[EVENT] Hûd in Eledhrim (Hall of Fire Wednesday) Elf themed event

[Fionnuala]

Hmm, well - t'is a gathering where the Elves convene, talk, dance, eat and drink.

What I meant is, entertainment isn't the purpose and focus of the event like it is with, say, Weatherstock. RP interaction is the focus of the event. And I mean entertainment in the sense of a concert or a movie where you just sit back and are entertained. Obviously we all find RP entertaining or we wouldn't be doing it.

[Amorey]

We hobbites tend to avoid confrontations and getting involved in arguments and such...we are just peace-loving simple folk who like nothing better then a lovely tune, a dance and a few pies. Of course a heated argument in the middle of a performance can be disrupting ...but it can happen. My Pa used to say :

"When an argument flares up, the wise hobbit quenches it with silence"

Let us all forget about what happen in the hope that from now on all will remember that weapons and harsh words can be wielded outside of The Last Homely House. I am sure both me and Primmrose will be back

*waves at Primmy*

And Lord Glingaeron...I shall hope to have a few more drawing of the evening next week if I can make it to Rivendell.

[Khalis_Laurelin]

Well it was nice to see a few well dressed hobbits there. In fact there were so many people from so many kins and many un kinned which was also great to see. There was a lot of small discussions going on and people mingled well from what i saw in my time there.

Weeeeeee to the HoF event.

[2ElfCrew]

Disputes aside (it was really a marvelous example of staying IC, actually, on the part of the spear-holder), I had an absolutely excellent time with Manadhlaer, my Teleri minstrel (you can see her playing the lute in one of Duissane's screenshots). Absolutely everybody made me feel welcome, and really that one event makes me entirely happy to have rolled a character on Laurelin. I did so in the hopes of finding quality Elf RP, and I found it.

Actually, I found some interesting RP on the way there, too. I stopped at the Prancing Pony, and discovered a Perian and a Naugrim making lovely music together -- at least, until they were interrupted by a very, very rude Man who kept insisting his songs were better. The annoyance was so persistent that the Hobbit, two Dwarves, another Elf, and I all walked out and settled by a pond near Staddle to play music peacefully by ourselves. That musical duo also did a superb job of acting in character -- and this was a perfectly random gathering!

So yes, I'm enjoying Laurelin already.

[Harperelle]

I thought the RP aspect of the event made a wonderful compliment to the entertainment aspects. Its true that Ales and Tales is a larger gathering, but that is because it casts a much larger net. It moves from week to week, invites RP and nonRP alike, and has no restrictions to level, class or race. Ales and Tales tends to be a social event that you bring your character to. Sometimes that leads to some light RP, sometimes its just nice to have a shared experience with the community, sometimes its a place to have your creative works listened to.

I really like what I've seen in the Laurelin events so far and its given me some ideas for things to do on Landroval. Particularly the Exiles of the Riddermark RP series I plan to organize leading up to the Rise of Isengard. From what I've seen so far, having a second RP server is not sucking players from Landroval or overwhelming Laurelin, but just giving us all a larger community to participate in. And that is a wonderful thing.

--Harperella

P.S. Regarding weapons--I had fun with this for many months when Javelarry, the Original Pointy Post-hobbit, always showed up bristling with spears. I would call him out and make him strip his gear gear amid his many complaints. I know he shows up armed for bear just to have a go at us. This weekly "Disarming of the Larry" was a fun and easy way to let everyone know to put down their arms.

[Laurefinde]

Just a question about the actions of Elves toward other Elves. It has been my belief, pardon my Tolkien geekiness, that Elves can see the truth in other Elves for their spirits are more easily seen and their intents are more easily recognized. Is this not true? So in retrospect an Elf, even a wild and distrustful forest Elf, could probably see the honesty in other Elves who ask that weapons be removed, whereas a Dwarf or a Man might be quite different.

