Thread: Blue Mountains Council Elf Roleplay Event Thursday July 14

Dear friends,

The Age of the Elves is coming to an end, and the Eldar are leaving Middle Earth. Some of us still linger, and aid in any way we can to battle the forces of the dark. We lack numbers and ... focus. We need to reach some consensus to fight in harmony!

I would like to invite YOU to help us with your wisdom and experience, to exchange ideas how to deal with current problems. The forces of the dark gather strength while we remain fractured, and hope is fading... The Angmarim threat in the North, stirrings in Forochel, increased numbers of enemies in the Misty Mountains, and more recently, the apparent union between Sharkû and the Dunlendings in the Southeast, are we to stand idle to all these threats? Now is the time to act.. or flee..

your servant,
Mirineth

**************************** OOC info ***************************

Setting
This free form open end roleplay event is designed to have an IC discussion with our Elves in a "United Nations" style. I foresee a chaotic gathering with much heated debate! Now is a chance to spill it out IC why you think those "pathetic tree huggers" should be called to arms, or to scorn the "battlehungry bloodraged fools" to think before they act (just hollow examples... ). Prepare your speech! Mirineth will attempt to lead the discussion initially but ofcourse will go with the flow. Would be nice if we manage to agree to some agenda.

Who may come?
This is an Elven gathering. I hate to make it a strict racial roleplay event, but thinking it over I made the decision to keep it Elf Only this time. A slap in the face to all you lovely roleplayers from the Shire, Man settlements and kingsdoms of old, and the stout and sturdy Sons of Durin! But the location (Ered-Luin/Blue Mountains) should be out of reach to many of the other races, with the exception of Dwarves.

If you insist to come with your favourite non-elf char, make up a good story. For example, a desperate villager with a plea for help, a scout with news from the fronts... be creative and you're welcome! But your presence alone will become an agenda item! Send me a pm so I can introduce you IC if you want, or post your ideas to put on the agenda.

Location
Duillond, Ered Luin.
From the travelling station walk down to the spire overlooking the river.
Duillond has many big plusses: it's a beautiful location, it has low level access, easy & cheap direct access from Celondim, and it's non-existent in the books so we won't offend the lore purists. I chose the spire to be out of the way of questing players.

Date and time
Thursday July 14, 19:00 UK time (7 PM) (is it 14:00 servertime???)

Topics to discuss
With this thread I ask for your input to put together an agenda for the meeting. Post your ideas for good agenda item!!

Sounds a amazing and can only be credit to your amazing work toward the Server's community, as has always been!

I feel the only issue will be disorganisation a and the ignoring of protentionally good Rp/IC lines, or plots, or whatever. I think the key is to make it slow and make sure the time is taken to allow for replies etc. Perhaps IC aids are needed, such as... Elves who, perhaps, do not take part in the debate or so do in a light fasion but wonder amongst the group - the debaters (that a word?) - to intdicate who should speak next, etc. However, that may become stagnant and dull.

Sounds great, though. I am exited to see it unfold... I just hope ALL people and personalities are seen and the event is not dominated by cliques!

Really looking forward to it!

Originally Posted by Gothidox

Sounds great, though. I am exited to see it unfold... I just hope ALL people and personalities are seen and the event is not dominated by cliques!

And here we have our first item for our agenda!

How about a limited time to make an appeal/speech for every kinship? Problem could be, not all kinship names are strictly IC, yet we tend to regard them as cliques. Im quite sure we'll never come to any agreement wether or not to invite 'spokespersons' only, and like in reality, you got the quiet types and the loud mouths. A good discussion leader has the task to distribute the attention evenly. But the problem could be: I'm not a good leader XD hahaha will be fun

*comforts the little elf crying in the corner*

OH... I think is time to let Amorith experience some new adventures!

Looks like a great event, I try my best to come

Originally Posted by Cymaru

A good discussion leader has the task to distribute the attention evenly

Uhm, good luck with that!

