January 7, 2024
Sunday Meeting
5:00 P.M. Eastern Time
Discord: Valar Guild/meeting_place
Back to News
Transcript work by Varda.
[times are Central Time from Varda's Discord. Add one hour for
Eastern, which is Valar time and LotRO /servertime.]
["Notes" come from Varda when putting the transcript online.]
Attending (and typed): (7)
Discord: Arien, Ar-Pharazon,
Eonwe, Pengolodh (Before-meeting), Sandalf13, Shelob/Ungwetari,
Varda (presiding)
Before-meeting
Meeting begins
Membership news:
Web:
Games Site for the
Valar Guild, now completely re-coded by hand by Eonwe-(Valar)!
Gaming:
World of Warcraft, Hearthstone,
Diablo
Immortal, Diablo
3, Overwatch
2, Lord of the Rings Online
Tolkien:
Topic:
One way to look at Tolkien's work is through the principles of
journalism, a useful tool in any sort of writing including making
a video game. Who, what, why, when, where, how? How would we
figure it out and then succinctly say what happened in The
Lord of the Rings using those six questions?
After-meeting:
(non) Flashgaming
Reviews (plus) by Ar-Pharazon. Includes Blizzard games
afterwards.
top
Before-meeting
Eonwë Valar — 01/01/2024 1:28 AM
Happy New Year all.
Eonwë Valar — 01/01/2024 10:39 AM
The Valar Guild Games Site v10.0 is now live. Happy New Year
all!
[10:46 AM]
https://valarguild.org/gaming
The Valar Guild Games Site
Valar Guild
Sandalf13 — 01/01/2024 11:49 AM
A Happy New Year to all! May you enjoy a healthy, happy, and
prosperous New Year in 2024!
Varda — 01/01/2024 7:03 PM
Happy New Year!
[7:03 PM]
And what a new year it is, with Eonwe's newly rebuilt Games Site!
January 3, 2024
Eonwë Valar — 01/03/2024 2:01 AM
Bah, misread the WoW calendar. Was looking forward to trying ICC
timewalking this week but it's Dragonflight mythic dungeons week.
Eonwë Valar — 01/03/2024 3:03 AM
Well, got my legendary axe.
[3:04 AM]
Good thing I didn't get around to making a bunch of weightstones for
my mace, heh.
[3:06 AM]
Lol, and when I try to equip it I can't use it until I do the quest,
heh.
Eonwë Valar — 01/03/2024 6:47 AM
Heh, let the grinding quests begin :}
Sandalf13 — 01/03/2024 8:35 AM
Hello All! What a pleasant surprise to wake up this morning, check
my E-mail, and find this blurb from the Geological Society of
America. Let's see what happens!
[8:36 AM]
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/98425690877104128/1192114209375399986/Screenshot_2024-01-03_Geology_of_Middle-earth_-_Outlook.png?ex=65a7e5df&is=659570df&hm=996fb9423d1285fa727153acdfeb0b6a960c00cfb447627fbc0eca0596182dfc&
Arien Valar — 01/03/2024 8:45 AM
Great job, Sandalf
January 4, 2024
Eonwë Valar — 01/04/2024 2:49 AM
Congrats.
[2:51 AM]
So fun fact: if you're on the "Handling It: Radiant Flecks of Ash"
part of the legendary axe quest line, and find youself with way too
many dragon isles supplies, you can buy the epic items from the
Dream Wardens Renown vendor and disenchant those.
January 6, 2024
Pengolodh — 01/06/2024 4:06 AM
Happy new Year to everyone Starting off this year back in
LOTRO. Reached level 20 in Season of Discovery( WOW) and i just
couldnt keep it going lol Not as fun as i remember
Currently still in forochel in lotro questing about. Don't plan to
enter moria until level 50! want my moria experience super
easy. Additional games ive started to play lately
are "phasmophobia" and "Demonologist" :D... two very spooky and
scary games. My friend convinced me to play them !! so many
jump scares. I also got the LEGO Lord of the rings game to
play. Ive never played it before.
Eonwë Valar — 01/06/2024 4:37 AM
I did a demo of one of those lego LotR games once I think. I thought
it was fun enough.
[4:38 AM]
Oh wow, I just took a look at my current Hero-level weapon for my
Paladin. Apparently getting fried by the legendary axe for the 5
seconds I had it on before being thrown on the quest was worth it. I
was just able to upgrade my current weapon to full (lvl 483) without
wasting any crests.
[4:39 AM]
Burned all my flightsstone though, heh.
January 7, 2024
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 1:03 AM
Took a chance at trying to solo The Eternal Palace (penultimate raid
of BFA). Soloable only up to The Queen's Court because of 2
mechanics: a mind control, and more importantly, when you can't
separate the two bosses they take 99% reduced damage. Even if can
power through the latter it's all screwed up the minute the former
happens. (edited)
Eonwë Valar
So fun fact: if you're on the "Handling It: Radiant Flecks of Ash"
part of the legendary axe quest line, and find youself with way too
many dragon isles supplies, you can buy the epic items from the
Dream Wardens Renown vendor and disenchant those.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 1:25 AM
And apparently you can disenchant any epics for the flecks of ash,
not just those from the Emerald Dream area, or even dragonflight.
