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The Waning Days of King Valacar
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Author:  Moryár [ March 26th, 2017, 5:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Kin Strife of Gondor

At the end of their duty, Gethen pushed his twin out into the guard's training area. Taking two blunted swords, he threw one at Garren, keeping the second for himself.

"Alright brother, show me you can beat the Rhovanion," he laughed.

"I thought you said I couldn't," Garren rolled his eyes, adjusting his grip in the sword.

"Well if she is any good then you won't have any problems losing," Gethen settled into a stance.

Garren made a face as he took the offensive, his sword slicing through the air. Gethen ducked and slid sideways, sword aimed at his brother's waist. He drew back on his swing just in time to take Gethen's blow, spinning on his heels and planting a solid foot behind him. Gethen pressed hard before swinging his sword in a circular motion releasing their swords. Garren attacked again, hammering down a series of short hard blows, jumping backwards as his brother's sword swung in low at his abdomen.

"Watch your middle," Gethen instructed.

Again their swords locked and Garren kicked his twin backwards. He grinned as Gethen shot him a dark look. They clashed and he short Gethen a smirk.

"Watch you middle," he repeated.

Sweat beaded on their foreheads, running in little streams down their faces. Occasionally, Garren swiped at his face and his stinging eyes. They battled for a few minutes longer before Garren knocked his brother's sword triumphantly away.

"There," he smiled.

"Don't get too happy, the Rhovanion, she's quicker," Gethen warned.

"How about something to eat?" Garren changed the subject. "Hungry?"

"Always am," Gethen grinned, walking towards the dining room.

Author:  Hanasian [ April 1st, 2017, 7:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Kin Strife of Gondor

The sun set on Osgiliath as a lone ship came up river. Traffic had been light this day in the East City as there were mostly departures downriver to Monas Tirith and Pelargir. So this ship’s arrival should help Jarod’s business this night.

The quays had few ships so this one was directed to tale the first one. The Guildsman of Osgiliath walked toward the dock with two other men with him. HE stepped up to greet the ship when he sighed and looked down. The sight of Calimir standing on the foredeck told Carek that his time as the Guildsman of Osgiliath was coming to an end.

When the ship tied off, Calimir stepped off, to the guildsman’s greeting, and they talked as they walked up the street. With Calimir wanting food and drink, he thought he would take him to the inn he favoured. They walked into the Inn and had a look around. Jarod nearly dropped his flagon when he saw two fine men in black wool. One had two bars on his breast. He sighed and waved Nadia over. He said to her quietly,

”I want you to see to these two men personally. Get them everything they ask for, and don’t ask for money. Can you do that for me?”

Nadia looked him in the eyes and nodded. She was hoping to get the chance to serve the guildsman and to learn as much as she could for Almara. She might be interested in this new Guildsman as well. She swallowed and went over to the bar. She saw Jarod go to talk to the trader that had been sitting at the bar all day and was rather drunk, so She took some of his best whiskey and poured her a fair amount. She turned and drank it as fast as she could and tried not to choke. It burned and warmed her inside, and it took away her fears and shyness. She would have to be strong this night. When Jarod looked over to her, she handed her mostly drank glass to Sorin who was walking by. She picked up a flagon of water and drank some, then she pinched her lips and adjusted her dress and took a deep breath as she set out to approach the two Guildsmen.

”Good evening kind sirs! I have a table in the upper corner by the front where you can sit. It gives view of the river and is away from the noise of the main level.”

“Yes, that will be fine.”


the old guildsman said. Calimir grunted, his disapproval of the inn was apparent, but he didn’t mind the looks and service of Nadia. He said to her,

”If you have Umbar rum, I’ll be happy.”

Calimir said to her. Nadia blinked. She had no idea if they had that rum. She smiled and said,

”I will see if we have that sir."