I jest... Though, remember not all Elves are in a Kinship.

A fine idea, and long-awaited I believe. I shall notify my kinship of this and I will be there, real life permitting.

I will most likely not be bringing any c haracter to this event, but i wish you all the best of luck in it

Originally Posted by Silaen

I will most likely not be bringing any c haracter to this event, but i wish you all the best of luck in it

Yes, unfortunately my Elf will not be able to come due to lore/character reasons. So I too, wish the best of luck!

Originally Posted by Gothidox

Yes, unfortunately my Elf will not be able to come due to lore/character reasons. So I too, wish the best of luck!

Likewise. Andarne, Malliel and Nemben reside in Lórien for the time - and I can assure you that he would have loved to attend.

However, that said - Mithon resides in Ered Luin, at the moment. Alas, my connection is not in favour of anything - I might not be able to attend.

Interesting initiative. If I'm to pop by, I'll ensure it's with my Elf of Lindon.

I'm still trying to get my head around who would be hosting said moot. Mirineth alone, bless her, couldn't control the entirity of such a gathering with any manner of coherency. IC she may exude the gravitas needed, but OOCly people, frankly, just don't listen. So, as Gothidox suggested, would a selected group be better? A kinship designated as neutral perhaps? This could be an existing Elven kinship or a newly created one on a temporary basis for this endeavour (Mirineth could still be the Head Speaker, of sorts). Or it could be select Elf bigwigs who have no interest in rolling up their sleeves during the debate?

Perhaps folk can put their names forward if they want those responsibilities as moderators?

The Warband of Imladris have an agreement with the Loth I Lonnath in that we cover the lands a little west of Imladris and them those from the Grey Havens eastward. Thus Ered Luin is beyond our normal domain but i would be happy to attend as a representative of our patron, Lord Elrond and a representative of Imladris.

If this is acceptible i will present the idea to our Tur and seek her permission to attend.

The easiest way to get this done orderly is to request for speakers first. (Along with their general theme - if some viewpoint seems to be missing, then perhaps even invite someone to present that angle.) When all the initial speakers have presented their views, discussion may then follow, and see where that evolves.

19:00 BST is 18:00 GMT (after removing the daylight saving offset).
America/Los_Angeles 11:00:00 14-Jul-2011 (DST)
America/New_York 14:00:00 14-Jul-2011 (DST)
Australia/Sydney 04:00:00 15-Jul-2011 (normal)
Europe/Helsinki 21:00:00 14-Jul-2011 (DST)
Europe/London 19:00:00 14-Jul-2011 (DST)
Europe/Rome 20:00:00 14-Jul-2011 (DST)
http://www.timezoneconverter.com/cgi-bin/tzref.tzc

I've arranged to be there as Andarne, who is presently travelling to Ered Luin. My first group-RP with him, in some time!

He'll be speaking as one representative of Lothlórien, on how Dol Guldur threatens the realm - and all others, surrounding.

As for a ruling body, I don't think that should be so. In our own world, we have had forums when there is no 'leader' - I believe this should be one.

Originally Posted by Amlarad

Interesting initiative. If I'm to pop by, I'll ensure it's with my Elf of Lindon.

I'm still trying to get my head around who would be hosting said moot. Mirineth alone, bless her, couldn't control the entirity of such a gathering with any manner of coherency. IC she may exude the gravitas needed, but OOCly people, frankly, just don't listen. So, as Gothidox suggested, would a selected group be better? A kinship designated as neutral perhaps? This could be an existing Elven kinship or a newly created one on a temporary basis for this endeavour (Mirineth could still be the Head Speaker, of sorts). Or it could be select Elf bigwigs who have no interest in rolling up their sleeves during the debate?

Perhaps folk can put their names forward if they want those responsibilities as moderators?

