The Reunited Kingdom of Gondor and Arnor: The current ruler of Gondor is King Eldarion, son of Aragorn. His Sister Princess Tinúviel rules in Arnor, in the former capital of Fornost, while Eldarion rules from Minas Tirith in the South. Both Minas Morgul and Osgiliath were retaken, rebuilt and repopulated by many, the former having it's original name of Minas Ithil returned to it.

Rohan: Home to the Horse-Lords, and the capital remains Edoras. The descendent of Éomer and his wife Lothíriel rule here. They remain independent - but friendly - with the realm of Gondor. Other notable places include Isengard and Helm's Deep.

Dol Amroth: A coastal Principality, descended from the line of Imrazor. It is rumoured that there is elf-blood in the veins of this house, for the Princes born here are as fair as the Eldar to look upon.

Ithilien: A principality established after the second war of the ring; this line descends from Éowyn and her husband Faramir. As such, all reigning Princes or Princesses of Ithilien are also the king's steward.

Dale: Following the destruction of Smaug and the Battle of the Fives Armies, Dale flourished under the new control of Bard the Bowman, and his line of children. They are now a popular trading spot between Erebor and other regions, and their wealth is renowned.

Esgaroth upon the Lake: Rebuilt after it's destruction from Smaug, it too made use of the wealth now flowing in from the north from the newly established Erebor and Dale. Although independent of Dale with it's own Master, the two work in harmony with one another, and rarely come to a disagreement. While Dale makes it's money through more material wares, Esgaroth continues it's work in fishing and boat-making.

Harad: Home to the Haradrim, the people of this southern land have grown both in strength and independence away from the more northern lands of Gondor. While no longer seen as a true enemy by the King, tension and mistrust still remains.

Other: Many other lands contain men, both friend and foe. Colonies have appeared in the liberated land of Mordor, and around the lands of Rhûn and Nurn.

Eryn Lasgalen: The Kingdom of King Thranduil; while he and most of his people dwell in the north, the south has been reclaimed from the spiders and evil that dwelt there for so long, even going so far as to taking Dol Guldur and re-establishing it as a southern watch. However, Southern Mirkwood remains empty, bar for a few intrepid colonists, and the Istari Radagast. The spiders may be gone for now, but something is still odd about the trees there...

Lothlórien: While Galadriel departed from the Grey Havens with Gandalf and the Ringbearers, her husband Celeborn remained, staying in the beautiful forest with his people for a time. By now, he and many of the Silvan Elves dwelling there have departed for Aman, but the forest is not as abandoned as Imladris. Thranduil took it as an extension of his own Kingdom, and while the magic of Galadriel has left the forest, it remains both a beauty, and a stronghold for the elves still living there.

Grey Havens: Located in the diminished Elven realm of Lindon, surrounding the Blue Mountains.

Ithilien: Following the War of the Ring, Legolas Greenleaf settled a colony of Elves there at the allowance of King Elessar and Prince Faramir. It is believed most of these people left for Valinor after a century or so, but some may still remain among the men that dwell there.

Dôr-min-Taur (Literally, "land within forest"): A small colony established in Southern Mirkwood. Originally consisting of just Elves keen on making a stronger hold on the south, Dwarves soon flocked to the colony after a mine was opened, and the rumour of Mithril veins in the earth spread. As of now, the colony contains a good mix of races, with even a few curious Hobbits having visited once or twice on their journeys East.

Erebor: Following the death of Smaug and the Battle of the Five Armies, Erebor once again had a King under the Mountain to rule it. The line of Dain Ironfoot II rule here, and the Dwarves are back to their digging, deeper and deeper into the Earth. In recent years, a separatist sect is rumoured to have appeared; bent Dwarves who are selling the treasures of the earth to less than friendly-folk, at a higher-than-normal price. The current King disregards these rumours, but shipments are going missing more and more to be considered coincidence.

Khazad-dûm: Moria was retaken by the Dwarves shortly after the end of the Third Age; it is now considered their chief stronghold, and it is now richer and even more beautiful than Erebor. Still, the Dwarves dig deep, mining mithril to sell to elves and men; again, rumours of separatist Dwarven merchants has cropped up here, but with how dig they deep, that is the last thing the line of Durin have to worry about...

