After the flurry of news and activity in Lórien last month, it was something of a relief to find things settling down again in October. However, there's still plenty going on to keep everyone occupied!

The main activity this month has been I Vereth Firith - The Festival of Season Fading. Although just after dawn, the Elves and visitors are up and about, taking part in the various activities on offer over on the Lawn of Activities. The Fortune Telling Tent, which offers scrying, dream interpretation, palmistry, astrology and horoscopes, has been busy dishing out their predictions to curious customers. The Dueling Arena and Archery Range have seen people brushing up on their combat skills in a (relatively) safe environment. A less energetic activity is the Circle of Tales, where visitors can sit and recount their stories or simply listen to others tell their own. Whilst all this is going on, musicians have been providing some glorious songs, which have been a real treat for the ears.

Elsewhere in the Festival, the merchants have been doing a roaring trade down on Vendor's Lane. The Garment Crafters and Lothlórien Jewellery Association seem very popular, but there are numerous other goods on sale, including blown glass creations, candles, and weaponry. If all this shopping gets to be too much, there's always plenty of refreshment to be found at the Gardens of Lórien Café.

Although it's autumn everywhere else on the Plaza, winter seems to have struck early in the Golden Wood! A recent snowstorm has left Lórien lying under a thick blanket of snow, which would be a problem in other Kingdoms, but is no matter to the light-footed Elves who can simply walk over it. The Elves and visitors are currently enjoying the snow-filled fun, but is the snow as innocent as it appears? And what is that sound?

Like the rest of the Plaza, Lothlórien is gearing up for next month's Olympics over in Mordor. A surprising number of Elves have volunteered to visit the Black Land, given the somewhat hostile reception they have received there in the past. Teams are being arranged for almost all events, as well as the Kingdom banner and parade being organised. We can expect to see a good turn-out for Lórien in the Games, though it's not certain how many Elves will survive to make the return journey...

The Galadhrim are busy updating their Kingdom Page at the moment, and are submitting their artwork and poetry. From the contributions so far, it looks set to be a striking page when it's finished! In addition, a survey is being conducted to discover people's thoughts on Lórien since its creation is underway. R/A's are filling out their responses at the moment and then it will be the turn of the other Plaza members.

(Back to top)

  Minas Tirith
Tidings from the White City
Minas Tirith Ærendboda: Sethiel Eluchil: Feranfolc

Last year's hosts of the first Middle Earth Olympics have taken a back seat as Mordor has planned the Dark Games this year. At the eve of their Opening Ceremonies, Minas Tirith bustles in preparation for the Olympiad. Most of the athletes have already left the city and are enroute to Mordor even as I write!

As I found out quite soon on my last trip to Minas Tirith, Laielinwen's Poetry Palace was buzzing with entries to this month's poetry contest. The theme was Queen Berúthiel, one of the few queens of Gondor to be immortalized in the minds of the common folk largely because of her 10 magical, spying cats. Some of the poems entered were lighthearted tales of the ancient Queen's mischief, while others were chilling discourses on her mysterious exile. The results of this month's contest have not been decided as of yet, but if you visit the Poetry Palace, archives of the entries are available for reading by the public.

After exiting the Poetry Palace in the Sixth circle, I jetted over to the nearby Naith’s Tower of Tales in the Telling, hoping I had not missed too much of the story. Very happy to have not, I settled down and listened to the continuation of the story, Addicted and Annoying. I marveled many different times at the skill in which the many different bards continued each others' words so seamlessly and flawlessly. After what seemed like far too short a time, I realized I had spent most of the morning and afternoon in first the Poetry Palace, and now the Tower of Tales. Needing fresh air, I exited quietly and made my way to the lower levels of Minas Tirith.

While I was ambling through the many streets and passageways of the White City, I came upon a street in the Third circle that I have never before visited. I asked a nearby Gondorian the name of the street we were in, and was told that it is called Pub Row. I was also told that it acts as a temporary home to various themed pubs that occur in the White City. I had walked only a short way up the street when the hair on my arms stood straight up. Venturing a quick peek into the closest window, I was horrified to find that I was looking into what was apparently a Pub of the Dead. Needless to say, I exited that section of the Third circle quite speedily, vowing to myself to venture back into it on another day to see what other secrets Pub Row holds.