Hm I just thought to myself, because of the lack of authority we will have an inconclusive frustrating chaotic incoherent bloodpumping gathering. It is not my goal to control a debate. It is not my goal to have a smooth and civil gathering. 'On whose authority did you organize this gathering Mirineth!' could be a discussion starter heheheh. I dare not state that Mirineth received the order by the Lord of Mithlond, or Elrond or any other Tolkien hero. But shouldn't we all keep it modest? What if Mirineth acted on orders received from the assistant sergeant of the guards of Glorfindel's laundry service? I don't think anyone would accept selfproclaimed authority from other players and I think that's the shaky foundation of this gathering. No sir! No moderators! My goal is to create a free form roleplay arena and play a game of multiplayer chess with words! Debates spinning out of control and civilized Elves losing their temper, whooohoooo

IMHO if you want a smooth debate, the only solution would be a scripted event, with the majority silently wacthing. A lot of work to prepare, and great to watch. But it's not the kind of roleplay event I envisaged...

Always risky business, immersion can take its toll. IC insults and accusations taken OOC personally... A warning to the weak and feeble hearted!

I'm old enought to say that I lived this before and I have screenshots of it... didn't end well in the last attempts, mostly for little huge disagreements, i really HOPE this time all ends well, its a good initiative.
I'll be there with Isil and Cym, my family represents the laundry squad of Lord Glorfindels clothes *joking*, but I represent to be one of his house members, anyway as I don't like too much godmoding I'll come as simply me, I can help you to organise this if you want.

Examples of last elven reunions:

My oldest Screenshot:





This started as only elf and ended with elven friendly, I think.

Nice pics!

Just one worry: I want to use a different location to be out of the way of normal questing people and summer festival stuff. I would like to invite you over to the large spire overlooking the river a little more downhill. There are two actually, the one to the left has the notary NPC, I want to use the right one.

And why not the festival area that its not active now? the stompkin shrew area? Its huge has a place to talk and there is no summer festival activated.

And there won't be questing people arround.

The view in the Duillond festival area probably would not be as spectacular, which probably means less 'moving away from the debate for some quiet recollection or personal discussion while gazing across the lands' there.

I'm wondering about the gathering area south of Celondim instead, which I think is seen in one of your screen shots too, Isil? The only problem I could foresee there might be RP newbies of the bunny hopping kind who catch the odd emote and decide to come investigate. Of course such might always lead to spontaneous introduction to less bunny hopping, more decent behavior, right?

The summer festival should be over before this event, just so you know. This is brilliant, by the way, and I'll probably be lurking in the background. You Laureliners are doing so many cool things, my summer afternoons are really getting busy!

Originally Posted by Zuleyus

The view in the Duillond festival area probably would not be as spectacular, which probably means less 'moving away from the debate for some quiet recollection or personal discussion while gazing across the lands' there.

I'm wondering about the gathering area south of Celondim instead, which I think is seen in one of your screen shots too, Isil? The only problem I could foresee there might be RP newbies of the bunny hopping kind who catch the odd emote and decide to come investigate. Of course such might always lead to spontaneous introduction to less bunny hopping, more decent behavior, right?

That why i suggested the festival innise side area, because newbies doesn't get annoyed by the emotes, everybody can go in, and its like an event where we don't distub the people who wants to quest, you know where I mean? Is that area where you could kick shrews, and there was a garden, I think its spectacular and all sourrounded by elven design, then we also have the old elven ruins from the begining (intro), or the old elven first time appear elf chars.

Although it's a good place and thank you for the suggestion, I keep it to the Duillond spire this time. Great the debate hasn't even started and we're already disagreeing on the location lol

I really really really really really really, hope there is only that kind of disagreements.