The Glittering Caves: After being re-discovered by Gimli during the battle of the Hornburg, the Dwarf settled a colony of his kin there to make good of the ore-rich caverns. To this day, they remain as beautiful as they had been nearly 2 centuries ago, even after much mining of the walls and floors.

Other: Dwarves have settled in many places through-out Middle-Earth. The Iron Hills and Blue Mountains are only some to add to the list.

The Shire: The main home of the Hobbits; consisting of various farthings and lands, it is typically "ruled" by 3 authorities. The Mayor (And his contingents of "Shirrifs"), the Thain, and the Warden of Westmarch. After 7 consecutive terms as Mayor Samwise, the title seems to have been kept in the Gamgee line in the years following. Typically because the Hobbits reckon the Gamgee's are good at that sort of thing. As for the Thainship, it remains with the Took family, and the title of Warden to the Fairbairn's.

Westmarch: A stretch of land in Eriador gifted to the Shire by King Aragorn; a Warden was reinstated not too long after that, and it is guarded well by the Hobbits. After the Scouring of the Shire, they guard their borders far more diligently now.

Bree: A town found between the Shire and Imladris; a decent enough place, if you avoid the crooks. Home to the now-famous Prancing Pony (Thanks to the Book of Westmarch), the population typically consist of Hobbits and Humans. They get along better than the "Big-Folk" generally would with Shirelings, but they are all mostly friendly anyway.

The once lost land of Beleriand has resurfaced - in part - in the past century. The involvement of the Valar is a curiosity to many, considering how the first children of Eru had been avoiding Middle-Earth for quite some time. The lands once known as East Beleriand resurfaced some time in the first century of the Fourth Age, and has been taken advantage of by Elves, Dwarves and Men. The lost city of Gondolin was restored (Along with some new Elvish colonies), and the Dwarves are delving deep into the mostly untouched mountain ranges that were once flooded. The race of men do not have much stance or power in this once-forgotten realm, and the true "ownership" of the lands are currently undetermined. This has not led to any infighting... yet.

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Other than destroyed settlements and swiftly re-growing plantlife, the geography of East Beleriand was mostly unchanged. The mountains, hills and rivers were all as they were several Ages ago, and even the forests that had drowned were growing again in the same spots. All that was left was to rebuild, and to rename. The Elves first to step in this once lost land renamed it as Balannadôr (Land-Gift from Valar), although it is more commonly named as East Beleriand or "The Lost Lands" in the common Westron tongue.

The first place the Elves sought out was the lost Kingdom of Gondolin, for it was one of their people's greatest labours. But so ruined was the city that once stood here from the sacking of Morgoth that only remnants of it remained; the foundations and various cellars located beneath the ground was all that was left of Gondolin. If any part of the city had survived the attack by Morgoth and his forces, it had been utterly destroyed by the flooding of Beleriand. Still, the Elves could not turn away from the land of their ancestors, and with Glorfindel at their lead, re-built the city. It was now named Caras Cŷreled (The Renewed Elven-City), and it's ruler for the time being is Glorfindel. However, Aman calls to him daily, and he will not linger in Middle-Earth for much more time, even in his rebuilt home from so long ago. While he has promised to choose a new King for the rebuilt city (For he is without spouse or child and heir), the decision has not been made yet, and several ambitious Elves are beginning to grow impatient in what is clearly going to be a power-struggle.

5 Main Cities:
- Caras Cŷreled (Where Gondolin once stood)
- Dwarven City in Ered Calengaer (Previously Ered Gorgoroth)
- Dwarven Colony in Blue Mountains (Recently unsunken part)
- New Havens (Home to Círdan)
- Mixed Race City at Amon Ereb; mainly Elves.