After my rather traumatic experience with Pub Row, I decided that a visit with my friend Harbottle O. Goelightly at the Horn of Gondor Pub was just what my frazzled nerves required. So, I made my way down to the second circle and through the Marketplace and into the familiar Pub…

(Back to top)

  Mordor  
Pleas from the Dark Lands
Mordor Ærendboda: Deregaré: Feranfolc

And so last month, with the arrival of Rohanna to the throne of the Witchking, I had hoped that this troubled kingdom would now have two rulers that would last longer than the previous rulers. Alas, 'tis not so. Loke has, due to the unfortunate call of RL, had to resign. Not a new face in Valinor, Mandallah has been reinstated as Lord Sauron, may his reign of terror be a long and dreadful one.

Apologies for the numerous mistakes in my reporting of the last month's Mordor SCRs. It would be a shame to not honour the people who manage to achieve the amazing feat of bearing one of Mordor's SCR icons. So without further ado, this month's Mordor SCRs were as follows:

Firefly: Mumak rider, for working so hard behind the scenes to ensure Dark Games success.

Miriel Arien: Khamul, for co-winning Minion of the Month, the stealthlike racer Míriel Arien gets to be the essence of stealth.

Aure: Easterling, for co-winning Minion of the Month, and because she simply adores the showy chapeau, Aure is given the Easterling once again.

Congratulations to you all, the icons themselves are a privilege hard-earned!

These days, Mordor is overrun with preparations for the upcoming games of 'Olympic proportions' also known as the 'Dark Games', beginning November 1st. As part of the prep work, there have been a series of short games for thread running minions to test themselves and their victims… err… athletes set up.

Elsewhere in Mordor, the delightful terror that seems to run around Mordor, inciting people, seems to have arrived in the 'Evil? You? *cackles*' thread, a pre-Olympic personality test to see just how evil the peoples of Mordor truly are. Do you really want to know?

Finally, the One Ring has been stolen, by Winddancer, no less. And it's the minions' job to capture her in Tunnels of Terror. As a reward for those minions that do capture her, they are allowed to live!

(Back to top)

  Rivendell  
Busy, Busy Elves...
Rivendell Ærendboda: Idesinholdè & Silformona: Feranfolcs

Well, the celebration of the Enedhoer Festival is wrapping up in October, with most of the competitions ending and winners being declared:

For the Horse Races, the Rider Rossilíndë took first, followed by Webit (of the Shire) and Viktor Xavier (of Gondor). Another one of our very own, Boo Radley (Twin Demon) won the Rivendell Enedhoer Archery Competition- a three-way tie with Samuraielf, and Elron Qel Droma. There was also the Barrel Racing Contest, won by Thom Greenleaf and a Cooking Competition, won by Ancalima* (followed by Webit in second, and our very own Searogim tied with Mor Olnathron in third). And in the Hunting Contest Soronúmë placed first followed by Firien Echui, and Elvinhome. Winners are still be decided for the Wood Carving Contest and the Obstacle Course which are still in session.

As with all other kingdoms, Rivendell is preparing for the Middle Earth Olympics. Their signing up thread is full, and contests are being run for banner designs and Olympic correspondents.

While The Last Alliance continues to battle it out at Dagorlad, back home a newbie RP training has begun, called A Scouting Expedition. This is an excellent way for newbies to RPGs, to get some experience.

Dol Guldur -The Necromancer's Tower, is in full swing right now. There are 25 players, of all races, and they are to attempt to conquer the fortress of Dol Guldur. There will be 10 challenges each along the way. Some will be puzzles; some will be tests of knowledge. There is a 48 hours posting time limit, from the time the challenge is posted. If you don't make the time limit, you are out of the game. Lilu Pereldar is running the activity.

It seems they once again feasting in Rivendell, a feast of the First Snowfall. The Menu looks delicious, and fun is to be had, as with the first snowfall comes the obligatory snowball fights.

(Back to top)

  The Shire
A Shortcut to Mushrooms, and So Much More...
The Shire Ærendboda: Goldmoon: Feranfolc

Welcome to your monthly report done by none other than Goldmoon who is very nervous due to this being her first report. There has been a lot going on in the shire this month and getting on with it let me say this. "Welcome all Proudfoots and feets, hope you enjoy!"

