Ray the Wanderer Ray the Wanderer

Fellowship of the Ring Empire Thread

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Fellowship of the Ring Empire Thread

from Stardock Forums
The Prancing Pony

The welcome sight of a tavern greeted the weary traveler as he moved within distance of the town. Having traveled for many days, he longed for a cool mug of ale to slake his road-thirst.

As he approached the inn, he could see a sign of a fat pony rearing up on its hindlegs. The letters, THE PRANCING PONY, was painted in white.

The common room was large and rowdy. A bald and overweight innkeeper stood bent over the counter, whispering the latest gossip into the ears of a patron. On the benches were various folks, the local drunks for most part, but in corners of the taverns, he noticed there were groups drinking by themselves.

Setting himself down, the traveler handed a couple of coppers over to one of the bar wrenches for ale.

“Welcome to the Pony.” The traveler was mildly surprised to find a sprightly old man next to him, holding his gaze with keen eyes that belittled his obvious antiquity.

“Thank you, and whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?”

“Folks around here call me Ray and I do enjoy meeting up with newcomers to see if there is any assistance I could render.”

“That would be great, Ray. I would love to learn about the people who reside in these parts.”

“Ah, that’s a frequently asked question and one I’m well qualified to answer. There are a couple of factions here in Meta that you will want to watch out for.

The Pirates are currently dominant. Not the most refined of speakers but they are a jovial bunch, with a particular weakness for good drinks.

The Diplomats hold power in the Courts. Their courtiers are many but they don’t really mix with us common folks.

The Farmers are our working class. Hardworking and honest, they are however on occasion given over to overly elaborate festivals and celebrations.

The Galahs are a group of seafarers. They are also good trainers of livestock.

The Warlords are our warrior class. Their love for long campaigns leaves them frequently out of town.

The Spiders monopolise our merchant guilds. They are by far the most invertebrate bunch of traders you will ever see.

Far to the north, the Undead holds a death grip over the wastelands. I would caution you against traveling down that road.

There are many other smaller factions around, but I leave the details of those to Barley our bartender.

One of our tavern regulars, Gerakken the Spymaster, is also in the know with regards to many of the factions. So do buy him a drink if you want to find out more.”

“Thanks for the insights, Ray. But how about yourself, which faction do you belong to?”

Smiling to himself, the old man stood.

“Come round the Fellowship Halls tomorrow morning and I’ll show you around.”
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Reply #326 from Stardock Forums Top
Hey, I have been out of the loop for about a day and a half and find some interesting things going on here. On the alternate Meta idea: all for it. I'll be glad to lend my pen to help that storyline more, but if it is going to involve any serious number crunching or a lot of daily upkeep, I am out of that part.

On the subject of who quits whom: I rather have a single person happy where they are at rather than five restless souls. Sometimes people need to go where they are happy. No harm, no foul, and the door is always open. At least Ray is finally getting some people for the Fellowship instead of seeing them all being handed to other empires. A little bit of satisfaction after a lot of starving, so to speak.
Reply #327 from Stardock Forums Top
"CariElf! These two need your immediate attention!" Mad Prophet shouted as he and Idleprocess carried KitWarrior and IceMole into the infirmary.

Noticing KitWarrior's dark sheen, Michael hastened over.

"I've seen this before in my travels, CariElf. Wraith. And its bad. We are going to lose him."

As they laid him on the bed of hay, CariElf touched her holy symbol on the festering wound.

Mouthing the spell to reverse the Negative Plane damage, she caressed the pirate's hair.

"Come back to the light, my friend. Come back to the light."

As KitWarrior's body convulsed, his eyes opened and he saw the High Cleric.

"Enchanting" he thought. In his mind, he was struggling to reach a clear light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
Galactic Civilizations IV
Reply #328 from Stardock Forums Top
This is actually is a victory for all us who have been working hard to promote Themes in the Metaverse.

