Campaign Arc - Request for advice

[SirKicley]

I have enjoyed this thread, and the original storyline ideas are wonderful. Kudos.

I was about to comment, as Rich did, that the Shadow/Corruption mechanic in the game does not exclude dwarves from the equation so yeah, I think that it's completely believable if you wish to do that. And also like Rich I would love to read what you ultimately come up with. Sounds like a great storyline to share with the board here.


Finally - in regards to dwarves and their resilience to shadow/corruption - are the Dourhand dwarves featured in the LotR - Online MMO something that was written for that game only? I can't seem to find reference of them anywhere but the online game wiki.

In case they are part of actual Tolkien lore, you could use them for this story. And if they don't - then you still can if you don't feel you need to stick solely on the canonical writing.

Robert

[Tolwen]

Yes what I was adressing was from a standpoint of two dwarves of Durin's Line, also remind me if I am wrong isn't the Slimarillion written from an Elvish perspective?

IIRC the Sil77 is supposedly a history assembled by mannish (most likely Númenórean) loremasters that represent older oral elven traditions and histories handed down to the Númenóreans by their elven friends. It's similar with the 'Hobbit' and LotR: hobbitish memoirs and first-hand experiences enriched with older lore acquired from mannish and elven loremasters written down.

In any case, IMO the few information we really get from Tolkien (be it the Hobit, LotR or HoMe-enriched Sil77) about the workings and histories of his invented world (there are vast lacunae still) should be taken as historically "true" IMO.

Cheers
Tolwen

[LOTR_Nerd]

Yesthe Dourhands only exist in LOTRO as they were created for that game alone,there is no dwarvish line that comes close to having that name.

[SirKicley]

Yes the Dourhands only exist in LOTRO as they were created for that game alone,there is no dwarvish line that comes close to having that name.

Thank you for that info. I kinda thought they were just made-up for that game.

Though I may "borrow" their made-up existence to place them into the made-up game of this made-up world for some real fun.

I never think it's a bad thing to have some alternate bad-guys from time to time.

Robert

[Arquestan]

I've read through most of the article on dwarven mansions in Other Hands - many thanks Tolwen, a great resource.

One part that caught my eye is the refugees from the Blue Mountains (Firebeards and Broadbeams) remaining separate lines. Good to add depth/variety to the dwarves .

I'm really liking the idea of sending them off to Thorin's Hall in the Blue Mountains.
First I get to drop Thorin's name into the story
Second, back in the day I collected the NE area MERP stuff and never used most of it
But mostly it's the ultimate tourist trip. Bree, Hobbiton both on the plausible route. Heck, once it's known you're heading that way pretty much any of the main characters from 'The Hobbit' could stop by and ask you to deliver a letter and package to Bilbo as you pass. Might even get an invite to tea out of it and bash you're head on that chandelier in the hall Just need to persuade one player I can think of NOT to try and steal a particular item . Yes- I like the Blue Mountains a lot.

[Rich H]

Though I may "borrow" their made-up existence to place them into the made-up game of this made-up world for some real fun.

I never think it's a bad thing to have some alternate bad-guys from time to time.

Quite agree and I don't think the Dourhands are too much of a leap - they seem quite fitting within the Tolkien mythology unlike other content created for LotRO.

[Arquestan]

Doh - that would be Other Minds #4 for the dwarf mansions article

[Chris Gardiner]

Arquestan - that is a great set-up for a campaign.

[DavetheLost]

I very much like this idea for a campaign set up. As for the Shadow and Corruption working on Dwarvish hearts, I seem to remember Gandalf at one point saying that the Seven increased their wearers lust for gold and also their stubbornness, but that the Dwarves never fully turned to evil. That is not to say that Dwarf fighting Dwarf is impossible. Hard hearts, stubbornness, greed, vengefulness all make good fodder for a civil war or Cold War between rival Dwarflords.

I would imagine that even most of these situations if they came to blows would be settled either by a protracted siege or a short sharp clash of arms. Just a quick duel of champions or quick raid. Mostly the aggrieved parties would glare at eachother and make threats.

[Tolwen]

Doh - that would be Other Minds #4 for the dwarf mansions article

Glad to have been of service *bows*

It's always a good thing other people taking up such ideas

Cheers
Tolwen