Carek nodded that he would have the same. Nadia turned and went to see what they had. She returned with a bottle and two glasses. She smiled as she set them down on the table. Calimir picked up the bottle and examined it. He set it down and motioned Nadia to pour some. He said to Carek,

”Export, they had to send the crap somewhere, why not here. Still, a treat it will be.”

Calimir, having been in Castamir’s court, had gotten used to the best. He at first took it as an affront that Castamir had him appointed by the guild to be their representative in the King's court in Osgiliath. That his arrival nearly coincided with that of Prince Eldacar was only by pure chance. Carek would be leaving in the morning on the ship, bound for the far south. His work for the guild was done here.

After they had enjoyed some food and the bottle, Carek mentioned that there had been Rhovanions in this bar that very day. Several men and some women. Calmir seemed to look about the bar, and it was quite empty this evening. He asked Carek,

”Where are all the sailors?”

He asked. Carek said to him,

”They are likely down the quay at the old tavern. Word got out yesterday among them that Rhovanions were being served here.”

“They are wise. I have to ask you now… why did you bring me here?”


Calimir asked. He watched Nadia as she approached the table.

”I thought you would want to see the best place on the quay.”

Carek said. Calimir nodded as he thought. He then said to Nadia as she came to take the empty glasses.

”You miss. Is it not time for you to get off work? I wish you to accompany me”.

Nadia froze. She wanted to gain information for Almara, but she did not know what Jarod would say if she accompanied this man. Calimir then said as he took hold of her wrist.

”You will accompany me this night, will you not?”

His eyes were solid and burned into her. Nadia took short shallow breaths, but said finally to him.

”Yes m lord, but my boss Jarod…”

“You don’t worry about Jarod. He will allow you to accompany me.”


Calimir said as he stood. He whispered something to his guard, and he whispered something to the other. The both sat back down. Carek got up and the three walked down toward the bar. Nadia was nervous, but she wanted to be strong for Almara. Carek gave Jarod a hard stare to tell him not to try and interfere, and the three of then walked out to the street. They set out for the old tavern on the north end of the quay. Cailmir said to Carek as they walked,

”That place stunk of Northmen. Why did you let that Jarod serve them?”

Carek was silent. They had come when he was not watching. He tried to convince Jarod that morning not to serve them anymore, but it was too late. He looked back for a last glimpse at his favourite inn.

They were soon at the Old Tavern. The sailors were in fine drunken form, and soon Calimir and Carek were themselves enjoying the drink that was on offer. Nadia tried not to drink too much, but she had to when Calimir was watching. She sat by him and she drank in stunted sips, dumping her drink into his when the chance came. She was only able to gain some information. The new guildsman was taking over for the old, and she gathered that he worked for a certain Guildmaster name Castamir. She knew his name was Calimir and that he did not like Rhovanions, and that he was very powerful with the Mariners Guild in Pelargir. Nadia was resigned to the fact she would have to sleep with Calimir to get anything more from him. But then a cry went up from down the street...

”Fire!”

Went the yell. They went to the street and Nadia saw that the inn where she worked was engulfed in flames. She put her hand to her mouth and wanted to run back to the inn. All she had was there! But Calimir held her arm and she paused. She sighed and hoped Sorin got out of there alive.

~ ~ ~

Prince Eldacar had the parchments made ready. The tournament would be held in the palace parade grounds. He styled them after those that he had participated in up in Rhovanion. The Northmen were very fond of their games. Gondor too had their tournaments, but they were more styled to the militaristic order. In Rhovanion, anyone could participate. Instead of direct elimination, Eldacar styled this tournament with both lands in mind. Instead of direct tier elimination as the Rhovanions did, there would be points. So should a contender lose a round, they may not be out of the competition. It would just make it harder for them to come from such a disadvantage.

