I think people did; it just predates when you joined and was also discussed on the old forum as far as I can remember.nazgul_2000 wrote:So after reading the adventure, I visited your blog and read your mass combat rules - awesome! I can't believe this forum hasn't been talking about them more.
New Adventure: The Cup of True Love
Re: New Adventure: A Cup of Golden Love
TOR resources thread: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=62
TOR miniatures thread: viewtopic.php?t=885
Fellowship of the Free Tale of Years: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=8318
TOR miniatures thread: viewtopic.php?t=885
Fellowship of the Free Tale of Years: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=8318
Re: New Adventure: A Cup of Golden Love
It is a bit of uncomfortable territory, but I do like the allusions to myths created by it. While Tolkien filtered his sources carefully to create a narrative he was comfortable telling, I think that the Anglo-Saxons would have been perfectly comfortable with my idea... the whole idea, being "be careful who you love".jamesrbrown wrote:That being said, I like some of the ways you've chosen to do that (although I don't really like the idea of having Cilderic father a child with the hag, yikes!).
In your conception, why did Cilderic go to confront the hag?
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Suggestions for a new title:
[[ Zed deletes a tasteless joke name ]]
A Love of Gold
The Heart of the Mountain Hall {an alternate name for the cup representing Hartmut's strength and resolve in making Mountain Hall great again for his bridge and his son's honouring of that work.}
Jacob Rodgers, occasional nitwit.
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Re: New Adventure: A Cup of Golden Love
I was thinking that this "offspring of the Hag" thing reminds a bit of Beowulf and northern mythology, but I was wondering if Tolkien ever strayed on these grounds.zedturtle wrote:It is a bit of uncomfortable territory, but I do like the allusions to myths created by it. While Tolkien filtered his sources carefully to create a narrative he was comfortable telling, I think that the Anglo-Saxons would have been perfectly comfortable with my idea... the whole idea, being "be careful who you love".jamesrbrown wrote:That being said, I like some of the ways you've chosen to do that (although I don't really like the idea of having Cilderic father a child with the hag, yikes!).
In your conception, why did Cilderic go to confront the hag?
(...)
Someone got precedents in the books?
About the reason for confronting the Hag, I was thinking about desire of glory/anspiring to be an hero. This got precedents in Tolkien, as I reckon.
PS: sorry for the bad writing: not native speaker, and somehow today I cannot form my thoughts in english...

Re: New Adventure: A Cup of Golden Love
As Rich mentioned a while back, y'all are much more coherent in English than I am in German/Italian/Spanish/French/Etc.
As for Treasure-seeking, nominally that's the plot of The Hobbit, sure. But, that's not really what's going on... it really is a quest of revenge and reclaiming the homeland. Sure the treasure (and the corruption of the Dragon-sickness) figures into it, but it's not the only thing going on.
I haven't yet read Tolkien's translation of Beowulf, but as I alluded to above, the mythical idea of someone disguising themselves for the sake of companionship is not exactly uncommon.
As for Treasure-seeking, nominally that's the plot of The Hobbit, sure. But, that's not really what's going on... it really is a quest of revenge and reclaiming the homeland. Sure the treasure (and the corruption of the Dragon-sickness) figures into it, but it's not the only thing going on.
I haven't yet read Tolkien's translation of Beowulf, but as I alluded to above, the mythical idea of someone disguising themselves for the sake of companionship is not exactly uncommon.
Jacob Rodgers, occasional nitwit.
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Re: New Adventure: A Cup of Golden Love
I left this end of the story open knowing that Loremasters would find a reason that fit into their campaign. I honestly didn't have anything worked out on my own. When I played the adventure with my group, they never found out the reason because they never found Cilderic!zedturtle wrote:In your conception, why did Cilderic go to confront the hag?
If I were developing the story fully, it might go like this:
Cilderic, a decorated warrior of Mountain Hall, has run into some family troubles and has requested time away from the fortress, but Hartfast has denied him the leave for months because of the increased threat of Goblins moving under the mountains. With each new day, Cilderic's anxiety has increased knowing that his wife, Amalina, is lonely and bored at home in a quiet village many miles from the burg, and wants him to come home so they can live wild and exciting lives of travel together.
Then, one day, Cilderic receives a report that his less than honourable brother, Caldagis: a thief and a coward, has run off with his wife. Where they have gone he does not know and he burns with rage inside, blaming Hartfast for keeping him at Mountain Hall when he could have been protecting his marriage. In Hartfast's absence, he steals the object most precious to the chieftain: a symbol of undying love. He then deserts his post to go and reclaim his wife.
At first, he goes to the Wolfswood, his brother's choice of hideouts, but does not find him there among the brigands. He threatens them for information and one of them reveals that Caldagis and Amalina have gone to Hag's Island to steal the treasures of a legendary monster; they wish for riches and glory and to live a life of adventure, something that Cilderic would never do.
Cilderic is heartbroken beyond tears until all that remains is wrath against Hartfast and Caldagis.