Originally Posted by Cymaru

Hm I just thought to myself, because of the lack of authority we will have an inconclusive frustrating chaotic incoherent bloodpumping gathering. It is not my goal to control a debate. It is not my goal to have a smooth and civil gathering. 'On whose authority did you organize this gathering Mirineth!' could be a discussion starter heheheh. I dare not state that Mirineth received the order by the Lord of Mithlond, or Elrond or any other Tolkien hero. But shouldn't we all keep it modest? What if Mirineth acted on orders received from the assistant sergeant of the guards of Glorfindel's laundry service? I don't think anyone would accept selfproclaimed authority from other players and I think that's the shaky foundation of this gathering. No sir! No moderators! My goal is to create a free form roleplay arena and play a game of multiplayer chess with words! Debates spinning out of control and civilized Elves losing their temper, whooohoooo

IMHO if you want a smooth debate, the only solution would be a scripted event, with the majority silently wacthing. A lot of work to prepare, and great to watch. But it's not the kind of roleplay event I envisaged...

With respect, I beg to differ on your view that the -only- solution would be a scripted event. I agree that is one plausible route, but we all know that role-players who are instinctively spot on with the rhythm of IC debates know when to back down, or move in for a decisive blow IC via spontenous role-play. And for those that don't, well this arena was never really for them then was it? If it's all going to be scripted, creativity goes out of the window a little bit. I'm now a little wary of the agenda of this meeting, if that's the case.

That said, I also think you've vastly misunderstood my suggestion of moderators. Statistically, historically speaking, civilized people don't go into debates without moderation. Elves are doubtlessly no different. If a debate is going to happen (scripted or spontaneous), it's likely a wise move to have people designated as moderators to be neutral. That isn't policing. That's sensible.

I agree too that Mirineth wouldn't likely be in a position of true authority, but I would have no qualms with her taking up a Spokesperson position. My character(s) would hold enough respect for her not to bother bickering about who gave her that right. I still think this event could be interesting, as I'd like to be a fly on the wall observing how this might unfold.

In my opinion, gentle hands, not outright policing, would be needed to nudge the organized chaos into some interesting role-play hotspots. If everyone was left to their own devices, that would leave me rather cold. And if everyone was shepherded into an inevitable, preordained outcome- that'd leave me even worse.

Creating a private chat channel for the event participants may be a good idea. May be helpful to moderate chaos in say chat and to help people speak in turns.

Originally Posted by Veryacano

Creating a private chat channel for the event participants may be a good idea. May be helpful to moderate chaos in say chat and to help people speak in turns.

EventChannel?

I am looking forward to seeing who turns up.

Has an agenda been set yet, without such it will be very chaotic?

Originally Posted by Khalis_Laurelin

Has an agenda been set yet, without such it will be very chaotic?

So far only one person mentioned he's preparing a speech. I'm preparing a few theses myself to have some 'ammo' at hand

To be honest I have no clue how many people will turn up. 4? 8? 12? I keep my fingers crossed! I rather have quality over quantity. Some dictator of the past once said that 'quantity is a quality all it's own', but for our poor little chatbox and our own brain capacity it would be most effective if numbers remained 'managable'. Ofcourse it would be pretty awesome to have the entire spire platform full of elves just for massive incredible screenies! But who am I kidding, maybe the council has just 4 attendants because of the summer holidays!??!

I hope the debaters will show some respect to the very old & limpy organizer of the Blue Mountains Council that they will actually listen to her, and I will make an attempt to act as a chairwoman for the council and appoint people to speak. But I leave it up to attendants how to deal with that.

It will be necessary all debaters keep their focus on the subject that's under discussion. I really hope people refrain from starting sidestories in earshot: "My what a lovely dress you're wearing fair maiden!" to keep a chatbox as lean as possible. But it might be very nice to have a gathering timeslot of welcoming and pleasentries and a fixed time to start the debate,

so,

Blue Mountains Council

19:00 gathering, chance to IC request speaking time with the chairwoman

19:50 invitation to stop pleasentries & chitchat, attendants are kindly asked to shut up & get ready

20:00 introduction speech (Mirineth)

20:03 first signs of boredom?

people will respond (nod and smile in agreement / throw rotten fruit / jump off spire terrace to speed up travelling to Valinor)

2x:xx next speaker etc etc etc

I can assure you there won't be few, allways that something like this has been settled there has been like 15 persons min.

