Festival. The festival
is being held in the Riddermarket this year, and will certainly be a fun time
for all! Not all the activities have been decided yet, but there are several
that look promising. All suggestions are welcome, at the Planning
Thread, so please feel free to give your input!
Kingdom
House Feature
Moonlight Meadows
Elestar
During my recent and first visit to the Moonlight Meadows, I found myself silently enjoying the different activities offered there. Owned by Meduseld's own Anka, Moonlight Meadows is a very long-standing establishment among Rohan's roster of houses. The house itself was founded well over a year ago, though Moonlight Meadows had its beginnings long before then. I had the good fortune of catching up with Anka, Moonlight Meadows' lovely owner, who graciously answered all of my questions.