Pontius, Gerakken, myself and many other theme supporters have really done much to promote Themes above just joining your regional empire. It's great to see GROSS and now the Fellowship ahead of the regionals.

I certainly hope the many up and coming ones like the Jedi Republic and Freedom Force will also become hives of activity and also do really well.
Reply #329 from Stardock Forums Top
Well Pontius, you did seem rather worked up about the ladder idea for someone who was supposedly just giving a neutral third-party opinion. Phrases like "anti everything I believe in" and "pulled the wool over their eyes," along with your general tone of "well *I* at least am here to have fun" (which comes with the strong implication that the people who are currently discussing scoring are not) make the reader think you feel strongly about the issue. I think Ray was perfectly justified in wondering why.
End of quote



Your post takes the tone of you're not neutral your biased. Easy way of dismissing an argument you wish not to deal with. Tis no matter since I will not debate the issue anymore anyway. Like I said, not here to argue or worry about who's #1, or whatever, I'm here to play and have fun.

But on to the issue at hand here.
No where in my posts did I say I was "neutral and unbiased" There is no such thing as neutral and unbiased, unless we're dealing with a game of perfectly random chance.

Stating that I won't participate unless everyone can simply is a rule I have lived by since childhood. And as I stated before, I will not debate this point. Stating it doesn't mean I'm worked up.

Furthermore, If you are going to put words in quotes and attribute them to me, please do so accurately rather than loosely. If you wish to quote me losely, that is fine too, but do not put them in quotes and make a note of that fact. The phrase "Well *I* at least am here to have fun" (wrongly quoted and out of context) Is far different from. "And I'm here to play and have fun, not worry about who's in first, third, or who in my opinion is the 'most skillful'"


The first implies a pompous well at least I, meaning the rest aren't, the second accurate quote an informational I meaning

Looking through, I believe Ray is the one who said well I still do it for the fun of it or something to that effect but that was in a different context.



Reply #330 from Stardock Forums Top
Having come in after a little time off, I find myself slightly disturbed at the tone of exchanges here over the past couple of pages.

Firstly, congrats to the Fellowship of the Ring on reaching No.1 position :CONGRAT:

Pontius' long letter raised several interesting points re the Metaverse. Basically, as Ray stated some time ago, the Metaverse is about commitment, not skill. I understand the ground rules and am happy to play by them. The desire of several ANZACs to create Freedom Force should not be misinterpreted. Yes, we did want the chance to recruit more players, and felt that the geographical distinction was problematic for us. I feel this is a somewhat unique issue for ANZAC, as Aust. & NZ have relatively small populations. The Euros or Canucks, for example, would have no such issue given their computing population base.

As a group, many of us like to write and roleplay, and felt that we would enjoy a better vehicle for that, although I think we did an interesting job of spreading Australian cultural icons through the Metaverse. Our choice was based on making our participation in the Metaverse more FUN; even as we were deciding to form Freedom Force, members of the group agreed that FF was unlikely to hold our fascination forever, and we would readily change again to freshen ourselves up if we saw fit.

Pontius, Gerakken, myself and many other theme supporters have really done much to promote Themes above just joining your regional empire. It's great to see GROSS and now the Fellowship ahead of the regionals.
End of quote


I'm afraid this quote sounds a little like joining a regional empire is a lower value, default option - I'm afraid that I don't think that's true. It's whatever floats your boat that counts....the Metaverse is a stage you can use for your own enjoyment. Does the sight of the maple leaf stir the Canadians' undead hearts? I guess so - enough of them seem to join it!

About people changing empires? Consenting adults do what they like; I guess it's the potential for trash-talking afterwards that I find less than pleasant. That's not a direct comment on anything I've read here, by the way, just a reflection on how I'd like poeple to get along with each other - I've stayed active on this board for a couple of months now, much longer than I usually do with a game, which is a tribute to the people reading this: I found a group I like to hang with.