Regarding the disruption it was good roleplay in spite of the way it interfered with the entertainment. I just wondered that it continued for longer than necessary. No offense meant to the roleplayers involved.

[Fionnuala]

Just a question about the actions of Elves toward other Elves. It has been my belief, pardon my Tolkien geekiness, that Elves can see the truth in other Elves for their spirits are more easily seen and their intents are more easily recognized. Is this not true? So in retrospect an Elf, even a wild and distrustful forest Elf, could probably see the honesty in other Elves who ask that weapons be removed, whereas a Dwarf or a Man might be quite different.

Do you have a reference for that? I can't say I ever got that impression, but I might have missed something. Either way, I don't see how The Silmarillion would make sense as a story if it were true. Wouldn't someone have seen right through Maeglin?

[Laurefinde]

Do you have a reference for that? I can't say I ever got that impression, but I might have missed something. Either way, I don't see how The Silmarillion would make sense as a story if it were true. Wouldn't someone have seen right through Maeglin?

I will try to find my references, it could be that I read it in one of Tolkien's letters and I also believe there is a form of saying the ability to read the truth in the discussion of marriage and the choice of a marriage partner. Regarding Maeglin and honesty in general among Elves, I suppose it would be very likely that Maeglin could avoid the questions that would lead to revealing his deceitful behavior.

[Sarathaela]

Here are some screenies from last night ^_^

[oldbadgerbrock]

Oh, don't get me wrong - there is a clear gap between forcing people to adhere to personal wishes, and keeping to the event's rules.

Thank you, Glingaeron. I am pleased that we could resolve this matter amicably.

The thing is, from my understanding, and correct me if I'm wrong, this event isn't "about" entertainment and fun the way Ales and Tales and other Landroval events are. This event is about Elven RP and the music and dancing is more like the icing on the cake than the cake its self. Therefore anything that promotes Elven RP, even if it is a bit confrontational, is probably a good thing.

Begging your pardon, lady, but I disagree. The setting is the Hall of Fire, a place of celebration, not a local pub where drunken rowdies shout and throw fists with little provocation. If you are not convinced by my words as to the disruptive nature of the confrontation and the discourtesy to both performer and audience, see the comments of others' above. (Thank you, Charlock and Sarathaela for your comments. )

And honestly, was that necessary? This statement just seemed to me to be a passive agressive way of saying, "Nyah, nyah. We have bigger events than you!"

Please accept my sincerest apologies to those who felt my words implied a feeling of "Landroval is bigger/better than Laurelin" because that was certainly not my intention. I was merely surprised that someone considered the turnout to be large. I actually have not attended Ales & Tales for some time now. I attended the Hall of Fire event on Laurelin with the hopes that the event would have the special air of Elven refinement. The two Periain added just enough hint of the delightfulness of the Shire to make the event very special. Again, please forgive my insensitivity.

Just a question about the actions of Elves toward other Elves. It has been my belief, pardon my Tolkien geekiness, that Elves can see the truth in other Elves for their spirits are more easily seen and their intents are more easily recognized. Is this not true? So in retrospect an Elf, even a wild and distrustful forest Elf, could probably see the honesty in other Elves who ask that weapons be removed, whereas a Dwarf or a Man might be quite different.

There is some truth to that, although it may be more true of some Elves than others. I don't, however, think it would be particularly true of "wild" Elves. How many wild Elves still exist? The few Elves still remaining in Middle-earth are harboured in Lindon, Imladris, Lothlórien, and Thranduil's realm in Taur-e-Ndaedelos (Mirkwood), which have all had significant influence from the Noldor and/or Sindar. A true "wild" Elf, if any still exist, would remain wild. I rather doubt that we would see any of them in Imladris. (Of course we wouldn't see Elves wandering about Bree or the Shire, either. Such are the accommodations of an MMORPG.)