It was late that night when the runners had the post bills. They scattered across the city and a bundle was sent by runner to Minas Anor and Minas Ithil. Eldacar wanted the best to contend, and he knew he had the best of the Rhovanions in the shieldmaidens Vilmaith, Rhinnin, and the twins Vilna and Vidnavi. These women of Rhovanion were some of the best. He would know. He himself lost to Vilmaith once, and it wasn’t for the lack of trying. There is a chance that the men of Gondor would underestimate them. Unless any had met them and gained a feel of what their skill was, it was a good possibility. Eldacar hoped the best of Gondor would come forth, for he knew he had the best of Rhovanion here already.

Author:  Jax Nova [ April 2nd, 2017, 11:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Kin Strife of Gondor

Rie-Zunic and Almara had a rather uneventful day, as it were. They tried talking to people by the docks, traders that came in on the ships, and even a few who seemed to know the guildsmen of the area. It seemed fruitless at the time, though. The night grew late and they were just heading back to the inn when they saw an orange glow in the distance.

"What is that?" Almara asked, a worried tone in her voice.

Rie-Zunic looked up from his thinking as he gazed at the street and walked slowly. "Fire..." he said, eyes pausing for only a moment before he rushed off in a hurried pace towards the flames. Almara was close behind, having no trouble keeping up. When they arrived they realized it was the inn they had been staying at.

"What...Wh-" Almara stuttered, looking around at the scene.

Rie-Zunic rushed over to a group that was working to put out the fire and assessed the situation. "Stop!" He hollered at the men. "Stop! It's no use. The inn is gone. Focus on the surrounding buildings! Make sure nothing else catches the flame!" he rushed about throwing orders here and there as his military attitude took charge in the heat of the situation.

Almara watched from across the street and even from the distance could feel the blistering heat and the nearly unbearable smoke threatened to smother them all.

With hard work and good fortune on their side the group of men were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the nearby buildings. The inn, however, was all but ashes and burnt smoldering boards. Rei-Zunic sighed, wiping sweat from his forehead and smearing black soot all over his face. "Was anyone inside when the fire started?" he asked, looking around at the other men.

"We don't know," one man answered, shaking his head. "None of us were around when it started. We saw the flame and sent out the word of fire through the town before attempting to put it out."

Rie-Zunic nodded and walked slowly back to Almara who still stared with wide eyes. He let out a deep breath and sat wearily on the road side in the dirt as smoke continued to plume upwards. "This was no accident..." he said, looking up at Almara. "It spread too fast."

Almara reached down to him and took his hand. "Let the authorities handle it... you have done what you could." Pity swelled in her eyes, looking at the hopeless expression on Rie-Zunic's face. "You need rest. Are you hurt?" She glanced around. "Let me go get you something to drink." She rushed off to find some water at a near by stand. The shop keeper had come out to watch the scene and willing offered the water to the group of men who had battled the fire. "Here," Almara said, kneeling beside Rie-Zunic and placing the cup in his hands.

"Thank you," he said, taking the cup and drinking it all in one go. He took a deep breath, handing the cup back and forced himself to his feet. It looked like the city guard on duty had arrived. "I guess we need a new place to sleep for the night."

"Rie..." Almara said, glancing back at the inn. "Do... do you think Nadia got out?" She looked as though she were about to cry.

Rie-Zunic paused, his expression changing from that of weariness to compassion. He placed a hand on her cheek and smiled. "I'm sure the occupants had enough warning to get out."

A single tear trickled down Almara's cheek. "You know you are a terrible liar..."

Rie-Zunic sighed and enveloped her in a hug. "I'm sorry... I really have no idea if anyone was trapped inside. We will stick around to see how things go."

Almara lost herself in his hug for a long moment but finally shook her head. "You need rest."

"I'll be fine," Rie-Zunic insisted. "Besides... I want to know what happened here."

Almara nodded slowly against his shoulder. "Ok." Her voice was muffled in his shirt. "But at least find a decent spot to lay down and rest for a while." She pulled away from him and turned back to the shop keeper who had offered the water. "Sir, could I trouble you for a place for him to lay?"