[1:25 AM]
Had I known that I could've had this part done in a night, lol.
(edited)
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:09 AM
Just tried Ny'aloth solo. Don't feel like I missed anything by
skipping it on-level. (edited)
[4:11 AM]
On top of that, I'd maxed out my cloak way back then and now it
isn't even on par with the normal raid gear ilvl.
Varda — Yesterday at 3:55 PM
cooooommme to LotROOOO...
[3:55 PM]
heh, enough of that.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:04 PM
Heya.
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 4:05 PM
Aiya!
Varda — Yesterday at 4:05 PM
Aiya : )
[4:05 PM]
@Bounder @Guild-friend Valar Guild meeting time! Come on in, say hi,
chat gaming and Tolkien, or lurk.
[4:05 PM]
Elen sila lumenn' omentielvo!
[4:05 PM]
Membership:
[4:06 PM]
Aiya Eonwe and Sandalf : )
heh, got so used to the alarm going off for meeting time, and no
alarm now. Must fix up a new one!
[4:07 PM]
Any membership news we want to share?
Hope you're all having a good new year. : )
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 4:07 PM
yes
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:07 PM
Aiya!
[4:08 PM]
I'm in mah new place now.
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 4:08 PM
Aiya Ar
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:08 PM
Moved in yesterday, got all my stuff sorted.
Feels a bit odd, but that's just a matter of time I'm sure.
That's my membernews
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 4:09 PM
It takes a while to get used to a new place..
Arien Valar — Yesterday at 4:10 PM
Aiya all
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:10 PM
Aiya
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 4:10 PM
Aiya Arien!
Arien Valar — Yesterday at 4:10 PM
being punted around after typing in wrong channel
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:11 PM
Twas just a nudge!
Varda — Yesterday at 4:11 PM
: )
[4:11 PM]
Both of you getting used to a new place. ; )
[4:12 PM]
Aye, so many changes besides just place when moving. One's whole
schedule and the people around become different, takes time to
re-wire.
top
Web:
[4:12 PM]
I trust everyone has checked out the new version of Eonwe's Games
Site?
[4:13 PM]
https://valarguild.org/gaming
The Valar Guild Games Site
Valar Guild
[4:13 PM]
Takes fewer clicks to find things, all dressed up too.
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:14 PM
applauds
Varda — Yesterday at 4:14 PM
Lovely New Year's present from Eonwe to the Valar Guild and all
gamers. : ) Thank you, Eonwe!
Arien Valar — Yesterday at 4:14 PM
looks really nice
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:14 PM
Happy new year!
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:14 PM
bow
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 4:14 PM
I am not sure what it all means, but it looks pretty slick.
Varda — Yesterday at 4:15 PM
It even gives some history. : )
[4:16 PM]
The site is for news about the games the Valarites play, plus where
they are playing under what name so we can join up anywhere.
Does that about sum it up, Eonwe?
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:17 PM
Pretty much.
Varda — Yesterday at 4:17 PM
The Player info on levels will be updated a bit later. But the
framework is there for that and more.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:17 PM
Also includes some game reviews.
Varda — Yesterday at 4:18 PM
And we can always use fresh game reviews. : )
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:18 PM
Indeed.
Varda — Yesterday at 4:18 PM
New games and new versions keep coming out, need to hear what the
gang thinks about them.
[4:20 PM]
On to
[4:20 PM]
top
Gaming!
[4:21 PM]
The News transcript with the gaming info of the time can give some
history, while the Games Site is current news.
Your gavel, Vala Eonwe : )
[4:21 PM]
(He is not a Maia, but one of the "lost" Valar.)
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:22 PM
Thanks.
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:22 PM
Once destined to destroy the world to destroy Morgoth, I believe.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:22 PM
Varda — Yesterday at 4:22 PM
(one of the pages that needs my work: https://valarguild.org/tolkien/encyc/papers/LostValar.htm)
[4:23 PM]
(https://valarguild.org/tolkien/encyc/articles/e/Eonwe/EonweE.htm)
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:23 PM
"So shall it be that Fionwë Urion, son of Manwë, of love
for Urwendi shall in the end be Melko’s bane, and shall destroy
the world to destroy his foe, and so shall all things then be
rolled away."
[4:23 PM]
Ooh, Eonwe and Arien...
[4:24 PM]
ships
Varda — Yesterday at 4:24 PM
: )
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:25 PM
Yeah, but notice it doesn't say she loves him, heh. Like Tilion. No
guy can catch a break with her it seems, heh.
[4:25 PM]
Even the Son of the Elder King.
