IC explanation

[Angelalex242]

So, my high elf just acquired the Beauty of the Stars Virtue.

He didn't start with it.

...So how do I explain why he suddenly got pretty? What changed about him over the course of the Fellowship phase to manifest the virtue?

Fluff question, not crunch.

[Rue]

It could be that as he improved his soul so his face reflects that moral virtue (a la ancient Greeks using physical appearance to symbolize a man's good or bad nature--heroes are Pretty because they are Good and Mighty, etc.)

[Deadmanwalking]

Maybe he was a bit less inclined to taking care of his appearance than he might've been, and is finally putting some effort in.

[Glorelendil]

It's not the kind of beauty that would be captured in an image; rather it's the light of Valinor shining through in a way that can be sensed by mortals. Come up with a reason why his connection to the Vala is strengthened.

[zedturtle]

Yeah, I'd combine rue and GE's posts... there should have been some sort of transformative event that made the Light of the Flame Imperishable become more easy to see within this elf.

That's one of the reasons I like to do my training montage scenes during Fellowship Phases, to explain things like this.

[Falenthal]

Without knowing the story or adventures of your elf, it's difficult to propose reasons that are meaningful to your character, but here go some ideas:

* Someone beloved to you (your parents, a brother, a loved one...) has travelled to the Grey Havens to abandon Middle-Earth. You went with him to bid him farewell. There you saw the Sea for the first time, and stood in the port gazing to the West during some nights, under the light of the stars. You've never been to Valinor, but in those days (and nights) spent at the Havens, you saw a glimpse of the Inmortal Lands that await those of your race. Now you know there's a light at the end of the road, and bear this light with you in this dark times.

* Having adventured beyond the borders of Rivendell, you've discovered that there's a Shadow to be fought in the lands, and have decide that the world needs more adventurers like yourself. You've read and song about the elven heroes of Old: Fingolfin, Gil-Galad,... they didn't stay home lamenting for the lost days of glory. They where a beacon of light in times of darkness. Even Master Elrond sees that in you, and has blessed you with the Light of the Stars, naming you a Champion of Elbereth. Now Her light shines through you, for everyone to see (even the Servents of the Shadow if you decided so).

[Glorelendil]

* Someone beloved to you (your parents, a brother, a loved one...) has travelled to the Grey Havens to abandon Middle-Earth. You went with him to bid him farewell. There you saw the Sea for the first time, and stood in the port gazing to the West during some nights, under the light of the stars. You've never been to Valinor, but in those days (and nights) spent at the Havens, you saw a glimpse of the Inmortal Lands that await those of your race. Now you know there's a light at the end of the road, and bear this light with you in this dark times.

Awesome idea for a new Undertaking for elves, Falenthal. Allowed once (ever) per character; make a Wisdom roll and restore 1 Hope on a success, 2 on a Great Success, 3 on an Extraordinary Success. Or, given the stiff requirements, make it 1 by default, +1-3 more as per above.

[Majestic]

Both excellent ideas, Falenthal!

And that seems like a great undertaking for Elves as well, Glorelendil. Elves often have less Shadow anyway, though they need it to fuel their ability to do cool stuff.

[Angelalex242]

Well, Fal, this elf just completed the 'white tower' adventure. And he has the 'enemy of Sauron' trait. So your choice 2 sounds a lot closer to what just happened. (He has elven lore for his other trait...and the vengeful kin background, and orc slayer...)

So...yeah. This guy's pretty much there to give Sauron a terrible horrible no good very bad day. As best he can, anyway.

[Glorelendil]

Well, Fal, this elf just completed the 'white tower' adventure. And he has the 'enemy of Sauron' trait. So your choice 2 sounds a lot closer to what just happened. (He has elven lore for his other trait...and the vengeful kin background, and orc slayer...)

So...yeah. This guy's pretty much there to give Sauron a terrible horrible no good very bad day. As best he can, anyway.

Funny, I took you for a "let's negotiate; violence is a last resort" sort of roleplayer.