conversations.from: system
conversations.value: Nestled in the Westfolde, between the River Entwash and the Gladden Fields, the Rohirrim or "Horse Lords" make their home.  Resilient, sober and principled, the villagers of Aldburg have bred and nurtured their horses in this pristine valley for generations.  So intertwined have the two races become that horses are considered members of the family- an extension of the Rohirric lineage.
  
  But another race is intent on expanding it's territory and harnessing the power of the fabled horses of the Rohirrim.  The Orcs crawl and clatter among the shadowed peaks of the Kintwise Mountains; setting their camps, such as they are, in an ever-closing noose around the riches of The Folde.  Orc raiding parties go out regularly in search of loot, land, horses and Rohirrim to capture, tame, and enslave.
  
  The Orcs are a mighty, slobering, band of hooligans led by a slighty-less-slobbery captain who is hell bent on dominating The Folde.  His only problem (at present)... horses don't like orcs.
  
  
  The Westfolde opens wide beneath the crystalline sky, it's vast resources glimmering like so much gold.  This land is a treasure sought by many- to keep hallowed and alive as their forefathers did, or to pillage and consume in an undertow of destruction.
  
  Who will rule The Glimmering Folde?
  
  
  
  
  -Note 1: Choose which side you'd like to play, Orcs or Rohirrim and create a character accordingly. I have pre-loaded some character natures to choose from or you can write your own.
  
  -Note 2:  Since horses weigh so heavily into the identity of the people of Rohan, anyone who'd like to come up with a mini-bio for a horse companion for their character is encouraged to do so.  I'm not trying to make this into a horse story, but I think we ought to have a way to use horses frequently... at least as an extension of our human characters.
  
  Currently the Beta version of Storium only understands one character per user per game. (You can't play a Rohirrim and his horse as two separate entities.)
  If you'll write a brief description of your horse (gender, name, temperament, etc.) I will create a batch of asset cards to give back to you instead in an attempt to enable us to use horses to meet different challenges throughout the game.
  
  -Note 3: To offset the extra agility of a character with a horse, if you choose to play the Orc's side I will write asset cards for you in line with orc abilities.  Suggestions are invited.  
  
  -Note 4:  While I based this story on J.R.R. Tolkein's Lord of the Rings stories, *this is 
  not a purist adventure*.  Using Rohirric-sounding names and terminology will add flavor to our story, but I only want to use those aspects that will be a jumping off point for a story of our own.  I do not intend for anyone to be a prisoner to the original text.  My goal is to imagine life as a Rohirrim or an Orc *and to write about it* rather than poring over research for accuracy, so have fun and don't sweat the details.  
  
  
  --Some primer sites to dust of your Rohirric/ Orcish knowledge. (Besides the obvious reading the LOTR series or watching the movies).
  
  General LOTR sites:
  
  - http://lotr.wikia.com/wiki/Rohan
  
  - http://www.tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Rohan
  
  http://lotr.wikia.com/wiki/Orcs
  
  Map of Rohan:
  - https://www.lotro.com/en/forums/showthread.php?350017-Map-of-Rohan-unearthed
  
  
  *Beric the Briton*, *Wulf the Saxon*, *Kristin Lavransdatter*, *The Paradise War* Trilogy, *Byzantium* would be good inspiration. It would also be appropriate to incorporate aspects relating to Goths, Scandinavians, Norse mythology and the medieval Anglo-Saxons.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: On The Lam: You're running from something.  Someone.
  
  Does anyone here know what you've done?
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Orc- Horde of Foot Soldiers (copy): A company of 200 orcs.  They run, they hunt, they stab, they cleave, they spear, they follow orders really well.  And there are a LOT of them.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Oats: You discover a small sack of oats.  Might come in handy...
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Friesian- Eryndal's Horse: Friesian, mare, black, luxurious mane and tail, about 15 hands tall, compact muscular body, strong legs with long silky hair on lower part of legs, spirited horse which needs a firm hand and confident rider. She is obedient to Eryndal, feisty and clever around Eryndal’s husband and stable hands, but seemingly intuitively gentle around their children
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Foraging Basket: The innovative shoulder straps on your basket make it ideal for long journeys and heavy loads.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Spring House: A crudely constructed enclosure covers the freshwater spring providing water for the people of Aldsburg.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Hidden Cache of Lembas Bread: The mysterious elven bread that keeps you going all day with just one bite.
  You found 50 wrapped loaves.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Unlikely Team: Team up with someone you might never think of.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Crossbow and 6 Arrows: A quality crossbow with a quiver full of 6 thick arrows.  Aimed correctly, this is a killing weapon.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Hasufel- Eolin's Horse: As a young foal, he grew up together with Eolin and they bonded more strongly than any other horse and rider alive. Hasufel is a very fast and agile white stallion with great endurance, but he is very hot headed and stubborn, yielding only to the hand of his mistress.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Healing Salve: You have mixed a moderate batch of sesame, olive and hemp seed oils,  herbs of arnica montana and St. John's wort with essential oil of true lavender and yellow beeswax.  Compacted into a prepared deerskin pouch.
  An effective treatment for bruising and swelling, scrapes and cuts.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Leadership: You are a natural leader.  People will follow your charismatic personality into almost any situation.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Girl Power: Show us what a strong woman can do!
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Rescue Brandt: Never leave a Rohirrim brother behind!
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Cloak: Warmth and protection in blanket-form.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Torch: To light the way.  Or set something... or someone... on fire.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Wrecend- Anforlætan's Horse: A young gelding with a mottled grey and black coat. His name means "Avenger," and his trainer certainly was aiming for certain characteristics when teaching him.
  
