[QUOTE=D_Odds]
…I’m just a simple man from Dale, StarHarp. Don’t have centuries to learn etiquette. Just want to protect my home and feed my kin. I’ll let the Kings and Princes worry about etiquette. Me, if you ever want to know what I’m thinking, you just have to ask. - Brin
[/QUOTE]
Don’t know why, but I’m starting to envision a young Clint Eastwood as Brin.
[QUOTE=D_Odds]
I’m just a simple man from Dale, StarHarp. Don’t have centuries to learn etiquette. Just want to protect my home and feed my kin. I’ll let the Kings and Princes worry about etiquette. Me, if you ever want to know what I’m thinking, you just have to ask. - Brin
[/QUOTE]
Some etiquette is such that the practical man need not concern himself with. One may go many years not needing to know which knife to use at the fish course of the King’s banquet, nor whether the mayor of a town of five thousand sits nearer the salt than the second son of a banneret. Still, some of the subject is hardly secret knowledge, such as only he possesses who has the craft of building ships to sail into the West.
adjusts harp strings, essays a scale or two
For instance, when speaking of the Men of Dale, we need not concern ourselves overmuch with the simple fact that the One has not shaped all his Children alike. We may speak rather:
major arpeggio
of the glory that was Dale in the days of Girion its ancient lord, when the valleys rang with music and the laughter of children, and the sons of men and the King under the Mountain were as brothers. We may speak -
modulation into a sombre mode
even of the coming of the Worm, of the wasting of Dale and the ruin of Thror’s folk, and of the long desolation of Smaug; until hope came through the humble, weak and timid beyond the foretelling of the Wise, and a brave bowman fought to his last shaft amid the burning of Laketown, and the Dragon was brought low…
triumphant chord
by Bard’s mighty shot!
And of how Dale was made anew under its grim but true-hearted King, after the bloody battle fought by five armies, and Lake and Mountain and Wood became friends again, and the river ran with gold, until a new shadow arose…
Recapitulates previous theme
We may speak of how the folk of King Brand and King Dain stood firm before the assault that fell on the North; of how King Brand shirked not his place in the battle, and how Dain the Venerable stood over the body of his friend until the sun set. And we may speak of how the heroism of all valiant folk brought freedom, and their sons and their sons’ sons forget not the honour of their forefathers, and shield still the simple and the artless against all who would do them harm.
Such is the etiquette of the practical man - to speak fair words of fair deeds, in days gone by, days present, or days yet to come.
perfect cadence.
Thoroncir is of the race of Men, 20 years old, born and raised in Linhir, a seaport-town in Lebennin, Gondor, above the mouth of the River Gilrain, south of Minas Tirith. His family have long been humble fisherfolk and seamen. His grandfather fought under Thorongil, now King Elessar, in his struggles with the Corsairs of Umbar. Thoroncir (Sindarin “Eagle-ship”) proved his mettle as a mariner and a swordsman in the King’s ships on voyages and adventures along the southern coast and out into the great sea to the West, becoming a sea-knight of Linhir last year. Sent as a messenger to the Court at Minas Tirith a few months ago, he happened to meet Princess Gilraen, one of the King’s daughters, and fell in love at once, although he kept his feelings well-hidden. Having experienced much of life at sea, he now wishes to try his hand at adventure and service to the King ashore, hoping always to see Gilraen again and prove himself worthy of her love.
Thoroncir is tall, dark-haired and bright-eyed, fiercely loyal to Gondor, slow to anger but implacable in battle. He is strong and steady, but soft-spoken, courteous, reserved, humble and somewhat naive.
[QUOTE=glee]
Sorry to repeat myself, but I won’t have a hand to hand weapon (apart from casting one spell once per day, which only last 1 round per level :eek: ).
However I should be useful calling on plants and animals to fight for us, and healing the brave front-rank.
[/QUOTE]
Not just plants and animals. In a few levels you’ll get your hands on Call Woodland Beings and can lay your hands on some really esoteric critters to guard your flanks.
In fact, with the right dice-rolls you could be a Wose between two fauns. 
This looks like it could be fun. We have a good mix of Tolkein Scholars, Tolkien Enthusiasts and different experiences with D&D 1st edition itself.
In all cases, I will endeaver to find ways to keep the game moving an not bog down into 3 weeks for a single encounter. 
I will also try to avoid railroading. Any objections to a campaign that gets you involved directly with the on going wars and Eldarion himself?
I am going to start working up some of the characters tonight.
Did everyone receive an Email with the large Zip file successfully?
[QUOTE=appleciders]
What Exit, I’ve been reading the attachment you sent- in the Material Components list, spells with a “V” must be spoken, with an “S” have a hand movement associated with the, and with an “M” have a material component, yes? And this being 1st edition, I don’t worry about school specialization directly. Ok, got it.
[/QUOTE]
You have got it. When I build your character and include your spell book, I will also include what the spells do. At least that document gives you an idea of what is available.
BTW: used copies of the 1st edition Player’s Handbook are available.
Amazon.com 25 used & new available from $2.42
There is apparently a Digital file available for download for $5.95 (I may order that myself, very interesting)
Jim
Got the big zip, thanks. Anything we need to pay close attention to at the moment?
Got the big zip too. I have sent a copy of my character summary to What Exit, but I think I need to shorten it and simplify before I post it here.
[QUOTE=Malacandra]
Got the big zip, thanks. Anything we need to pay close attention to at the moment?
[/QUOTE]
I think the Weapon penetration chart.
[QUOTE=What Exit?]
I think the Weapon penetration chart.
[/QUOTE]
Ah. Excuse me while I reset my mental clock 25-odd years… Avoid anyone wearing anything heavier than chain, then; leave them to the guys with the tin-openers.