7 Smaller Towns/Villages:
- One on Outskirts of Taur-Im-Duinath
- One on the coast south of the River Duilwen
- One located near where the Gulf of Lhûn used to be (Now considered a Waypoint for travellers going into this new land)
- One located at the foot of the Andram hills, roughly two day's ride from the coast
- One on the borders of River Celmon and Nan Elmoth; the river lies to the immediate North, and the forest to the immediate West.
- One on the river Esgalduin near the Coast; in the forest of Neldoreth in the lost-realm of Doriath.
- One in the land of Himlad, south of Himring by about a day as the crow flies.

Other:
- Menegroth; home to the second kin-slaying by the line of Fëanor; the city was untouched when re-found by Elves, but when descending into the city, the fair folk could not bear the memories of the dead that lingered there. Kin-Slaying was a terrible crime, and after so long, they weren't capable or willing to renew the once-home of Thingol. It lays abandoned; wholly underground, and not even the Dwarves whose kin built the halls wish to venture below. With the water now gone, and no free folk willing to re-populate it, fouler things swirl in the dark tunnels below...

<sub>The Fourth Age began when the last of the Ringbearer's left for Valinor from the Grey Havens, on the 29th of September of it's 3021st year, though by Gondor's reckoning, the Fourth Age began on the 25th of March, to honour the two year anniversary of the fall of Barad-dûr. For this roleplay's sake, we'll stick with the original date of 29th September.

NOTE: ALL TEXT IN ITALICS IS NOT ORIGINAL LORE; IT HAS BEEN INVENTED FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE ROLEPLAY.</sub>

TA 3019 - The Ring is destroyed, and Mount Doom erupts for one final, cataclysmic time. The ensuing eruption was so violent that it tore the structure of the volcano apart, and then led to subsequent geographical instabilities over many years.

TA 3021 - Galadriel, Elrond, Gandalf, Bilbo and Frodo Baggins depart for Aman from the Grey Havens.

FA ? - The lands of Ithilien, Nurn and Arnor are formally introduced as semi-independent states, or principalities. Nurn - and Mordor - are gifted to the slaves of Sauron who had been forced to work their previously, farming food to feed his evil armies. The volcanic land is rich for farming, and in present days, the land is much more fair to look at, and the people much happier. All that remains of Barad-dûr is a large gorge, that is seldom visited.

FA 47 - Eldarion, son to Aragorn and Arwen, is born.

FA 49 - Roughly 50 years into the rule of King Aragorn, Middle-Earth had been subjected to seemingly random tremors, the epicentres typically surrounding mountain ranges. While no fatalities or major incidents occur from these events bar freak accidents, the activity is disconcerting.

FA 69 - Mount Mindolluin is hit by a tremor. Several rockslides cause damage to Minas Tirith, and minor injuries are reported across the city. More worryingly, however, are rumours of steam and smoke issuing from the peak during the earthquake. Around this time, several Elves have received dreams of Valar coming to Middle-Earth. They do not know the meaning of such visions, but are able to identify Ulmo, Aulë, and Yavanna in an unknown location by the shore. The Lord of Water stands in the ocean, and the Lord and Lady of the Earth stand on water-logged, cracked ground.