At Trader's Island he meets Widuven, a friend often spoken of by Beranald, the Doorwarden of Mountain Hall. Widuven tells him everything he knows about the treasure-eating hag and her island and offers him a magnificent sword with which to kill the beast; but Cilderic refuses the weapon. He reveals the cup of Hartfast instead and says, "This golden cup will be my trap, whether to lure the creature or my brother, or both, I do not know yet, but neither can resist the temptation of gold."
And so Cilderic went south on the Great River into the mists, taking the cup he stole from Hartfast, using it to reclaim what Hartfast stole from him: his beloved Amalina.
As far as the name of the adventure goes, thanks for the suggestions. I like the idea of "The Heart of the Mountain Hall" but it isn't proper to say, "the Mountain Hall."
Since it is the phrase "golden love" that makes the name awkward, maybe I could just rearrange it slightly? What about simply...A Golden Cup?
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Re: New Adventure: A Cup of Golden Love
See, I love this stuff and think it should be official... it also makes a great "compare and contrast" theme with 100% less Hag-Hanky-Pankyjamesrbrown wrote:And so Cilderic went south on the Great River into the mists, taking the cup he stole from Hartfast, using it to reclaim what Hartfast stole from him: his beloved Amalina.
I'm not quite sure of your objection... if it's grammatical, then The Heart of Mountain Hall or Heart of Firienseld are options. If it's an objection to the metaphor, then I have nothing for you.As far as the name of the adventure goes, thanks for the suggestions. I like the idea of "The Heart of the Mountain Hall" but it isn't proper to say, "the Mountain Hall."
It's a strange thing, but I think Cup of Gold sounds a bit better than A Golden Cup. My primary objection is that the best names can be understood in multiple ways. Perhaps something like A Golden Union, with some explanation that sharing a cup of wine is part of the wedding ceremony for the people of Firienseld, most marriages use a common cup of clay or wood, but Hartmut and Gelvira's love was special and deserved a cup of gold.Since it is the phrase "golden love" that makes the name awkward, maybe I could just rearrange it slightly? What about simply...A Golden Cup?
Jacob Rodgers, occasional nitwit.
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Re: New Adventure: A Cup of Golden Love
100% less Hag-Hanky-Panky makes me feel so much better! Not a good vision thinking of poor Cilderic with that hideous giant water-goblin. I don't want to ask how that would even work.zedturtle wrote:See, I love this stuff and think it should be official... it also makes a great "compare and contrast" theme with 100% less Hag-Hanky-Pankyjamesrbrown wrote:And so Cilderic went south on the Great River into the mists, taking the cup he stole from Hartfast, using it to reclaim what Hartfast stole from him: his beloved Amalina.
Ok, so what do you think of the following titles?zedturtle wrote:It's a strange thing, but I think Cup of Gold sounds a bit better than A Golden Cup.
- The Cup of Gold
- The Cup of Hartfast
- A Stolen Cup
- The Cup of Love and Wrath
- A Golden Cup for Amalina
Please visit my blog, Advancement Points: The One Ring Files, for my TOR Resources
Re: New Adventure: A Cup of Golden Love
Dweomer-Sorcery, man. She appears (in form and function) to be a lonely shepherdess, but when Cilderic's guilt causes him to track her down, he realizes he's been had.jamesrbrown wrote:100% less Hag-Hanky-Panky makes me feel so much better! Not a good vision thinking of poor Cilderic with that hideous giant water-goblin. I don't want to ask how that would even work.
The bolded one is something like what I considered: The Cup of Passion. But I didn't want to go too far that way...jamesrbrown wrote:The last one would definitely require my background for Cilderic.
- The Cup of Gold
- The Cup of Hartfast
- A Stolen Cup
- The Cup of Love and Wrath
- A Golden Cup for Amalina
How about The Golden Gift? It refers too Gelvira's original giving, Cilderic's desire to set things right with his wife and the Hag's abilities...
Jacob Rodgers, occasional nitwit.
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Re: New Adventure: A Cup of Golden Love
Another interesting adventure! James, I like your write up very much and further ideas with zedturtle. However, while thinking about Cilderic’s reasons why, I made up different path to follow when there will be a chance to incorporate this adventure into our campaign. Not sure if it all fits the ME spirit and have myself mixed feelings about it being a cliché, but thought I’d share it anyway.
1. In his youth Cilderic the Forlorn Mountaineer (known for his disappearing in Misty Mountains for months at the time and always keeping to himself around others), was lost in the mountains and found (by incredible luck or as he wants to believe a power of destiny) a hidden chamber behind an underground waterfall. (Ancient Spells of Secrecy has been weary for some time now. ) At first he thought he stumbled upon a dwarven tomb but to his surprise he had found a crystal coffin with a sleeping human girl inside, and so fair the maiden was, he was immediately struck by the love of the first sight. He spent days and nights looking at and talking to the sleeping beauty through the crystals but never dared to open the coffin. The quest of his life has been born in his heart as he knew exactly whom the girl was. He must find a way to heal the girl and make her love him back.