I'll look forward to the War of the Worlds, but I think I'll basically push on with using the Metaverse for what I enjoy: playing the game, and writing, reading and interacting with you lot.
[Message Edited]
Reply #331 from Stardock Forums Top
You're right to say Wombat, that my words did seem to cast a negative impression on regionals.

I guess I should have said that we were working hard to make the Metaverse a lively place and it just happens that the Themes were mostly livelier than the regionals with the exception of ANZACs who made a gallant attempt to role-play despite being somewhat restricted.

I do think that some of the discussions have become too serious and people seem to be taking things too personally.

We are not spending time in this virtual universe to do that. We already do that lots in real life!

Let's all loosen up. :)

War of the Worlds look exciting, Wombat.

Are there any orators in Freedom Force? ;)
Reply #332 from Stardock Forums Top
Are there any orators in Freedom Force?
End of quote


Now Ray.....that smiley after this sentence tells me you already KNOW the answer to that one.... ;p
Reply #333 from Stardock Forums Top
As for Gibbie, I thought you had a grip on things when you gave your customary "Don't be a stranger" wave to folks leaving GROSS. But those other posts you made in the GROSS thread were really unnecessary. Well, Gibbie has clarified himself in a subsequent post so there's no need to continue this name-calling.Personally, I admit that I was demoralised when Shakaar and jus4golf left the White Council for GROSS sometime back. That was then when I realised that the Metaverse has become too personal for me.Let's remember that THIS IS A GAME And Pontius, I'm still waiting for the customary congratulations to the new #1 empire.
End of quote


You may feel demoralized when someone leaves but I don't. It's just a game. Perhaps you should relook at the thread. Tis not me who started with the name calling. He started it here, then continued it there. I merely pointed it out. Now if he later rethinks what he's doing and wishes to change his statements, well that's fine too. I respond according to the words that are in front of me at the time.

We at G.R.O.S.S. only count who's #1 at the map change. When you've been on top for two months, you don't really care about 15 minutes here or there. Of course, we fully intend not to let you experience that for yourselves. Congrats.

Reply #334 from Stardock Forums Top
I hope you people have taken the time to read the War of the Worlds story written expertly by Gerakken (Gerakken, are you a journalist in RL or what?).

It's a bit long from your usual forum posts but trust me, you wouldn't regret reading it.

Yoda has already started the Jedi Republic Sub-plot and he may be bringing the Fellowship in with his next instalment.

Nevertheless, I do recommend that you participate in it and write the Fellowship segments if you enjoy role-playing.

Other than writing for the Fellowship, you should also think about writing for the empires that are not really into role-playing like the Euros and the Canadians. It would be fun to see things from their perspectives, esp the Undead. :)
Reply #335 from Stardock Forums Top
The serious discussions end here. For those interested to continue, pls take it to email.
Reply #336 from Stardock Forums Top
No, I am no journalist. I make too many mistakes to be a professional writer. :)

Oh, I forgot about this part. Everybody already knows this, but just to make it official:
Name: Gerakken
Race: Human
Class: Spymaster
Reason for Joining: Because I am already everywhere!

And, plephart, for the record, there is only one Spymaster (tm) here. Every other operative is a mere spy/propogandist/covert agent, whatever the case my be.

(Gerakken has let ego get the best of him again. Or was it the wine? Never mind!) :)
[Message Edited]
Reply #337 from Stardock Forums Top
Ah, I forgot about the Spymaster. That's easy because you're always out of sight.

But somehow, I sense that you will be a pivotal figure in the days ahead.
Reply #338 from Stardock Forums Top
Come on guys, breath deep. Yoda, can you get everyone together for your yoga and spiritual healing hour?

Um, congratulations on number one Fellowship mates! Unfortunately some or all of you may all be about to kark it in another thread , but heh, no hard feelings. ;p

Yes, I do miss my days of adulation at the Skowbo Temple (*sigh*) but after I drowned in the barrel of beer, I found it difficult to participate in any more CariElf stories. At about the same time, Ray changed me to a Dropbear, and hence my bitter enmity directed at him. But heh, too many details...