FA 70 -

• January: Rumours that Mount Mindolluin is a dormant volcano run rampant in Minas Tirith. Many wish to flee, but remain only at the behest of their King. No further evidence of volcanic activity comes from the White Mountains, and scholars of the earth are sent to investigate. It was believed that Orodruin - the only apparent volcano in Middle-Earth - was created by way of Melkor's evil, and not a natural geographic occurrence. Therefore, the tremors are now believed to be remnants of the evil of Mordor, staying as long as possible in Middle-Earth. The quakes continue for several more months, before suddenly stopping.
• February: Barely a month after the near-daily tremors stopped, a messenger from Lindon arrives at Minas Tirith. According to the messenger, a great shaking caused the Grey Havens to be evacuated, and the water from the shores was pulled back to almost impossible lengths. When the Elves returned, they discovered that the Gulf of Lhûn had disappeared. In it's place were the restored peaks of the Ered Luin, and beyond that, a great stretch of water-logged lands. Before their eyes, it was seemingly healing itself, and greenery was beginning to appear.
• March-April: Further reports of once-lost land appearing at the coastlines followed that of Lindon; the lost realm of East Beleriand had been raised from the sea as far south as the mouth of the river Isen, as far north as the Icebay of Forochel, and as far west as where the river Sirion once lay. The dead, water-logged earth was being restored very quickly by unknown forces. Unknown of course, until the dreams of the Elves suddenly made sense. Clearly the Valar had seen some sort of greater evil in the remaining tremors of Middle-Earth; as the tremors had stopped as soon as the land was brought back from under the waves, the people of Middle-Earth could assume that in doing this, the Valar involved were able to stop the tremors... and whatever evil that may have come with it. Healing the Earth was a simple task for Yavanna and her husband, and with his dominance over the Oceans, Ulmo was able to hold back the tides while the once-flooded lands were restored.
• June-September: The first to investigate these renewed lands were the Elves of Lindon, and the Dwarves of the Blue Mountains. By the time investigators from Rohan and Gondor had arrived, long-lost remnants of old kingdoms had been uncovered by the Elves and Dwarves. The first priority for the Elves was to reclaim Doriath and the city Gondolin, while the Dwarves were heading into the once-flooded caverns of the Ered Luin. After some time of wondering what exactly to do, colonies were established in East Beleriand, from all races bar the Hobbits. Círdan the Shipwright left his home in the Grey Havens to a more suitable place on the coast to build and launch ships from; he settled where the Mouths of Sirion once lay, and established a colony of Elves there. This is now the updated port for where the Eldar leave for Aman, and is simply named as the "New Havens".

FA 100 - A peace treaty is established between Harad and Gondor, and stronger trading ties are created between the two. Minor clashes over land still occur, but such things don't threaten the tentative peace between their leaders.

FA 120 - King Aragorn II passes away; Eldarion assumes the throne. His older sister, Tinúviel, takes the seat of Arnor in the North. Shortly after he passes, Legolas Greenleaf builds a boat and leaves for the Undying Lands with Gimli, now a very old Dwarf. (It should be assumed that all other canon characters present in the books - barring Elves and Maiar - have now died.

FA 121 - Arwen Undómiel passes away, at the age of 2901.

FA 140 - All colonies and rebuilt cities in East Beleriand are now completed and populated. More solid trade routes, guard patrols and infrastructure is developed between the different populaces. Places of note are Caras Cŷreled, the Dwarven Strongold in Carad Elengaer (In Elvish, the "Mountains of the Green-Sea." Named this because when the ocean left the lands, great forests began to grow on the mountains. The Elves saw this as a sign of Yavanna cleansing the once-terrible home of Ungoliant, to ensure nothing evil could ever dwell there again - therefore, it seemed inappropriate to keep the old name of "Mountains of Terror".), and the New Havens.

FA 147 - Dôr-min-Taur is established in Southern Mirkwood. A contingent of Elves, Men and Dwarves work together to build it. Their actions are deemed foolish due to the dark nature that once belonged to Mirkwood.

FA 150 - More Dwarves flock to Dôr-min-Taur after a mithril mine is established there.

FA 204 - Multiple threats are issued to the leaders of Elves and Dwarves by an unknown person; they state that the leaders are too collect all of their people and leave Middle-Earth for good, or war would ensue. The threats are promptly ignored, and life goes on as normal.

FA 219 - Our roleplay begins. In the past years, spiders and Orcs have returned to the lands of the free; the borders of the Shire & Westmarch, Rohan, Isengard and Lothlórien are frequently tested by Goblins from the Misty Mountains, while Spiders have been spotted in the forests of Beleriand, Mirkwood, and the replenished realm of Mordor. Attacks on the road across the continent have become too many to consider coincidence, but no signs of Orcs have been found amongst the slaughtered bodies of Elves, Dwarves, and more recently, Men. In recent months, the colony of Dôr-min-Taur has fallen silent. With the amount of mithril it exports to other realms, this has become a cause for concern - particularly because the colony is rather hard to find in the forests of Mirkwood without a guide. Your character has - for some reason - arrived in Mirkwood to investigate the silent colony. Whether there because you wish to know what has happened to a friend or family member; or you've been called to investigate by a superior; or if you're simply just curious to see what has occurred... you are here, not so far from this elusive colony. It is not surprising when you are joined by others, also there for their own reasons. Whatever the case, you do not realise the quest that is now laid before you... nor the difficult choices that lay with it.