Arien Valar — Yesterday at 4:25 PM
0
[4:25 PM]
11:)
Varda — Yesterday at 4:25 PM
She's in flight all the time. : )
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:25 PM
Too hot to handle.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:26 PM
Anyway...
[4:26 PM]
Some of you are proably looking at the Games Site and already seeing
the gaming news. For those who aren't, or read the transcript later,
here it is:
[4:26 PM]
World of Warcraft:
[4:26 PM]
The Darkmoon Faire is going this week.
This week's bonus event: Dragonflight dungeons.
This week's PvP Brawl: Warsong Scramble.
Varda — Yesterday at 4:26 PM
(and gives you a chance to add your two bits!)
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:26 PM
Check out This Week in WoW. --- https://worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com/en-us/news/24050147/this-week-in-wow-january-2-2024
World of Warcraft
This Week in WoW: January 2, 2024 - WoW
Each week, we'll look ahead to what's in store
for World of Warcraft, share the latest news, and keep you in the
know byte by byte.
New discoveries await in the Dragon Isles when
the Seeds of Renewal content update goes live on January 16.
[4:27 PM]
Check out Blues News. ---
https://worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com/en-us/news/24053282/blues-news-january-5-2024
World of Warcraft
Blues News: January 5, 2024 - WoW
Stay up to date with World of Warcraft when you
join us each week as we round up some of the latest top blue posts
and discussions.
[4:27 PM]
Patch 10.2.5: Seeds of Renewal is going live January 16th. You can
see the zone overview and the new customizations coming when it
does. --- https://worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com/en-us/news/24050148/seeds-of-renewal-zone-overview-discover-belameth
--- https://worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com/en-us/news/24038517/get-new-character-customizations-in-seeds-of-renewal
World of Warcraft
Seeds of Renewal Zone Overview: Discover
Bel'ameth - WoW
Discover Bel'ameth, the arms of the Goddess—a new
home for the kaldorei, offering much-needed repose and solace.
World of Warcraft
Get New Character Customizations in Seeds of
Renewal - WoW
New hair colors for trolls, a new skin color for
draenei, and new customizations for warlock Tyrant and Darkglare
demons arrive with the Seeds of Renewal content update.
[4:27 PM]
The Ruby Sanctum is coming to Wrath Classic January 11th. ---
https://worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com/en-us/news/24042881/wrath-classic-enter-the-ruby-sanctum-on-january-11
World of Warcraft
Wrath Classic: Enter the Ruby Sanctum on January 11 - WoW
Gather your allies and make plans to heed the call of the red
dragonflight in their time of need.
[4:28 PM]
Check out this week's hotfixes. ---
https://worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com/en-us/news/24030413/hotfixes-january-5-2024
World of Warcraft
Hotfixes: January 5, 2024 - WoW
Here you will find a list of hotfixes that
address various issues related to World of Warcraft: Dragonflight,
Wrath of the Lich King Classic, Burning Crusade Classic, Season of
Discovery, and WoW Classic.
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:28 PM
Ah, good old Halion.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:28 PM
Hearthstone:
Duels Mode is being discontinued. --- https://hearthstone.blizzard.com/en-us/news/24033780/duels-runs-coming-to-an-end
Duels Runs Coming to an End
An important Modes update as we near the end of
our Duels run.
[4:29 PM]
Diablo Immortal:
Check out this blog for events and new features. --- https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/diablo-immortal/24046223/ring-in-the-new-year-with-feature-updates
Ring in the New Year with Feature Updates
Enter the new year with devilish splendor. Battle your way through
several returning events and Feature Updates.
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 4:29 PM
Good morning! :)
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:29 PM
G'day mate!
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:29 PM
Diablo 3:
Season 30 begins January 12th.
Varda — Yesterday at 4:30 PM
(Aiya Shelob)
@Ar-Pharazon-V
G'day mate!
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 4:30 PM
I believe not even the Aussies would call a giant terrifying spider
"mate" (edited)
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:30 PM
Overwatch 2:
Hero Mastery courses for Lucio, Echo, Genji, Mei, and D.Va will
become available over next five weeks starting with Lucio's this
week. (Mastery courses for many other heroes already available) ---
https://overwatch.blizzard.com/en-us/news/24021897/expand-your-skills-with-new-hero-mastery-courses/
Overwatch
Expand your skills with New Hero Mastery Courses
Earn new rewards as you master challenging new
courses for Lucio, D.Va. Echo, Genji, and Mei!
[4:31 PM]
That's it for gaming news from me.
Varda — Yesterday at 4:32 PM
Thank you, Eonwe : )
[4:32 PM]
Lord of the Rings Online:
Valar Guild gamers showing up the past week in our LotRO branches:
Landroval branch:
Arien
Elwing
Eonwe
Eowyn
Fangorn
Nar
Nimrodel
Pengolodh
Varda
Crickhollow branch:
Eonwe
Falco
Fangorn
Varda
Treebeard branch:
Varda
[4:33 PM]
Starcraft 2: Gaming by Fangorn, Eowyn, and family. : )
[4:33 PM]
Any other gaming news?