"Nothing fancy," Rie-Zunic insisted. "A simple bedroll would do fine. Just for a short rest."

"Of course," the man said with a nod, disappearing inside his merchant's tent and coming out with just what Rie-Zunic had requested.

Rie-Zunic handed the man some coins, regardless of his protest. "I'll be needing this anyways... mine was inside that building." He motioned towards the inn. Almara lay the bedroll out and let Rie-Zunic lay down as she took a seat beside him to watch as things played out.

Author:  Moryár [ April 3rd, 2017, 7:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Kin Strife of Gondor

Sorin stumbled out into the alley, coughing smoke from his lungs and gasping in breaths of clean air. His rat scrambled up on his shoulder, squealing at him to move on. Fire licked at the building, beginning to eye the establishments next to it. Sorin crawled away, smoke scratching his eyes. Curling up in a street away from the fire, he shuddered and fought for air.

~~~

"Up brother, there is a fire on the quay," Garren kicked his twin's bunk and hurried to put on his gear.

Gethen was up in a moment joining his brother. By the time they made it to the scene of the disaster the fire was under control. Still the two pushed forward, urging the crowd to stay away.

Author:  Hanasian [ April 4th, 2017, 8:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Kin Strife of Gondor

Berian was drunk when he heard the crashing of the oil lamp in the front door. The flames spread across the floor and the door frame. The sound repeated itself near the back door as well. Berian jumped and looked about to see who was in the place. The boy sprinted out the back, and Jarod grabbed a bucket of water. But the oil burned hot and the wood of the inn caught flame quickly. Berian last saw Jarod trying to find something when he charged through the wall of flame and went rolling out the back door. He couldn't see very well with his eyes stinging of soot, but it looked like a marine was walking away. Berian turned and backed away from the burning inn, realizing the remaining wares he had have been lost.

~ ~ ~

The Prince looked out to the east. The smoke rose into the night as the glow of orange flickered among the structures east of the river. He sighed. The troubles were already at hand. He turned and went back in to the palace in hopes he could get some sleep. The next day would start early.

Author:  Deumeawyn [ April 5th, 2017, 5:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Kin Strife of Gondor

Rhinnan couldn't sleep. She was excited for the new day as words were they would be escorting the Prince through the city. Besides, Vilmaith had so much fun on her free day, and had duty last night. Vidna and Vidnavi talked of the tournament and the challenge laid down to some Gondorian soldiers. She got to find a market and had fish. They all were sleeping soundly, so she got up and went and sorted her gear. The dress uniform was clean ad hung, and she prepared herself before putting it on. By the time the wake up came to the others, it was still dark, but Rhinnan was ready. She went out to the courtyard and stared to train with her sword to loosen up her muscles.

Author:  Jax Nova [ April 7th, 2017, 10:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Kin Strife of Gondor

Rie-Zunic, after seeing the Gondorian guards show up relaxed a bit. He closed his eyes and lay his head back and soon fell asleep. The air slowly started to clear but the smell of smoke would linger for weeks. Almara stay up and watched as the guards went to work. As they sorted through the wreckage, so far, there had been no bodies found. She was relieved by that.

She looked down at Rie-Zunic asleep as she sat up against his side and a strange ache in her heart came that she had not felt for a long time. She looked down at her hands in her lap as memories flooded her mind of times long past. She smiled but yet the memories were not all sweet. Slowly she scooted over and lifted Rie-Zunic's head, placing it gently in her lap, then looked back up to the commotion at the burnt inn.

Author:  Hanasian [ April 15th, 2017, 5:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Kin Strife of Gondor

Prince Eldacar arose after a short sleep. He dressed in his finest attire of Gondor, and he met his wife at the door of the palace. King Valacar came and gave his son a nod and a blessing, and Eldacar turned and took his wife in arm and they walked out to the courtyard. There, his full Gondorian guard stood at attention to his right, and his Rhovanion Guard stood at attention to his left. They shimmered in their finery, and Eldacar gave each a wave. He walked forward and with Lady Farian standing by the coach, Prince Eldacar walked to the guard and gave the Gondorians a review. He then walked over and gave the Rhovanions a review. When he returned to the coach, he said to the High Commander of the Guard,