Trying to keep in line with the original roleplay, we're not looking for an absolute essay here. Just enough for us to get a decent grasp of your character, and to see how well you can write and how your lore-knowledge is. A picture is optional (Written description is mandatory), but if you are going to use one, try and keep it lore-friendly please. If it's unacceptable, you'll be asked to pick another. Oh - and only the one picture, not several.

[center][img]OPTIONAL![/img][/center]

[b][u]Name:[/u][/b]

[b][u]Age:[/u][/b]

[b][u]Race:[/u][/b]

[b][u]Sex:[/u][/b]

[b][u]Personality:[/u][/b]

[b][u]Appearance:[/u][/b]

[b][u]Backstory:[/u][/b]

[b][u]Reason for investigating the silent colony?:[/u][/b]

[b][u]Other:[/u][/b]

((I will be making some nicer maps for our updated East Beleriand, with more clear markers for dwellings and prominent landmarks.))

Name: Nehanda "Luinrildë"

Age: 28

Race: Race of Men - Haradrim, Gondorian

Sex: Female

Personality: Having known the pains of prejudices, Nehanda is often quiet and careful with her words. She shies from excessive company and forms infrequent, but very strong bonds - all of which has contributed to her being an ideal candidate for Ithilien's guard. Her loyalty, if given, does not weaken or fail. She is not without humor and has a subtle, stubborn tendency towards optimism.

Appearance: 5'5", lean of build and almost "boyish" at a glance. Dark hair, given to curl, and brown skin are trademarks of her mother's origins: Harad. The only thing that she seems to physically claim from her father are blue eyes and finer features.

Backstory: Once there was Fuinur, a Black Númenórean who served Sauron and ruled over the Haradrim - some served him because to do otherwise was to embrace torture or death. Some, however, served him happily and fanatically: they were the tools he used against the less willing tribes across Harad. One such tribe, the Madaki, gave their women to Fuinur and many children were born of his dark bloodline. When Sauron returned, the Madaki tribe once more stepped up to answer his call.

The remnants of the Madaki tribe - women, children, elders - did not do well in the wake of Sauron's defeat. Their fervor for his success and Fuinur's strong genetics in their features caused them to be even more reviled by the other tribes. Once considered a boon to share such blood, it became a curse. Eventually, in FA 180, a Madaki woman named Aminah left her homelands for better circumstances and ended up in Gondor. She married a man there and among her brood of children was a girl she named Nehanda. Lingering prejudices against the Haradrim spurred their father into giving them more accepted names, and Nehanda was called Luinrildë beyond the doors of their home - a name inspired by the hue of her eyes.

Once grown enough to venture out on her own, Nehanda made her way to Ithilien and learned the ways of those there - both those of mankind and elvenkind. It was in that way that she became something of a ranger and entered Ithilien's guard. She was not one of those that stood out for excessive bravery or prowess with a sword, but proved herself a worthy member by having sharp instincts and an innate ease with the wilderness. From there, she joined a group of several elves and men who thought her skills could be put to good use for various expeditions. Eventually Mirkwood fell under their uneasy regard.

Reason for investigating the silent colony?:
The Ithilien rangers, once captained by Faramir, have only grown in prowess since the introduction of Elvenkind to their region. Despite Ithilien being its own principality, it still serves Gondor - thus, the rangers are not strictly limited to the borders of Ithilien and ultimately answer to King Eldarion.
With spiders spotted and the attacks on the road, King Eldarion began receiving pressure to find a potential source. Scouts began trickling out, expanding their nets and bringing back the increasingly foul news. Naturally, Dôr-min-Taur falling silent roused concern. Elves residing in Ithilien offered to lead the scouting troop to Dôr-min-Taur, driven by fear for their kinfolk, and Nehanda was among several Ithilien rangers selected to go.