2. He heard about the Cup of Love which has magical powers of Healing which Blessing has been discovered by the Hartmut only just recently. Cilderic was convinced a few drops of wine from the Cup of Love will surely heal half-drowned girl. The other problem was, the legend says, only true love will awaken the maid, a long awaited lover coming back from the dead… However, Cilderic, full of hope, was determined to find a way anyway. He drew a map leading to the place as he discovered that each time he left the cave, he had great difficulty coming back to the chamber as if the place didn’t wish to be found. After that he went back to the vales for the search of the Potion of True Love. After years of searching, he was disappointed not to find any such thing to exist. Finally, despaired man heard rumor about River-hag, which Golden Hair had some magical powers. A mortal Bearer of the Golden Locks would be granted a Blessing of the Awe in the eyes of the first subject to look upon him. He figured it to be his last chance and needed to believe it; the beloved girl will be healed and awakened once drunk from the Cup of Love; furthermore, and especially, will love him back when her gaze will meet the eyes of Cilderic the Great - Slayer of The River-hag, True Hero with Golden Hairs braided into his beard. He had mistaken that True Love has very little to do with Awe. The Golden Hair has no magical powers.
3. He decided to steal the Cup from the “Highest Dwarf” whom he eluded into trusting after years of dedicated service. He wanted to be close to the Cup and truly was the Mountain Hall’s artifact most dedicated watcher for his personal reasons. Once the plan was ready he wanted to use it as bait for River-Hag gaining everything or nothing. Since the rumors about Golden Hair were leading to Trader’s Island he went there and met with Widuven.
4. The adventure would follow as in original but in the lair of the Treasure Eating Monster the party might find also among bloody cloths of fallen Cilderic the mysterious map with the heart marking the spot.
My vote goes for The Cup of True Love
1. In his youth Cilderic the Forlorn Mountaineer (known for his disappearing in Misty Mountains for months at the time and always keeping to himself around others), was lost in the mountains and found (by incredible luck or as he wants to believe a power of destiny) a hidden chamber behind an underground waterfall. (Ancient Spells of Secrecy has been weary for some time now. ) At first he thought he stumbled upon a dwarven tomb but to his surprise he had found a crystal coffin with a sleeping human girl inside, and so fair the maiden was, he was immediately struck by the love of the first sight. He spent days and nights looking at and talking to the sleeping beauty through the crystals but never dared to open the coffin. The quest of his life has been born in his heart as he knew exactly whom the girl was. He must find a way to heal the girl and make her love him back.
2. He heard about the Cup of Love which has magical powers of Healing which Blessing has been discovered by the Hartmut only just recently. Cilderic was convinced a few drops of wine from the Cup of Love will surely heal half-drowned girl. The other problem was, the legend says, only true love will awaken the maid, a long awaited lover coming back from the dead… However, Cilderic, full of hope, was determined to find a way anyway. He drew a map leading to the place as he discovered that each time he left the cave, he had great difficulty coming back to the chamber as if the place didn’t wish to be found. After that he went back to the vales for the search of the Potion of True Love. After years of searching, he was disappointed not to find any such thing to exist. Finally, despaired man heard rumor about River-hag, which Golden Hair had some magical powers. A mortal Bearer of the Golden Locks would be granted a Blessing of the Awe in the eyes of the first subject to look upon him. He figured it to be his last chance and needed to believe it; the beloved girl will be healed and awakened once drunk from the Cup of Love; furthermore, and especially, will love him back when her gaze will meet the eyes of Cilderic the Great - Slayer of The River-hag, True Hero with Golden Hairs braided into his beard. He had mistaken that True Love has very little to do with Awe. The Golden Hair has no magical powers.
3. He decided to steal the Cup from the “Highest Dwarf” whom he eluded into trusting after years of dedicated service. He wanted to be close to the Cup and truly was the Mountain Hall’s artifact most dedicated watcher for his personal reasons. Once the plan was ready he wanted to use it as bait for River-Hag gaining everything or nothing. Since the rumors about Golden Hair were leading to Trader’s Island he went there and met with Widuven.
4. The adventure would follow as in original but in the lair of the Treasure Eating Monster the party might find also among bloody cloths of fallen Cilderic the mysterious map with the heart marking the spot.
My vote goes for The Cup of True Love

Last edited by MattG on Tue Dec 16, 2014 6:16 am, edited 1 time in total.
- jamesrbrown
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Re: New Adventure: A Cup of Golden Love
I like that title MattG! It captures everything perfectly. I think I will use that. Very similar to zedturtle's "The Cup of Passion." Thank you both for the ideas and for taking interest in the adventure and its title.MattG wrote:My vote goes for The Cup of True Love
I'm glad you're able to use what i've written and develop it in your own way. That was the point in presenting it in the outline form!
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