[QUOTE=What Exit?]
I think the Weapon penetration chart.
[/QUOTE]
I think I can summarize my battle prowess as “RUN!” I can block reasonably and that’s about it. Gotcha.
[QUOTE=Malacandra]
Ah. Excuse me while I reset my mental clock 25-odd years… Avoid anyone wearing anything heavier than chain, then; leave them to the guys with the tin-openers.
[/QUOTE]
You have the wrong attitude, you stategically stand back and fire 3 shots per round into the Tin Can. Thus softening him for the brave front line fighters. (Who cares if you miss once or twice) Alternately, you pick off those annoying leather and scale wearing Orc while the Dwarves & Fighters take down the armored Uruk Hai. Those pesky Orcs would just be sneaking in flank attacks if not for you.
This reminds me, the Rider may want to take Lance over Spears and both the Rider and Man of Gondor might want to consider the Bastard Sword with its better penetrations, especially when used two handed.
Send me those full character synopsises, I am starting on Glee (Male Wose Druid Ghan-buri-ghan)
Jim
[QUOTE=What Exit?]
Send me those full character synopsises, I am starting on Glee (Male Wose Druid Ghan-buri-ghan)
Jim
[/QUOTE]
Some days you just get lucky! 
[QUOTE=What Exit?]
You have the wrong attitude, you stategically stand back and fire 3 shots per round into the Tin Can. Thus softening him for the brave front line fighters. (Who cares if you miss once or twice) Alternately, you pick off those annoying leather and scale wearing Orc while the Dwarves & Fighters take down the armored Uruk Hai. Those pesky Orcs would just be sneaking in flank attacks if not for you.
This reminds me, the Rider may want to take Lance over Spears and both the Rider and Man of Gondor might want to consider the Bastard Sword with its better penetrations, especially when used two handed.
Send me those full character synopsises, I am starting on Glee (Male Wose Druid Ghan-buri-ghan)
Jim
[/QUOTE]
No, I have the right attitude - I’ve been saying for a number of posts now that I’ll be staying out of hand to hand as much as possible, and the appearance of tin cans will only strengthen my resolve. Ghân’s Heat Metal will teach 'em, though.
Funny you should mention bastard sword at this juncture though.
Now, what I need is some bodkin arrowheads made of nice hardened steel…
[QUOTE=Malacandra]
Not just plants and animals. In a few levels you’ll get your hands on Call Woodland Beings and can lay your hands on some really esoteric critters to guard your flanks.
[/quote]
Well (in 3 levels time) I will be torn between that spell and Cure Serious Wounds.
Gotta keep those Fighters going!
[QUOTE=Malacandra]
In fact, with the right dice-rolls you could be a Wose between two fauns.
[/QUOTE]
Surely you mean that a Wose by any other name would smell as sweet?!
[QUOTE=glee]
Surely you mean that a Wose by any other name would smell as sweet?!
[/QUOTE]
I was a bit in doubt about having a Wild Man in the party… but, hey, Woses grow on you.
[QUOTE=D_Odds]
I’m a Ranger with tracking ability, or as I call myself, an advance scout.
[/QUOTE]
You are a brave man and I salute you. 
[QUOTE=What Exit?]
Don’t overlook the use of the Blowgun at very short range and the Entangle Spell. Very handy to help the bowyers and long arm users.
[/QUOTE]
I am all for this - though Entangle does take 3 segments.
How fast would a typical Orc move in this time?
Can I assume that normal terrain in Middle Earth provides plenty of plants for Entangle?
[QUOTE=appleciders]
We’ve got three solid front line fighters (my brother, the knight of Gondor, and the Dwarf), two who will be able to engage if necessary (the Elf and the Ranger), and the burrahobbit, who will probably engage anyway. I think you and I will be fine hanging back. Now, about the Elf and the Ranger- I’ll put 10 gp on the Elf. I think he’s too quick for the Ranger to catch.
What Exit, I’ve been reading the attachment you sent- in the Material Components list, spells with a “V” must be spoken, with an “S” have a hand movement associated with the, and with an “M” have a material component, yes? And this being 1st edition, I don’t worry about school specialization directly. Ok, got it.
[/QUOTE]
Your analysis is spot on.
May I say that Druids tend to have more health than Magic Users, so if you cast your spells as well as you post, Ghan-Buri-Ghan will be prepared to intercept an attacker to ensure you can safely cast. 
[QUOTE=Malacandra]
No, I have the right attitude - I’ve been saying for a number of posts now that I’ll be staying out of hand to hand as much as possible, and the appearance of tin cans will only strengthen my resolve. Ghân’s Heat Metal will teach 'em, though.
[/QUOTE]
I affect 1 opponent per level and there’s no save unless the Armour is Magical…
…why it’s like casting a ‘remove armour’ / ‘detect magic’ all at once!
[QUOTE=glee]
I am all for this - though Entangle does take 3 segments.
How fast would a typical Orc move in this time?
Can I assume that normal terrain in Middle Earth provides plenty of plants for Entangle?
[/QUOTE]
A typical orc might move 9" in a minute so roughly 3" in 3 segments. However, Orcs and most creatures are allowed to charge and thus move 5.4" in 3 segments. A fast Orcs may go 7.2" in that time and a very fast scout 9".
Gondor, Arnor, Rohan & Greenwood are all great for Entangle. Harad and Mordor, not so much.
I’ll mention here, the **Barkskin ** provides a B armor penetration, that is equivilent to Plate Armor.
The **Prot. from Fire spell ** remains up on the Druid himself until the Hit Points blocked is reached.
Your character is nearly ready to send out for review.
You’ll need to send back your starting traveling spell list at that point and any correction/changes you would like to affect.