Laurefinde, the only examples from LOTR that I can think of to support your view are Galadriel, who of course had powers of perception far greater than most, and Faramir, a Dúnedain, who developed the ability to "judge...Men's words and faces" through practice. Denethor, also a Dúnedain, had this ability, too, although I believe it was clouded by his pride and, perhaps, his false interpretations of what he viewed in the palantír. Melian in The Silmarillion certainly had the ability to both read people's hearts and to see the future, but then she was a Maia in Elven form. In LOTRO it has been made very clear that Glorfindel, who is also a bit of prophet, recall that it was he that stated that the Witchking of Angmar would not die by the hand of Man, has the ability to read people's hearts. (See the last chapters of Volume I of the epic quests.)

We know that the Dúnedain, the race of Elf-friends, were more like Elves than any other race of Men. We read in The Two Towers:

'We are truth-speakers, we men of Gondor. We boast seldom, and then perform, or die in the attempt. Not if I found it on the highway would I take it I said. Even if I were such a man as to desire this thing, and even though I know not clearly what this thing was when I spoke, until I should take those words as a vow, and be held by them.'

...'Ah well, sir,' said Sam, 'you said my master had an elvish air; and that was good and true. But I can say this: you have an air too, sir, that reminds me of--well, Gandalf, of wizards.'

'Maybe,' said Faramir. 'Maybe you discern from far away the air of Númenor. Good night!'

[Laurefinde]

from The Laws and Customs Among the Eldar - "Morgoth's Ring"

....Such was the law; but the right of revoking was seldom used, for the Eldar do not err lightly in such a choice (of a spouse). They are not easily deceived by their own kind; and their spirits being masters of their bodies, they are seldom swayed by the desires of the body only, but are by nature continent and steadfast.

[oldbadgerbrock]

from The Laws and Customs Among the Eldar - "Morgoth's Ring"

....Such was the law; but the right of revoking was seldom used, for the Eldar do not err lightly in such a choice (of a spouse). They are not easily deceived by their own kind; and their spirits being masters of their bodies, they are seldom swayed by the desires of the body only, but are by nature continent and steadfast.

So-called "Wild Elves" are Avari are they not? So could the term 'Eldar' be applied to them? (Generally, the term 'Eldar' is only applied to the Noldor, Teleri, and Vanyar that made the Great Journey.) The context also seems to be in terms of personal relationships among those whom there is some degree of intimacy rather than strangers meeting for the first time. In principle, however, I agree with your sentiment.

[Cymaru]

... Begging your pardon, lady, but I disagree. The setting is the Hall of Fire, a place of celebration, not a local pub where drunken rowdies shout and throw fists with little provocation. If you are not convinced by my words as to the disruptive nature of the confrontation and the discourtesy to both performer and audience, see the comments of others' above. (Thank you, Charlock and Sarathaela for your comments. )

You compare this event to a Landroval tales-series of events, but this is not a copy of it. When we thought up this event series more than a year ago we really only wanted to create a roleplay arena for elves, a fixed meet and greet location for social style roleplay, something we greatly missed all this time. The Laurelin Prancing Pony has been a meet and greet location since beta, but unfortunately it's a no-go area for elves if you're willing to live up to Tolkiens lore. Yet the Prancing Pony offers the exciting bit of free form spontaneous roleplay, which can be hit-n-miss, or incredibly entertaining.

So where to go with our lovely elves and still want to have that exciting bit of social style free form spontaneous roleplay? Yes! The Hall of Fire Wednesdays!

This event (I'm sorry to say) was NEVER designed to be some sort of stage for bards, poets and storytellers to listen quietly to with the whole group. This is not a 'concert' event. We are not one group, but a gathering of great individuals, each with a fascination background story. Like it has been mentioned, the performance is icing to the cake, but definately NOT the main event.

It's everybodys own free choice to roleplay their elves the way they see fit, and it's up to you if you wish to be part of the ongoing interaction? Like it's your own free choice to listen to the bard, to partake in dancing, or start a conversation about a brother gone missing, or start a discussion about that unwelcome spear.