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 4:33 PM
I've recently gotten back into D3
Varda — Yesterday at 4:33 PM
Oh, Tulkas said hi in LotRO and that he built a Mariner! So fitting.
: )
[4:34 PM]
Cool, Ung!
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:34 PM
Never did Hearthstone duels much, but they were a useful alternative
for the weekly quest when the brawl was being annoying. Gonna leave
a gap.
[4:34 PM]
Spider druid!
Varda — Yesterday at 4:34 PM
Any need for invites, kin chest stuffing, other?
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:35 PM
Not a Sub-Mariner... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namor
Namor
Namor McKenzie (), also known as Namor the
Sub-Mariner, or simply Namor, is a character appearing in American
comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Created by writer-artist Bill Everett for comic
book packager Funnies Inc., the character first appeared in Motion
Picture Funnies Weekly #1 (uncirculated). Namor first appeared
publicly in Marvel ...
Varda — Yesterday at 4:36 PM
Thanks : )
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:36 PM
He should be a yellow sub-mariner.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:36 PM
Also not likely a https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariner_1
Mariner 1
Mariner 1, built to conduct the first American
planetary flyby of Venus, was the first spacecraft of NASA's
interplanetary Mariner program.
Developed by Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and
originally planned to be a purpose-built probe launched summer 1962,
Mariner 1's design was changed when the Centaur proved unavailable
at that early date. Mariner...
Varda — Yesterday at 4:36 PM
Backtrackiing to Ungwetari for Membership news.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:37 PM
Gonna guess along the lines of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariner_19
Mariner 19
The Mariner 19 is an American trailerable
sailboat, that was designed by Philip Rhodes and first built in
1962.
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 4:37 PM
Oh, it was intended as personal news, but hey happy news needs to be
shared with the world.
[4:38 PM]
I have a new girlfriend.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:38 PM
Since last week?
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 4:38 PM
3 weeks ago give or take.
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:38 PM
Grats
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 4:39 PM
We spent New Year's Eve together as a new couple, trying to ignore
the fireworks as much as possible, cuz loud stuff.
Arien Valar — Yesterday at 4:39 PM
grats
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 4:39 PM
Congratulations
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:40 PM
Well, now you're obliged to make it through the full year
Varda — Yesterday at 4:40 PM
loves fireworks, all the stars blasting into the sky!
Eonwë Valar
Gonna guess along the lines of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariner_19
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:40 PM
This one sounds cool too: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariner_Aircraft_Mariner
Mariner Aircraft Mariner
The Mariner Aircraft Mariner is an American
ultralight amphibious flying boat that was designed by Larry Seifert
and produced by Mariner Aircraft, starting in 1989.
The aircraft was supplied as a kit for amateur
construction.
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 4:41 PM
Oh, I like the colours, but starting to hate the sounds more and
more unfortunately.
[4:42 PM]
But that was all of it. This merry spider is very happy at the
moment. I will even suspend weaving unlight webs for a while, that's
how happy I am.
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:43 PM
pictures spider wriggling 4 frontlegs in excitement, Kermit-style
Varda — Yesterday at 4:44 PM
Before we run out of time, on to...
[4:44 PM]
top
Tolkien!
[4:44 PM]
One way to look at Tolkien's work is through the
principles of journalism, a useful tool in any sort of writing
including making a video game.
[4:44 PM]
Who
What
When
Why
Where
How
[4:44 PM]
How would we figure it out and then succinctly say what happened in
The Lord of the Rings using those six questions?
[4:44 PM]
Let's start with:
Who
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:45 PM
Sauron, Frodo, Aragorn were some who seriously made a name for
themselves.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:45 PM
Frodo took the Ring at the End of the Third Age to destroy it to
save the World to Mordor by foot. (Probably a better
constructed sentence if the "where" came before the "why".)
[4:46 PM]
Oops, I got ahead of you, heh.
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 4:46 PM
The Who in Lord of the Rings is a very complicated question, since
it is without doubt that the world and its inhabitants, are
intricately interwoven with each other.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:47 PM
The Who: The Nine Walkers, plus Fatty Bolger and Lobelia
Sackville-Baggins.
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 4:47 PM
I agree. Each character is a "Who," just like in the bookby Dr/
Seuss...
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 4:47 PM
In certain parts of the story in different parts of the story
multiple people take main stage, even if it was for a shot while,
such as Denethor and Theoden.
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:47 PM
Sauron Sees a Who?
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 4:48 PM
I reckon Sauron is a What.
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 4:48 PM
Now that would be a title worth readoing
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:48 PM
Sauron sees alot of "Whos", (as in, he doesn't know or care about
their names), then there's Elrond, Galadriel, and Aragorn. Everyone
else is just a warm body taking up space in his world.
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 4:48 PM
At least there are no mentions of Doctors in LotR, so no stupid
questions like "Dr. Who?"