”We will go to the East City first. I want to see what all is going on there, and let them know they are utmost on my mind.”

The High Commander gave a nod, and they readied to set out. Eldacar called his adjutant to him and asked,

”Has the news gone out about the tournament?”

“Yes sire. The bills were printed and couriers spread across the city in the night. Other bundles were sent out with the early ships to the south, and horse riders were sent to Minas Anor and Minas Ithil with them as well. Word will spread. Some riders sped away to Rhovanion, and also to the far north to their kin in Athedainl. This tournament will be one to remember!”


Eldacar nodded as he boarded the coach and sat buy his wife. He said,

“It will be well to see. I fear the fight between the Rhovanions and Gondorians may be intense. The city must prepare accordingly, for even though the tournament is still many weeks away, I believe the contestants will begin to arrive as soon as today.”

The High Commander nodded. The coach set out toward the gate as the guards of Gondor and Rhovanion fell in behind.

Vilna, Vidnavi, Vilmaith, and Rhinnan held point at the front of the Rhovanion Guard, being the first four Rhovanions that marched in line to the left behind the coach. To the right, the Gondorians marched with pride. Loyal to the King and Prince all, they stood and stepped proud.

After leaving the palace they made their way through crowd-lined streets to the great bridge. They set out across the bride to the east side of the river. Prince Eldacar had the intention to go down the quay street by the river where the docks were and where the fire was. He held his wife’s hand and waved at the crowds over the bridge, and he could not help but notice that the crowds thinned on the east side. His close guard grew tense, yet Eldacar continued to wave as the wound their way through the streets of the east city. They came to Quay Street from its northern end heading south back toward the bridge. They passed the Old Tavern where Eldacar could see some members of the Guild standing by. Eldacar raised his hand and the procession came to a halt. He summoned the Guildsmen to approach…

Author:  Jax Nova [ April 16th, 2017, 7:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Kin Strife of Gondor

Rie-Zunic woke as commotion started in the streets and he looked up to see Almara's tiered eyes staring down at him as a smile danced across her face. She gazed at him with a lost expression almost, yet a happily lost one it was. He took a deep breath, looking around then back to her eyes. "I haven't seen that look in a few years... was I talking in my sleep?"

Almara chuckled, shaking her head at the memory he referenced. "No..." she sighed. "No, I guess I just didn't realize how much I've missed you. It's nice not to have to be alone all day every day."

Rie-Zunic sat up, to his surprise the royal procession was coming down the street. He stood to his feet and glanced down to Almara, offering her a hand up. "Yes... it is," he agreed. "But one can't grow accustom to conveniences which they can't afford to maintain."

Almara hung her head slightly and swallowed. She knew exactly what he was getting at. "I guess so..."

They both dropped the matter as Prince Eldecar's procession came to a halt. He recognized several of the men in the Gondorians to the right of the prince so he stay on the street side so none would recognize him... he hopped.

"Did they find anything from the fire?" he asked Almara softly as the Guildsmen approached the prince.

Almara shook her head. "No, thankfully there were no bodies found that I am aware of."

Author:  Deumeawyn [ April 23rd, 2017, 8:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Kin Strife of Gondor

Rhinnan stood as they paused. She looked at the faces of the crowd that lined the street and she could see subdued joy mixed with subdued anger. The man who will be king is here in the streets and this is how he is received? She started to pick out faces and some men moving about behind the crowd. Things were not right. Rhinnan tensed, and she could see that her sisters too were tense. But they were in a royal procession. They could not step out of line. It was up to the local guard to see to these things. She spotted two who looked like twins standing and watching them. They didn't seem to concerned with the people she would be concerned with. But then there had just been a fire. She straightened when a man in black approached the Prince and the Prince dismounted. All hands of his guard, Gondorian and Rhovanion, placed their hands on the hilts of their swords. Two of each stepped forward to accompany the Prince. Rhinnan watched close...