[Isilmewen]

from The Laws and Customs Among the Eldar - "Morgoth's Ring"

....Such was the law; but the right of revoking was seldom used, for the Eldar do not err lightly in such a choice (of a spouse). They are not easily deceived by their own kind; and their spirits being masters of their bodies, they are seldom swayed by the desires of the body only, but are by nature continent and steadfast.

Question: How you mortal player can read the minds of your elven fella players? (low voice: I jsut ask their star sings and start guessing; but its just a hobby )

Anyway this last hof was really great lots of new stories, and new people, and new faces it was awesme.

Note: Next wensdays I won't be able to attend hof as I'll be in America and I won't bring my laptop there

[oldbadgerbrock]

You compare this event to a Landroval tales-series of events, but this is not a copy of it. When we thought up this event series more than a year ago we really only wanted to create a roleplay arena for elves, a fixed meet and greet location for social style roleplay, something we greatly missed all this time...

This event (I'm sorry to say) was NEVER designed to be some sort of stage for bards, poets and storytellers to listen quietly to with the whole group. This is not a 'concert' event. We are not one group, but a gathering of great individuals, each with a fascination background story. Like it has been mentioned, the performance is icing to the cake, but definately NOT the main event.

Lady Cymaru, I did not expect the Hall of Fire gathering on Laurelin to be a duplicate of the Tales & Ales on Landroval, nor did I intend my invoking of the latter to imply that it should be the same, or that it was an event created in imitation of it. I merely drew on something from my own experience.

As far as my expectations for the event and the type of behavior I anticipated, I envisioned in my mind the descriptions from the chapter 'Many Meetings' of The Fellowship of the Ring:

'This is the Hall of Fire,' said the wizard. 'Here you will hear many songs and tales--if you can keep awake. But except on high days it usually stands empty and quiet, and people come here who wish for peace, and thought. There is always a fire, all the year round, but there is little other light.'

...Frodo was left to himself for awhile, for Sam had fallen asleep. He was alone and felt rather forlorn, although al about him the folk of Rivendell were gathered. But those near him were silent, intent upon the music of the voices and the instruments, and they gave no heed to anything else.

There is more there, and I encourage you all to read it.

Of course I did not expect for everyone to be as still as stones. I took up the harp with my little newbie character to provide some background music while folks were gathering and greeting each other, and was very happy to yield to Harperiel when she made a polite request via /tell. At the same time, once people began performing I did expect that courtesy would be given to both performer and audience. I don't need a book to teach me that courtesy.

[Silaen]

Lady Cymaru, I did not expect the Hall of Fire gathering on Laurelin to be a duplicate of the Tales & Ales on Landroval, nor did I intend my invoking of the latter to imply that it should be the same, or that it was an event created in imitation of it. I merely drew on something from my own experience.

As far as my expectations for the event and the type of behavior I anticipated, I envisioned in my mind the descriptions from the chapter 'Many Meetings' of The Fellowship of the Ring:

There is more there, and I encourage you all to read it.

Of course I did not expect for everyone to be as still as stones. I took up the harp with my little newbie character to provide some background music while folks were gathering and greeting each other, and was very happy to yield to Harperiel when she made a polite request via /tell. At the same time, once people began performing I did expect that courtesy would be given to both performer and audience. I don't need a book to teach me that courtesy.

So basically you want everyone to stop talking in rp when someone picks up an instrument ?

On a more serious note, the abc system does yield music but to me who have been on lotro severla years its restrictions just makes me lose intrest in it, sure the odd song is nice but when performer after performer comes up i dont want to have to interrupt my rp everytime that happens. In the end its a gathering with music and tales. Not music and tales without gathering.

[Khalis_Laurelin]

The nice thing about the HoF and this is why i try attend when i can guild activities permitting and thats because its not just a case of coming along and sitting there watching/listening to people. There are lots of different conversations going on some which will lead to story lines etc and if you want to listen to stories or music there is that aspect as well. But if you dont you can just take your conversation a little way back (in the very large room) and carry on with that.