Varda — Yesterday at 4:49 PM
Who would refer to the main character, the one that has to do the
thing that needs doing the most.
[4:49 PM]
Ioreth? : )
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 4:49 PM
Healer, not a doctor.
Varda — Yesterday at 4:49 PM
Aragorn!
[4:49 PM]
o well. Yep, no Dr. Who.
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 4:49 PM
You beat me to the punch. What about Eomer?
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 4:50 PM
I vote that Who is for Shelob, for she does the thing the most that
every single being needs to do: Eat.
Varda — Yesterday at 4:50 PM
Next question: What?
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:50 PM
Treebeard doesn't need to eat.
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 4:50 PM
Destry the Ring!
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:50 PM
The What being tasty orcses.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:50 PM
Have a dance-off with the villain. Oops, wrong hero.
Varda — Yesterday at 4:50 PM
Ent draught, roots going deep into the ground, huorns making side
cracks for orcs and hobbits.
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 4:51 PM
The What being Tasty Hobbits.
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:51 PM
That failed though.
[4:51 PM]
She ate more orcses.
Varda — Yesterday at 4:51 PM
Tom Bombadil meets the Guardians of the Galaxy!
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:51 PM
What is "go on a journey to destroy the Ring."
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 4:51 PM
But then we come to the WHY it failed. And that was because of
another Tasty Hobbitses.
Varda — Yesterday at 4:51 PM
Different tastes? : )
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:52 PM
I don't think anyone would ever call Gollum a "Tasty Hobbitses."
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 4:52 PM
I suspect Hobbits are better tasting than Orcs.
Varda — Yesterday at 4:52 PM
Scrawny, a lean meal type.
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:52 PM
Bit stringy.
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 4:52 PM
I don't think Samwise would like to be called Gollum either.
Varda — Yesterday at 4:52 PM
Next question: When? (edited)
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 4:52 PM
He might keel over from apoplexy instead.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:52 PM
September 22nd, TA 3018 - March 25th, TA 3019.
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 4:52 PM
3rd Age Middle-earth
Varda — Yesterday at 4:52 PM
heh
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 4:53 PM
And I feel like we're having at least 2 to 3 different conversations
at once.
Varda — Yesterday at 4:53 PM
We are, Ung. : )
[4:53 PM]
Faintly related.
[4:53 PM]
Next: Why?
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 4:54 PM
If we don't destroy the Ring, it will destroy us.
Varda — Yesterday at 4:54 PM
: )
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 4:55 PM
Rings of Power don't destroy people. Tyrants with RIngs of Power
destroy people. Unless you mean the Nine the Nazgul wear. Those
totally destroyed those guys.
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:55 PM
Well, more immediate, couldn't let Sauron have it. But he'd get it
eventually if not destroyed, and it turned out also to be necessary
to stop the Free Men from becoming a smudge in front of the Black
Gate.
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 4:55 PM
I'd say that the Ring needs to be destroyed, because otherwise, at
some point it will find its way back to its master Sauron, who would
be restored to his former glory. And with both the races of Elves
and Men being diminished greatly since the last war with Sauron,
that would spell imminent defeat and therefore the entirety of
Middle Earth (as we know it) would fall under Sauron's domain.
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 4:56 PM
I believe that Tolkien elevated the One Ring to the status of an
almost sentient thing...it was "trying to find its Master, and
decided sticking with Gollum wasn't going to make that happen."
[4:57 PM]
And Sauron did invest a lot of himself in it.
Arien Valar — Yesterday at 4:57 PM
Don t orget that Rings of Power , especially The one Ring, have will
of their own ... they pick the places and times when and where they
want to be found
[4:57 PM]
the who finds them doesnt always quite work as they want though
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 4:57 PM
"So, Ring, where've you been? Couldn't find someone to carry you
here?" "You won't believe this, Master... one of those weird
halfling things kept me in a cave for 500 years!"
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 4:58 PM
Yes, the One Ring was full of malice and had something of a will of
its own, but it could only corrupt its bearer, it could not exert
its will onto the outside world. So in that regard, the Ring alone
could not destroy a butterfly.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 5:00 PM
Unless the butterfly were to put it on.
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 5:00 PM
I don't think the Ring could alter its size THAT much.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 5:00 PM
Well, it'd be more like a belt for a butterfly.
[5:01 PM]
Lord of the Belts.
Varda — Yesterday at 5:01 PM
The Ring did change size between Sauron and Frodo, and could become
larger than Isildur's finger when it wanted to jump.
[5:01 PM]
Good question on just what size were upper and lower limit! Gollum's
finger was scrawny.
Arien Valar — Yesterday at 5:02 PM
galadriel the dark butterfly ~
Varda — Yesterday at 5:02 PM
: )
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 5:02 PM
In response to Ar's last comment, talking about the cave...probably
not too many PhD dissertations have a quote from Tolkien on the
front pages....mine did!