Author:  Moryár [ July 17th, 2017, 3:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Waning Days of King Valacar

Garren glared at a man who had the nerve to spit on his face after he had moved him away from the crowd. He was beginning to question his own biases from dealing with so many who hated the Rhovanians. Also the fact that he would have to uphold both his own and his twin's honor at the tournament. Not a fun perspective, since Gethen was determined that Garren was going to win. A guard against a specially trained soldier, even if she was a woman, was a frightening prospect to him.

Gethen held his spear menacingly, daring one more person to pick up a rock or hurtle another insult. This was their Prince, no matter what. The crowd didn't seem to believe it, and were intent on proving it to the Prince.

Author:  Hanasian [ September 9th, 2017, 8:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Waning Days of King Valacar

Eldacar was tense with his meeting with the Ships Guild member, and the words unheard could be seen as abrasive. The ships Guild had no intention of upholding a kingship under Eldacar, but still respected Valacar enough not to incite open revolt. Eldacar knew he had much to prove of himself as a man of Gondor. He just wondered if he could win over enough of the southern provinces to cement his eventual rule. He needed a plan. He considered the Prince of Dol Amroth to be an ally, and the Lord and Lady of Edholland would surely side with him, but the other maritime provinces would want a full blooded Numenorean sea king. This man that stood before him was one who called for such. Eldacar swallowed as he looked around. He had Gondorians and Rhovanions standing with him, but this guilds-man had the ships guild and most of the south of Gondor standing with him. Yet Prince Eldacar demanded the guilds-man's fealty, and he would swear it to King Valacar. It was all Prince Eldacar could ask for now. But the future he could see would be dark. He mounted up, and he waved at the people gathered along the way, and waved, but he no longer smiled. The shieldmaidens of Rhovanion sensed this, and they looked warily at the crowds as they moved on.

(OOC: Sorry I have been a bit AWOL on this tale. Hoping to do more writing in the story shortly)

Author:  Jax Nova [ September 12th, 2017, 10:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Waning Days of King Valacar

Rie-Zunic and Almara watched the tens situation unfold from the street side. It seemed hard for Almara to stand there and watch, though Rie-Zunic was unsure why. She was no loyal subject of the king. She didn't dislike him or the prince, she just lent her loyalty on a smaller, more personal scale.

After the procession moved onward Rie-Zunic looked to Almara. "Well, I guess we have a good idea who the main opposition might be." The guildsmen clearly did not care for the Rhovanions, nor their prince.

Author:  Deumeawyn [ September 23rd, 2017, 9:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Waning Days of King Valacar

Rhinnan could see that these Gondorians who love the ships did not like their presence, and she sensed that they did not accept the Prince as the rightful heir. She looked over to the faces of the twins Vilna and Vidnavi and saw the same tense look. When she looked the other way to Vilmaith, she saw her hand white on the hilt of her sword. Rhinnan was not the only one who sensed trouble in the days ahead. She dared not look back and break discipline in the ranks, but she wanted to see the faces of their brethren and also the Gondorian Guardsmen. As they marched onward, she did see a man and a woman standing by talking to each other, and wondered if she would have to fight these same Gondorians someday. They were supposed to be friends and allies, but Rhinnan seemed to find it hard to think such in light of the terse meeting Eldacar had with the Guildsman.

Author:  Hanasian [ November 22nd, 2017, 2:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Waning Days of King Valacar

(Moving this on a bit to the prelude to the tournament. Feel free to write in what your characters have been doing over the weeks/months, and if anyone wants to join in or introduce any more characters, now is the time!)

Eldacar was solemn after that day, and he worried about the future, but his father refused to let the tensions besmirch the tournaments his son had planned. King Valacar himself put out a decree that the tournaments of Osgiliath would be a a grand event, and the notifications went out to amend the ones Eldacar had sent out. Valacar said to Eldacar,