I would like to make one little speech, second introductory if possible, a little reminder. won't be more than 10 lines.

Originally Posted by Isilmewen

I can assure you there won't be few, always that something like this has been settled there has been like 15 persons min.

From those who have spoken to Khalis IC i believe there will be a fair few attending. The main thing is as Miri mentioned and thats that people respect each other and the event.

Originally Posted by Cymaru

Blue Mountains Council

19:00 gathering, chance to IC request speaking time with the chairwoman

19:50 invitation to stop pleasentries & chitchat, attendants are kindly asked to shut up & get ready

20:00 introduction speech (Mirineth)

20:03 first signs of boredom?

people will respond (nod and smile in agreement / throw rotten fruit / jump off spire terrace to speed up travelling to Valinor)

2x:xx next speaker etc etc etc

One thing that might be worth considering is time for responses/questions after each speech - it is extremely likely that people will wish to do this, but in regular meetings if everyone is staying on topic, this is always the part that takes the longest! A way to keep it down is to have Mirineth/a moderator say that everyone may only make one response/question to each speech - in RL situations this stops people wasting time with pointless arguments, but I don't know whether some people might find that too restrictive in this context?

Originally Posted by RainithEU

One thing that might be worth considering is time for responses/questions after each speech - it is extremely likely that people will wish to do this, but in regular meetings if everyone is staying on topic, this is always the part that takes the longest! A way to keep it down is to have Mirineth/a moderator say that everyone may only make one response/question to each speech - in RL situations this stops people wasting time with pointless arguments, but I don't know whether some people might find that too restrictive in this context?

Hm yes good ideas! Maybe a little too restrictive? See, my main goal was to create a RP arena filled with 'pointless' arguments! Some might defend an opinion that appears trivial or a minor detail to the other: perfectly natural. The main challenge will be to keep it a transparent discussion, and stay immersed as an elf. We'll see! All I ask of the attendants is to keep cool Out Of Character. Be In Character passionate/emotional/obnoxious/indecisive/... (fill in what suits you best)

I would perhaps allow each speaker a few minutes to put his question, or opening statement and then allow a set time for feedback/questions from the audience. Once this alloted time is complete the 'host' can then step forth and say they must move onto the next question.

I have no doubt our own warband will find it all very frustrating IC as we have been fighting the enemy for a very long time, its nothing new to us or those of Lord Elronds Council and Imladris.

A little reminder for tonight:

Blue Mountains Council
- 19:00 gather + meet & greet
- 19:50 get ready
- 20:00 introduction speech (Mirineth)


Let's have some fun tonight!

Originally Posted by Cymaru

A little reminder for tonight:

Blue Mountains Council
- 19:00 gather + meet & greet
- 19:50 get ready
- 20:00 introduction speech (Mirineth)


Let's have some fun tonight!

Good luck cymaru, and to everyone there. I hope it all runs smoothly

Can't wait to see how this event unfolds. See you there, all.

The interaction should be very interesting between everyone there. It perhaps will even create some spin off roleplay from kinships working something together.

Originally Posted by Khalis_Laurelin

The interaction should be very interesting between everyone there. It perhaps will even create some spin off roleplay from kinships working something together.

Let's hope so!

That was a lot of words agreeing not to agree. Also a whole lot of Elves saying the words. Hopefully we'll see some continued discussion in smaller groups. (But as a more urgent matter, sleep wouldn't hurt.)

Well, I had a good time

Thanks to Mirineth for Organising it, and nice to see so many folks there!

I wonder, did anyone log the /say channel? I confess that I competely forgot to set up a chatlog (I usually never do), and I have some other interested parties from my kin who were unable to attend, so it'd be a great help to me to remember the key parts of what was said for my IC report

Oh and still partly IC - it was nice to see such a large party of elves getting along so well (more or less), and even though nothing concrete was achieed, at least that's a start!

Post a youtube(or whatever) video please to see the event