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/98425690877104128/1193691204378951841/20240107_155940.jpg
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/98425690877104128/1193691205071024229/20240107_155948.jpg
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 5:02 PM
True, but it is never mentioned how big Sauron really was. On
several occasions some size is mentioned, and it stands to reason he
was perhaps taller than normal men, but the way it showed in the
Movies, I believe, was greatly exaggerated.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 5:04 PM
If memory serves, Elves could do 8 feet easy, and the taller among
them (Noldor) averaged somewhere between 6.5 and 7.5 feet. (edited)
Arien Valar — Yesterday at 5:05 PM
like the Lich King in relation to ones calling him to justice dry
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 5:05 PM
Yeah, but in the movies he was depicted as 2-3 times the size of
elves.
Arien Valar — Yesterday at 5:05 PM
think of dimensions
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 5:05 PM
To be "impressive" Sauron would have to be somewhere between 9 and
12 feet at least.
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 5:05 PM
Sauron was, of course a Maia, and he was a master Shapeshifter.
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 5:05 PM
But Tolkien indicated that as time went on, the EWlves were betting
smaller, and Men were getting bigger.
Varda — Yesterday at 5:05 PM
Way to go, Sandalf! [Note: refers to Sandalf's PhD
dissertation comment.]
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 5:06 PM
To be fair, Arien, all our enemies grow in size in WoW... did one of
my Siege of Orgrimmar runs and noticed suddenly how absurdly large
Garrosh is in his fight, even before the corruption takes over.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 5:06 PM
At least when he was trying to be imposing (as the Dark Lord) rather
than beguiling (as Annatar).
@Ar-Pharazon-V
To be fair, Arien, all our enemies grow in size in WoW... did
one of my Siege of Orgrimmar runs and noticed suddenly how
absurdly large Garrosh is in his fight, even before the corruption
takes over.
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 5:06 PM
I remember some spiders getting smaller.
Arien Valar — Yesterday at 5:07 PM
as Annatar he d like to be less fearsome .. and more trying to fit
in , even though it must have gone very much against his grain
Varda — Yesterday at 5:08 PM
Next: Where?
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 5:08 PM
As Annatar he'd still probably be on the tall side to seem more
impressive, just not absurdly tall like an ogre. So probably around
8 feet.
[5:09 PM]
The Where: The Shire, the wilds of Eriador, Rivendell, Eregion,
Moria, Lothlorien, Fangorn forest, Rohan, Gondor, Ithilien, Mordor.
(edited)
[5:10 PM]
And ahem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQQtgx4iG8E
YouTube
Mario Pisanu
Young Frankenstein ( junior ) - Werewolf!
...There!
[5:10 PM]
Couldn't resist.
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 5:10 PM
In other words, most of the known Middle-earth...at least that part
of it which was mapped!
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 5:10 PM
White Havens
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 5:10 PM
Grey Havens?
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 5:11 PM
Nah, everything Gandalf touches becomes White.
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 5:11 PM
Like Midas...but with white?
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 5:11 PM
The Havens didn't fight a Balrog and need to come back as the head
of the Order of Havens.
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 5:12 PM
There is a beautiful little town high up on the Pocono Plateau in
Pennsylvania that has the name "White Haven."
Varda — Yesterday at 5:13 PM
Last: How?
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 5:13 PM
On foot and by boat!
[5:13 PM]
And a bit of on pony.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 5:14 PM
And at the insistence of orcs.
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 5:14 PM
What about in flight, i.e., Gandalf, Frodo, and Sam...
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 5:14 PM
On the shoulders of Ents.
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 5:14 PM
True, after the quest ended.
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 5:14 PM
On the backs of ORcs
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 5:15 PM
In the talons of Gwaihir at the end. So, yes, in flight by Frodo.
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 5:15 PM
It's not a vacation until you're back again, after all.
Varda — Yesterday at 5:15 PM
So many ways. : )
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 5:15 PM
Except trains...
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 5:15 PM
Or planes.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 5:15 PM
But you all are likely forgetting the most important mode of
transportation of them all.
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 5:15 PM
Well, maybe the hype train at Aragorn's wedding.
@Ar-Pharazon-V
Or planes.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 5:16 PM
Inserts obligatory "Automobiles" in that series of modes of
transportation.
@Ar-Pharazon-V
Or planes.
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 5:16 PM
They went to a different plane of existence, Valinor, so they were
on different planes.
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 5:16 PM
Thank goodness someone followed the setup, Eonwe
Varda — Yesterday at 5:16 PM
: )
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 5:16 PM
Also, if we were to have this conversation in real life, I would
definitely mishear on purpose and suggest the many plains they
crossed.
Varda — Yesterday at 5:17 PM
Plains of Rohan for instance?
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 5:17 PM
But that's where the rain in Spain stays mainly....
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 5:17 PM
Aye.
Varda — Yesterday at 5:17 PM
Fly Rohan Air!
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 5:17 PM
Gets catapulted by an Ent
Varda — Yesterday at 5:17 PM
Has a real kick.