Its a very nice event that encompasses a lot of things.

[Charlock]

Khalis has hit the nail on the head ... if the Hall of Fire isn't big enough to have a conversation at one end, and music and dancing at the other end, how much room do you need?

[Isilmewen]

Khalis has hit the nail on the head ... if the Hall of Fire isn't big enough to have a conversation at one end, and music and dancing at the other end, how much room do you need?

The entire Chetwood! XDDD

I'm glad you all enjoy HoF and *hugs Cym tight* thanks for making this event so great, when I was in the first year I was hoping to see something like that!

Sadly next week I won't be there, but I'll try the 29, its the day that I arrive from NY, I hope you all have great fun! I'll try to say hi via someone from my msn

People from Landroval I really had a great time knowing new faces! Dancing in squares and listening music!

Harparele if you need an outfit dress I can lend you some for your wardrove, but you will have to wait untill 29 June

[Glingaeron]

Lady Cymaru, I did not expect the Hall of Fire gathering on Laurelin to be a duplicate of the Tales & Ales on Landroval, nor did I intend my invoking of the latter to imply that it should be the same, or that it was an event created in imitation of it. I merely drew on something from my own experience.

In the same aspect, you could have thought the same of us; that the HoF was an imitation of the 'Tales & Ales' - yet more Elf-inclined, and less welcoming to the other races. Not that, of course, we don't allow others! But ours is, as you well know, an Elf-preferred event.

There is more there, and I encourage you all to read it.

At length the feast came to an end. Elrond and Arwen rose and wentdown the hall, and the company followed them in due order. The doorswere thrown open, and they went across a wide passage and through other doors, and came into a further hall. In it were no tables, but a bright fire was burning in a great hearth between the carven pillars upon either side.

Frodo found himself walking with Gandalf. 'This is the Hall of Fire' said the wizard. 'Here you will hear many songs and tales-if you can keep awake. But except on high days it usually stands quiet, and people come here who wish for peace, and thought. There is always a fire here, all the year round, but there is little other light.'

As Elrond entered and went towards the seat prepared for him, elvish minstrels began to make sweet music. Slowly the hall filled, and Frodo looked with delight upon the many fair faces that were gathered together; the golden firelight played upon them and shimmered in their hair.

There's the entire passage for you.

[Khalis_Laurelin]

Its that time again, and as always if anyone is struggling to get to Rivendell send me an IM, i will always do my best to help.

Plus if anyone has news they with to pass onto The Warband of Imladris who serve the Council of Imladris please seek me or another one of us out.

We will gladly help with any roleplay in and around Imladris or wherever else you might have in mind.

[Cymaru]

Its that time again, and as always if anyone is struggling to get to Rivendell send me an IM, i will always do my best to help.

Plus if anyone has news they with to pass onto The Warband of Imladris who serve the Council of Imladris please seek me or another one of us out.

We will gladly help with any roleplay in and around Imladris or wherever else you might have in mind.

Khalis and the Warband of Imladris are such sweethearts *smothering hug*

Yes! It's Wednesday!!! See you all later tonight. I will try to be present as always on Mirineth

[Tanes]

I'll be there hopefully. Looking forward to seeing you all.

[Harperelle]

Please excuse my sudden case departure--had a laptop meltdown.

--Harp

[Aelaer]

That does not sound good! I hope the laptop can be un-melted? Is it post-Weatherstock stress syndrome?

Tonight I found out in a hurry that Aelaer does NOT like snakes. (Quite funny when your toons develop quirks of their own because personally I don't mind them.) Apart from that, she had a great time.

Yes, HoF is completely free-form, people might listen to a particular song in hushed silence, or talk all the way through it, or even decide to talk and dance at the same time. "Say" does not travel that far, there is plenty of space to doze or sit quietly. Traditionally the benches by the fire are where people sit if they want to pull out a book and read it by themselves.

The music tonight was simply awesome.