Other:
Although she does not have any affinity for a specific weapon, Nehanda bears the trademarks of any ranger in clothing, gear, and weaponry. Her sword is plain and well worn, her bow of worthy quality but otherwise nondescript. It is only the dagger that has any apparent value, a relic her mother gave her. Despite its age, the blade has an ornate handle that still gleams richly and holds a fierce edge. She keeps it well hidden on her person after an Elf took excessive interest in the blade and pondered over its origins.

Name: Cassinia Fairbairn 'Cassi / Cas'

Age: 35

Race: Hobbit

Sex: Female

Personality:
Cassinia, or Cassi as she prefers to be called, is cheerful and upbeat, one to grin in most situations. Due to being very friendly she finds it easy to get along with most people and can forge friendships in unlikely circumstances. Her general friendliness is coupled with someone who enjoys joking, playing pranks on others and generally having a laugh. Sometimes this can get to an annoying point, though she tends to stop before she goes too far. Though generally friendly Cassi has a terrible temper, and very little control of it – if she gets angry, she’s angry. It really isn’t difficult to cause this as well. Along with this, though she is one of the hobbits who scout the borders she is naïve and yet to truly experience any kind of combat or hurt.

Appearance:
Cassi stands at 3’5”, with the typical stout and short figure of a hobbit. She has a soft, and round, face with freckles splashed across her cheeks. Her skin is fair, with her hands rough from years of using a bow. She has hair of a reddish-gold colour, somewhere in the realm of auburn. This is of a decent length and messy; while she isn't particularly good at keeping it, she doesn't want to cut it shorter like would probably be sensible. Instead it is often kept tied back or braided so it is off her face and doesn't get in the way. Her eyes are a bright, somewhat unusual green in colour. As Cas normally is working or scouting she can often be found wearing practical clothes in shades of green and brown; somewhat longer tunics and trousers, the kinds of clothes more suited to men. However when she is not working she will wear simple dresses in bright shades of green, yellow and blue. Like all hobbits, she does not wear shoes.

Backstory: Cassi is the fourth child  (of five), and second daughter, of the current Warden of Westmarch. She is descended from Samwise Gamgee from his daughter Elanor the Fair, and was born in Undertowers (in Westmarch). She had a relatively normal and safe upbringing, but from a young age disliked being confined and had no interest in anything scholarly. She insisted in getting combat training while growing up, and her wish was granted as her father saw no point in confining his spirited daughter.

As soon as she was old enough Cassi joined those who guarded the borders of Westmarch, and continued to train while choosing to specialising in scouting. She learned the kind of things she couldn't in Undertowers; survival, tracking and navigation to name a few. She soon gained a reputation for having an incredibly accurate shot, talented for her age and station but not quite to the level of an elven archer. While her fighting is adequate, her archery and slingshot skills make her good at her job guarding the borders.

Reason for investigating the silent colony?: It was by the suggestion of her superiors in those that guard the Westmarch borders, and the current Warden (her father) that Cassinia go and investigate the silent colony along with any other hobbits that may wish to / be sent. This is due to her standing as daughter of warden and her skill as a scout, and archer. Along with this Cassi is thrilled to get to properly leave the borders of her home and go on her own adventure.

Other:

Name: Cassinia Fairbairn 'Cassi / Cas'

Age: 35

Race: Hobbit

Sex: Female

Personality:
Cassinia, or Cassi as she prefers to be called, is cheerful and upbeat, one to grin in most situations. Due to being very friendly she finds it easy to get along with most people and can forge friendships in unlikely circumstances. Her general friendliness is coupled with someone who enjoys joking, playing pranks on others and generally having a laugh. Sometimes this can get to an annoying point, though she tends to stop before she goes too far. Though generally friendly Cassi has a terrible temper, and very little control of it – if she gets angry, she’s angry. It really isn’t difficult to cause this as well. Along with this, though she is one of the hobbits who scout the borders she is naïve and yet to truly experience any kind of combat or hurt.