This month we watched as preparations were made for the grand opening of the Harvest Ball. The occasion to mark the end of the growing season and the approach of Autumn and Winter. There is singing, dancing, music, food, and a special foot washing by one Golden Elf. The unfortunate elf was caught in a kidnapping attempt upon poor Rosie and ended up with this job as punishment. All visitors who belong to the Shire Organization are allowed to attend. There is quite a wonderful time to be had there. There was also a Harvest Poetry Contest with the winner, Maurachel, reciting his winning contribution as well. A Harvest Art Contest is currently underway with judges Sam and Rosie yet to announce the winner.

Onto more news we have The Shire Jeopardy Game, which is finishing round one as we speak. The top three teams will advance to round two.

Also going on, a new game called "A Middle Earth Game: Who Am I." People are given a one-word clue to Middle Earth characters. They can ask two questions each. The person who answers correctly gets to provide the next clue.

For more entertaining news we have the ongoing and most silliest: "Produced in the Shire: TV Shows and Films Made in Middle Earth." This is a funny thread where all from any kingdom can adapt a TV show or film to Middle Earth.

The Periannath Walking Club is still on its way to the seashore. Now in it's fourth thread, only
1/4 of the way there, the Hobbits and friends will for the first time get to see waves, sand, and beaches. A most exciting experience to say the least!

On a sadder note, we also saw the leaving of Marigold, because of illness. Taking her place as Deputy Sherriff is the one and only Emmi-Lou Bloom.

And in celebration of a second year anniversary for Rusur, a pub was opened, Shire Pub of Robust Rusur’s Recent Anniversary, where alliteration is the name of the game as one has to use as many words beginning with the letter R as possible, quite the challenge for local wordsmiths.

Well there you have it my friends. All in a hobbit-sized nutshell. Twas an interesting month for me in the Shire and to be involved with reporting the coming and goings of the periannath. I have enjoyed it tremendously. Until next time. Your roaming reporter, Goldmoon!

(Back to top)

  White Council  
Life and Times of the Istari
White Council Ærendboda: Penny Ærdæg & Otori Takeo: Feranfolcs

An Arda-shattering decision is being made this month in the White Council. The opportunity to change the name of the kingdom has been presented, and the wizards are casting their ballots. So far, suggestions for a new name have ranged from simply "Isengard" to "The Istari- Emissaries of the Valar." It appears that, at this point, a final decision is still quite far off, but be sure to keep an eye out (or a palantir).

Ever wonder if Lady Éowyn faced consequences for sneaking into the army of the Rohirrim and impersonating a soldier? Ever have your doubts about whether or not she's a natural blonde? Puzzle no more, for Éowyn is on trial in the White Council! Eowyn's attorney, Mithhen, is doing her best to present a strong case, as the presiding judges throw small objects at each other and observers eat popcorn and hand out buttons reading "Guilty as Sin" or "Keep an Éopen Mind." Drop in and support your queen in her fight for blonde liberty and freedom of impersonation!

In honor of Barrow-Wights Ween, the Wizards have opened a Tricks and Treats Shop! Arrange to send a delicious treat to a friend, such as Dead Marshes Toffee or Spicy Balrog Brains. Or you can deliver a surprise to a foe (or friend, for that matter…) such as a batch of Orc's Blood Pudding or Elf Fingers!

The Spooky Spirit has taken over other aspects of WC life as well! Drop by the Old Angren Street Market for a bit of trick-or-treating. The costumes are fantastic, so make sure you dress up to blend in! Over at Music Mages and Poetry Potentates, Derom Simalókë has challenged the wordy wizards to write creepy poetry for Halloween.

Also at MM&PP, but on a less sinister note, an Anthology Across the Ages project has been announced by Derom. He has been working on the anthology for quite some time now. It contains poetry collected by wizards and former wizards, and covers a time span of over 1000 years. Also included are notes and essays complied by wizards, as commentary on the collected poems. This already-impressive collection will be continued indefinitely and promises to be a great accomplishment of many dedicated wizards.

As usual I arrived late, this time to an interview with Grey Pilgrim and Arwe Thereyet the two new appointed rulers of the White Council, Gandalf and Saruman, respectively. I have never had such a wonderful experience. I enjoyed every bit of the interview and here it is for you all to enjoy as well. I hope you have a blast just like I had. My favorite quote from the interview was: "Grey Pilgrim: many colours means you can wear anything, no clashing."

(back to top)

To Meduseld News | To Entertainment and Education