I haven't done this either, so:
Name: Dropbear
Race: Koala Bear
Class: Nemesis of Ray
Reason for Joining: To Nemesis Ray

Reply #339 from Stardock Forums Top
Pontius, you've really distorted my post (and my original post on this topic too I might add). Perhaps I was unclear, perhaps you misread, whatever.

Ray's right, either we need to drop this entirely or take it to email if you care about the topic. My sense is that you don't, but anyway, it's up to you.

[email protected]

Edit: anyone else can email me there too anytime if you feel like telling me something privately. But that's my junk spam account so if you want me to actually read your message then you should tell me on the forum to check my email.
[Message Edited]
Reply #340 from Stardock Forums Top
Better get my stat sheet in too:

Name: Barry Light
Race: Human from Rohan
Class: Fighter
Reason for Joining: Ummm...for fun? ;)
Reply #341 from Stardock Forums Top
Better watch your front, Warrior of Rohan.

You have the honor of facing the first wave of undead as the Fellowship vanguard. ;)
Reply #342 from Stardock Forums Top
Congrats on #1, or #2. Anyway, congratulations on getting ahead of us.

Perhaps you should see if your protection from normal missles spell covers MWC ICBMS... the empire race seems to have become interesting again.

- Cypher
Reply #343 from Stardock Forums Top
Polished steel awaits any Undead that dare interupt our conclave...

Although one of those nifty blades made up of humming light those Jedi are carrying would be handy... :D

Jedi friends: make sure you watch out when you sheath your blades...I'd hate to see you cut off a leg (or something worse! :SURPRISED: )
Reply #344 from Stardock Forums Top
Citizen vincible - 7/18/2003 2:08:18 AM Barry, for some reason your post #289 really cracked me up.
End of quote


#289 by Citizen Barry Light - 7/17/2003 2:42:47 PM

As Barry walked into the inn, several faces turned to look at him. He could tell the patrons were wondering what this shabbily dressed warrior could do for the Fellowship. He, himself, questioned his abilities, but quickly convinced himself he had made the right decision. Calmly, he walked to the bar and ordered a pint of ale. He flipped a few coppers to the barkeep and turned. It was about time he introduced himself.

"I am Barry Light, a swordsman from Rohan. I am here to vow my allegiance to this Fellowship, and hope that we may prevail over our enemies."

Several of the patrons looked at each other, then one quietly said

"Congratulations. But you're in the GROSS bar, you idiot!"

The tankard of ale sat motionless in air, as Barry disappeared out the back.
End of quote


I'd actually forgotten about this! LOL
Reply #345 from Stardock Forums Top
Ray don't forget this newbie..
Me stats

Name Bakka
Race: Ghost Bat
Class: Comic relief Scout
Reason for joining:The beer
[Message Edited]
Reply #346 from Stardock Forums Top
Alrighty! :D NOW it's a dogpile!

Ray, thanks for including my persona. That connection with another thread was clever. ;)

I REALLY don't want to cramp anyone's creativity, but if some degree of consistency throughout the Meta makes for more enjoyable reading, I don't expect to "reach a clear light at the end of a very dark tunnel." hint hint wink wink

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I could shuddup and just write what I wanna see, but y'all are just sooo good. Surprises are the best!
Reply #347 from Stardock Forums Top
Unfortunately some or all of you may all be about to kark it in another thread , but heh, no hard feelings.
End of quote


It seems I have been very mischievous in another story, haven't I? What twisted plans have you devised, oh Evil Fuzzy One?
Reply #348 from Stardock Forums Top
re: #346

Oh wait a minute... am I asking to be killed? :SURPRISED: That's not what I meant to ask for. Uh... I was just referring to my "alignment".
Reply #349 from Stardock Forums Top
Kit learns quickly. It is best not to be down on the mat when the Killer Koala climbs the post and executes the famed Drop Bear. :)