"My son, this will be a grand event. We need to push it out to give time for word to go across the kingdom even as far as Umbar. All will be welcome to participate, be they Gondorian, Rhovanion, or others from the tributary lands of West Khand and Near and Far Harad. We will see if Castamir and the Great Mariners Guild will put forth their superior champions, and if it as they say, the victories shall be theirs when it is all over. But I think it foolish to dismiss the abilities of other peoples."

Eldacar took heart in his father's confidence, and set forth word both spoke and written to lands far and wide. The tournament challenges would be in archery both standing and horseback riding, single combat with sword, single combat with axe, single combat free weapons, free melee teams, jousting, knife throwing, unarmed wrestling, arm wrestling, team stealth maneuver, and map reading. It was open to all of age, and to younger folk with permissions. There would also be other non-combat competitions such as cooking, drinking, dancing, and treasure hunting. Valacar and Eldacar hoped the tournament would help quell the rising dissension in the south, but only time would tell if it was effective. When word was heard, many of the provinces started to prepare and train, making their team as strong as possible. Of the Gondor province games, the contenders of each team had to be born in the province they were competing for.

The tournament would go on for weeks, but now, it was time to prepare. It did not take long for the Rhovanions in Gondor to start training. They hoped word would bring more of their brethren down from the north. The four shieldmaidens, Vilmaith, Vilna, Vidnavi, and Rhinnin formed a core for all competitions. These games would be more spectacular than those of Rhovanion, and they grew excited to be competing on their own, together, and with others of their people. Berian set up his armour works to make and repair armour for any and all. The Mariners guild took it to heart and proceeded to hire the mightiest men of arms in the maritime provinces. Ironically, they also hired Haradian mercenaries to fight for them. To have the people at the core of this Numenorean blood superiority unrest paying skilled black Haradian warriors to fight for them seemed to be at odds to their claims of Numenorean racial superiority. Word reached Rhovanion and as far north as Bree where a few of the Northern Dunedain of Arthedain rode south to compete and to bond with their southern brothers. They had just recently fought with Rhuadur and the Witch King of Angmar, so the five men were battle hardened and grim.

As the day grew nearer, merchants came and set up their camps, and the contenders started to arrive from far places. Both Valacar and Eldacar did not realise how successful their word spread, and the diversity of men and women that had taken up the challenge of the Osgiliath Tournament. It would be a grand affair, even of some grudge matches would be forthcoming between the provinces of Gondor itself.

Author:  Jax Nova [ November 22nd, 2017, 1:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Waning Days of King Valacar

Rie-Zunic and Almara spent the weeks to follow gatherings little bits of information. It led back to the guildsman time and time again, but that was no surprise. The more they learned, the more they realized that the guildsman were not necessarily trying to hide their objections to the crowned prince. The illegal portions of their opporation seemed to deeply seeded for information to spill into the common crowds. Subsequently, Rie-Zunic and Almara both agreed that one of them would have to go undercover.

The argument had been lengthy, but at the end of the day Rie-Zunic had to admit... he was just too Gondorian to pull it off. He was also too loyal to his prince to work with the guildsman and not give something away.

Unlike Rie-Zunic, Almara was an actress. She could play the part, and what’s more she was the better fighter of the two. They would likely hire her as a mercenary to fight in the tournament. So off she went, leaving a very cross Rie-Zunic behind.

Rie-Zunic, in the meantime, reported his findings to the king. Sadly there was little to report. There were several smaller groups of resistance, not conected to the guildsman that Rie-Zunic had identified, but the would either dwindle or join under one banner with the guildsman.
Since all seemed shrouded in secrecy Rie-Zunic set to training for tje tournament, hoping Almara would discover more while working with guildsman.

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