Appearance:
Cassi stands at 3’5”, with the typical stout and short figure of a hobbit. She has a soft, and round, face with freckles splashed across her cheeks. Her skin is fair, with her hands rough from years of using a bow. She has hair of a reddish-gold colour, somewhere in the realm of auburn. This is of a decent length and messy; while she isn't particularly good at keeping it, she doesn't want to cut it shorter like would probably be sensible. Instead it is often kept tied back or braided so it is off her face and doesn't get in the way. Her eyes are a bright, somewhat unusual green in colour. As Cas normally is working or scouting she can often be found wearing practical clothes in shades of green and brown; somewhat longer tunics and trousers, the kinds of clothes more suited to men. However when she is not working she will wear simple dresses in bright shades of green, yellow and blue. Like all hobbits, she does not wear shoes.

Backstory: Cassi is the fourth child (of five), and second daughter, of the current Warden of Westmarch. She is descended from Samwise Gamgee from his daughter Elanor the Fair, and was born in Undertowers (in Westmarch). She had a relatively normal and safe upbringing, but from a young age disliked being confined and had no interest in anything scholarly. She insisted in getting combat training while growing up, and her wish was granted as her father saw no point in confining his spirited daughter.

As soon as she was old enough Cassi joined those who guarded the borders of Westmarch, and continued to train while choosing to specialising in scouting. She learned the kind of things she couldn't in Undertowers; survival, tracking and navigation to name a few. She soon gained a reputation for having an incredibly accurate shot, talented for her age and station but not quite to the level of an elven archer. While her fighting is adequate, her archery and slingshot skills make her good at her job guarding the borders.

Reason for investigating the silent colony?: It was by the suggestion of her superiors in those that guard the Westmarch borders, and the current Warden (her father) that Cassinia go and investigate the silent colony along with any other hobbits that may wish to / be sent. This is due to her standing as daughter of warden and her skill as a scout, and archer. Along with this Cassi is thrilled to get to properly leave the borders of her home and go on her own adventure.

Other:

Name: Trewion Lhindél Magoler

Age: 230

Race: Elf (Sindarin, Silvan)

Sex: Male

Personality: As many elves do Lhindél sees himself as somewhat superior to the other free people. However he is not specifically racist, nor does he believe that he is above working with them. He is quite willing to try and judge individuals for who they are rather than for the fact they will live a shorter life than him. Lhindél is intelligent (though not as much as many other elves) and reserved, sometimes seen as quite uptight. He has a strong sense of loyalty and will dedicate himself to whatever work he is doing, or any person he wishes to be loyal to. His young age, for an elf, means that he is viewed as inexperienced by those older than him. While Lhindél has not seen or participated in any great wars he has a great deal of knowledge about these kinds of things and is far from naïve.

Appearance: Lhindél stands at 6'5", his height and slender build showing him to be Elven nobility. The natural litheness of his race is coupled with his fitness, giving him well defined muscles from years of honing his skill as a swordsman. His arms are certainly strong. His dark hair, left long and well kept, is from the Sindarin line of his family. It often will be found with simple braids running through it and is rarely tied out of the way. His skin is fair going on pale, with roughness in areas such as his hands – as you would expect of a warrior. His arms have light scars from training when younger but there is nothing noticeable. He hasn’t fought in any kinds of wars. His eyes are cold and steel grey, as colourless as his other features.

Backstory: Born in Eryn Lasgalen, Lhindél comes from a line of well-known sword wielders who are part of the Elven nobility. He is of part Sindarin descent through his father, whose skills with a blade are near unrivalled, but purely Silvan through his mother. Only aged eleven when the ring was destroyed he has grown up in a mostly peaceful land.

Lhindél’s early life consisted of training in the forest with his father and thirty year older brother, Ruiel. He completely neglected use of a bow to learn the art of sword fighting, resulting him being incredibly light footed and skilled with this. While he easily surpassed his brother, who gave attention to more than just use of the sword, he didn’t reach near the level of his father until he was over a hundred. Even then he still never beaten him.

Aged just over a hundred, and with Ruiel one hundred and thirty, the two decided it was finally time to leave Eryn Lasgalen and travel for a bit. So the two journeyed together; from Minas Tirith all the way to the borders of the Shire. Lhindél enjoyed these years travelling with his brother. After years of travelling the two returned to Mirkwood, returning through the South. The stop they made in Dôr-min-Taur was longer than both anticipated. It was here that Ruiel met and fell for a Silvan lady, and the two brothers parted ways. Lhindél left his brother in Dôr-min-Taur, forging a new life, to travel back to his home in Eryn Lasgalen.