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 5:18 PM
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/98425690877104128/1193695077940334684/logo_white.png
Eagle Air logo
Varda — Yesterday at 5:18 PM
There you go!
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 5:18 PM
Actual airline company in Iceland.
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 5:18 PM
Couldnt resist!
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/98425690877104128/1193695153500729464/Middle_Earth_Transit_Authority.jpg
[5:18 PM]
That is a New York City Subway car, by the way.
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 5:18 PM
Very irresistable that, agreed.
[5:19 PM]
And I am very sorry about the ruckus, I'm just in such a playful
mood.
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 5:19 PM
Grey Havens: Exit only.
Varda — Yesterday at 5:19 PM
We love playfulness. : )
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 5:19 PM
No Services this Exit
Varda — Yesterday at 5:20 PM
Ok, Eonwe at the start had the best mix of all of the answers.
So here's another:
Who: Frodo
What: Destroy One Ring
Where: from the starting point of the Shire east across
Middle-earth to the destination of Mt Doom in Mordor.
When: Frodo's adulthood of 50. Shire year. Gondorian year.
Why: to prevent Sauron from taking over Middle-earth and making
everyone serve him in abject and miserable slavery in a way
pleasing to Morgoth the original evil.
How: Simply walk into Mordor.
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 5:20 PM
:)
Varda — Yesterday at 5:20 PM
The idea is a bit of a map to get through making a piece or
analyzing it.
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 5:21 PM
I would have preferred the catapult.
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 5:21 PM
Simply climb into Mordor.
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 5:21 PM
Even if the language is a bit... off.
Varda — Yesterday at 5:21 PM
That smear in front of the Black Gate from someone or thing
catapulted?
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 5:21 PM
Oops, aim higher next time.
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 5:21 PM
I'm glad everyone remembers that meme.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 5:22 PM
This is how you get into Mordor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enUgkYN7TFI
YouTube
x3run4funx
Tom Bombadil dedykacja
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 5:22 PM
Or get a bigger catapult.
Varda — Yesterday at 5:22 PM
Next volunteer! Why do you think they needed nine?
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 5:22 PM
Don't forget the ninja wizards.
Arien Valar — Yesterday at 5:22 PM
well according to my mug .... ju just walk into Mordor ~
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 5:23 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZouiWmzWoY
Eonwe?
YouTube
robnkarla
The Intoxicating Influence of Tom Bombadil
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 5:23 PM
Original gif here. Beware bad language.
https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fexternal-preview.redd.it%2FOS2Zl9tMqQ60EseErDlg1oDklOOBCCpkIaria2ATMH4.gif%3Fformat%3Dmp4%26s%3D1a9d0838be7d838ccdb95bda30f986d53cbc730f
Reddit
https://external-preview.redd.it/OS2Zl9tMqQ60EseErDlg1oDklOOBCCpkIa...
Varda — Yesterday at 5:23 PM
I liked the Tom Bombadil who dances through the armies and even
Sauron winds up dancing. : )
Ungwetari — Yesterday at 5:24 PM
Or maybe not. It's hard to find.
[5:24 PM]
Or maybe the one I saw all those years ago was an adaptation of this
original.
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 5:24 PM
Just because: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
YouTube
Rick Astley
Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up (Official
Music Video)
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 5:25 PM
I do remember it, Shel... but no idea where to find it
[5:25 PM]
And check my link, Varda, if you hadn't
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 5:25 PM
And since I must now be off, I'll leave you with what the Tom
Bombadill video changed to for me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9YM_9CVmtc
YouTube
Chill Astronaut ~ lofi beats
lord of the rings lofi – beats to chill/explore
middle-earth to🌳
[Note: Lofi loops over and over.]
[5:26 PM]
Enjoy your lofi beats in Middle-Earth.
Arien Valar — Yesterday at 5:26 PM
Namarie :!
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 5:26 PM
Namarie!
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 5:26 PM
Take care all, good night, sleep well, and have fun.
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 5:27 PM
I have a date with a hot chicken at Costco, and she is waiting there
for me. Can't keep the ladies waiting, you know. I will check in
again later! Congrats on your new digs, Ar!
Arien Valar — Yesterday at 5:27 PM
good night
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 5:27 PM
Thanks, and enjoy!
[5:27 PM]
Say hi to the hot chick!
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 5:27 PM
Will do....
Eonwë Valar — Yesterday at 5:27 PM
Not after it got all rotisserie'd up for you?
Varda — Yesterday at 5:27 PM
I checked it out, Phar, thanks! got me quiet a sec! : )
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 5:27 PM
:)
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 5:28 PM
Namarie til later!
Varda — Yesterday at 5:28 PM
gavels dance all around with the hammerpad, bopping!
top
After-meeting!
[5:28 PM]
A bit late, but the gavels have it!
Arien Valar — Yesterday at 5:33 PM
:)
Namarie all
Varda — Yesterday at 5:33 PM
Namarie, Sunshine : )
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 7:33 PM
Aiya Ar! Still here?