Since travelling the world Lhindél has remained in Eryn Lasgalen, honing his skills further and participating in what he can as a member of nobility. He still keeps in contact with his brother, and visited regularly.

Reason for investigating the silent colony?: Lhindél is investigating as he wishes to know what happened to his brother, along with his brother’s wife and young daughter. He has travelled there before and thinks he is competent enough to deal with whatever may be there.

Other: His name translates to Son of Trewlang, Slender Star, Sword Song (Trewion Lhindél Magoler). This is in the order of father name / chosen name / title

Name: Cassinia Fairbairn 'Cassi / Cas'

Age: 35

Race: Hobbit

Sex: Female

Personality:
Cassinia, or Cassi as she prefers to be called, is cheerful and upbeat, one to grin in most situations. Due to being very friendly she finds it easy to get along with most people and can forge friendships in unlikely circumstances. Her general friendliness is coupled with someone who enjoys joking, playing pranks on others and generally having a laugh. Sometimes this can get to an annoying point, though she tends to stop before she goes too far. Though generally friendly Cassi has a terrible temper, and very little control of it – if she gets angry, she’s angry. It really isn’t difficult to cause this as well. Along with this, though she is one of the hobbits who scout the borders she is naïve and yet to truly experience any kind of combat or hurt.

Appearance:
Cassi stands at 3’5”, with the typical stout and short figure of a hobbit. She has a soft, and round, face with freckles splashed across her cheeks. Her skin is fair, with her hands rough from years of using a bow. She has hair of a reddish-gold colour, somewhere in the realm of auburn. This is of a decent length and messy; while she isn't particularly good at keeping it, she doesn't want to cut it shorter like would probably be sensible. Instead it is often kept tied back or braided so it is off her face and doesn't get in the way. Her eyes are a bright, somewhat unusual green in colour. As Cas normally is working or scouting she can often be found wearing practical clothes in shades of green and brown; somewhat longer tunics and trousers, the kinds of clothes more suited to men. However when she is not working she will wear simple dresses in bright shades of green, yellow and blue. Like all hobbits, she does not wear shoes.

Backstory: Cassi is the fourth child (of five), and second daughter, of the current Warden of Westmarch. She is descended from Samwise Gamgee from his daughter Elanor the Fair, and was born in Undertowers (in Westmarch). She had a relatively normal and safe upbringing, but from a young age disliked being confined and had no interest in anything scholarly. She insisted in getting combat training while growing up, and her wish was granted as her father saw no point in confining his spirited daughter. She spent her time training in Undertowers and travelling to the Shire, often visiting the Took and Brandybuck family (along with the extended line of Gamgee / Gardener) – as the three families had kept close contact. The Fairbairn’s were probably around the least, however, due to their location in Westmarch.

As soon as she was old enough Cassi joined those who guarded the borders of Westmarch, and continued to train while choosing to specialising in scouting. She learned the kind of things she couldn't in Undertowers; survival, tracking and navigation to name a few. She soon gained a reputation for having an incredibly accurate shot, talented for her age and station but not quite to the level of an elven archer. While her fighting is adequate, her archery and slingshot skills make her good at her job guarding the borders.

Reason for investigating the silent colony?: Cassinia’s cousin, Roderic Fairbairn (through her father’s younger brother), was recently travelling around Mirkwood and specifically stopping in Dôr-min-Taur. Roderic was around five years older than Cassi, and she knew him well enough. Along with this one of her closer friends in the scouts, Theobald, was good friends with Roderic and wishes to know what happened to him. So Cassi is setting off to investigate, both for the chance of adventure and to find out what happened to her cousin.

Other: Cassi is the great-great granddaughter of Samwise Gamgee. Her great-grandmother is Elanor the Fair, and her grandfather Elfstan fairbairn. Her father is his first son, and current warden of Westmarch.