Varda — Yesterday at 7:53 PM
Fangorn and Varda are here. : )
Ar is online and active
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 7:54 PM
Still here
Varda — Yesterday at 7:54 PM
: )
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 7:55 PM
Ah. I am browsing, and mentally considering a large addition to
Chapter 4. I cannot really discuss Geopolitics without describing a
little bit about what is about, nes c'pas?
[7:56 PM]
It is a subject with a long, involved history, and a certain amount
of technical jargon (not related to geology per se).
[7:57 PM]
I have taught it at a university-level before, and I have several
involved Powerpoints that I am thinking about writing up, without
all the pictures. of course, although the pictures are marvelous.
Anyway, I am still trying to get my head around how best to do this.
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 8:32 PM
Aiya?
Varda — Yesterday at 8:48 PM
Good luck with the writing.
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 8:48 PM
I am working on it right now! Had to uninstall Discord and then
download the newest version, because my times were all messed
up...the times that appear with messages. It is working fine now.
top
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 9:21 PM
Personal gaming report!
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 9:21 PM
Endlich!
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 9:22 PM
For (non)flashgaming, one I must've linked before came up
again this week, a relaxed puzzle game, https://www.kongregate.com/games/targaciej/naboki
Kongregate
NABOKI
Disassemble puzzle.
More levels: NABOKI.eu
[9:24 PM]
It's a disassemble puzzle, each level is a structure of small blocks
which you need to remove one by one, by clicking a side with an
arrow pointing in a direction it can go.
[9:25 PM]
Later on you get to rotate, use levers to shift barriers, and see a
few other mechanics.
[9:27 PM]
I always find it difficult to not play the game all over again when
it comes up, so enjoy
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 9:34 PM
Blizzard gaming:
[9:38 PM]
Hearthstone:
Level 81 on the reward track now. Only 5 levels a week isn't much,
but it'll still help me to 100 in 4 weeks
[9:40 PM]
Had enough gold to buy a new skin from the ship, and from the ones
available, the Holy Leviathan Anduin (priest skin) looked more
interesting. I do wonder if they're constantly throwing new ones up,
or if we'll see returning ones eventually for those I don't have the
gold to buy yet.
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 9:43 PM
Have to close up for today, Ar....busy day tomorrow and I need to
get an early start. Still recovering from my bout with Covid back in
December. I never got real sick, but it is taking its time
disappearing completely...still unusually tired for me.
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 9:43 PM
No problem, you can read back
Sandalf13 — Yesterday at 9:43 PM
I shall do so! Namarie!
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 9:43 PM
And I've been a bit ill myself the past week, probably the stress of
moving and disturbed daily schedules don't help
[9:43 PM]
Namarie!
[9:45 PM]
Tavern Brawl is a heroic arena, alas, which I don't do. But luckily
I had no quest for it either.
[9:46 PM]
Rumble:
No new collection levels. Things slowing down indeed on that front.
[9:47 PM]
It's alliance week, which means dungeon for alliance leaders, and I
actually cleared several levels with my Tirion deck, getting more
army upgrade slots for him.
[9:50 PM]
And we got 1000 gold compensation for certain Arclight Surge bugs,
which gave me enough to buy the Uncommon upgrade for the beast
leader Murk-Eye and the blackrock mini Flamewaker. I also got the
desired talents for them, the chimaera, the polymorph spell, and
Hogger, my favorite beast leader. With the Hamhock talent it'll be
even more fun to play
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 9:51 PM
I also got the second talent for Baron Rivendare who I'd upgraded to
rare last week. Second talent doesn't really do much unless you
bought a wrong one previously, since you can only use one but switch
between them between matches. But owning it does give an extra
level, so that helps.
[9:53 PM]
So now my quality upgrades and talents are caught up again; time to
save for the next uncommon upgrade!
[9:54 PM]
WoW:
[9:55 PM]
Raiding started up again! Got back to heroic, got the ones we've
already killed before on one night, and finally managed Smolderon
tonight.
[9:56 PM]
I also got a new leatherworking pattern on the way.
[9:56 PM]
Weekly is mythic dungeons; got a chestpiece from the final reward
that I already had, but with extra avoidance. An upgrade's an
upgrade
[9:58 PM]
With the raiding back and the house move, I had a bit less time for
alting, and only managed to get the mage in Revendreth 2 quests
further, forging a fake document to get access to the Ember Ward.
But with the plethora of text options there, it's always a fun quest
[9:58 PM]
And that's my report for the week!
Ar-Pharazon-V — Yesterday at 10:00 PM
Namarie!
Sandalf13 — Today at 9:22 AM
In light of our recent conversation regarding modes of transport
within Middle-earth, please take a look at the attachment. The train
car seems to be typical for one found on the New York City Subway
system, and the routes indicated (A, B, C, and so on) are actually
real trains on the Independent Line of the Subway.
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/98425690877104128/1193937822340628480/Middle_Earth_Transit_Authority.jpg
top