  Fearless and tireless, he is not to be taken lightly.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Short Sword: Excellent for close combat with orcs. Also handy for chopping wood, digging up roots, and general camping needs.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Karath- Shagrol's Warg: Bred deep in the mountains while Shagrol was in hiding, Karath is massive, standing 5 feet tall, and is covered in a thick coat of grey sandpaper-like hair. He is a fearsome beast, with a taste for horse flesh.
  Karath is also the leader of the wargs, their commander under the orcs. But while Karath is a mighty steed, he does not have the speed or endurance of horses.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Orc Battle Axe: With this sinister-looking weapon everyone knows you mean business.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Aldburg- Fodra House: Home of the Cynefrid, many a night is spent reveling and feasting here.  
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The Orc Caves: Dark and stenchy.  Only an orc would call this home.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Kill the Prisoner: Doesn't matter what he knows, he's dead weight and he needs to go.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Kill the Prisoner (copy): Doesn't matter what he knows, he's dead weight and he needs to go.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Kill the Prisoner: He's no use to you anymore.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Kill the Prisoner (copy): He's no use to you anymore.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Rescue Brandt (copy): Never leave a Rohirrim brother behind!
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Riches: You have resources others only dream of.  Sometimes money *can* buy happiness.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Rohirrim- Horse Whisperer: Your father's father trained you from childhood- horses are the highest form of companionship, protection, and friendship.  Your camaraderie with the equine species is legendary.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Churlish: You DO NOT. like being told what to do.  Or even *suggested* what to do.
  
  It insults your fragile ego.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Nobody's Fool: You have human nature figured out.  It's hard to pull one over on you.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Educated: Although you keep it to yourself most times, you have a passion for learning and knowledge.  There are very few things you don't know something about.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Romantic: You are prone to look for love, which means you usually find it in one form or another.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Fame and Glory: You want your name in the annals of history.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Orc- Sheer Numbers: There are a lot of you.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Orc - Sheer Numbers: There are a lot of you.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Orc- Captain: Slightly smarter than the average Orc, you command loyalty and obedience from your troops.  You've had your eye on the Glimmering Folde and it's horses for quite some time.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Rohirrim- Child of Rohan: You've grown up in the village of Aldburg with a horse or two always sharing your humble, but joyful, home.  These nights,  you've overheard your parents whispering about unrest on the fringes of Rohan.  What could it mean?
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Rohirrim- Dreamer: Your head is perpetually in the clouds.  Or on the snowy peaks of the Kintwise.  Or in the babbling stream with the salmon.
  Never centered on where you are and the matter at hand, you long to see what lies beyond the village gates.  With all this murmur about Orcs coming out of the mountains, you might just get that chance.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Athletic: Pure muscular strength paired with quick reflexes and agility means you can tackle almost any physical challenge.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Laid Back: It takes an awful lot to get you riled up.  Life is good, why sweat the small stuff?
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Rohirrim- Villager: You live a quiet, peaceable life in Aldburg. Tending to your garden, your hut, your family and your horses, life in the Glimmering Folde is idyllic.  You've lived here your whole life attending every birth, wedding, and funeral.
  
  For you, Aldburg is sleepy and constant... just the way you like it.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Lazy: "Work?"  "Responsibility?"  "Discipline?"  "Honest gain?"  "Perseverance?"
  
  What are these things you speak of?
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Loyal: Once you attach your devotion to a person, cause or idea it will take death to sever you from them.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Sickly: You have never been spry or robust- spindly, wan and faint is more like it.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Arrogant: You falsely believe that you can do anything and be anything.  Your personal pedestal is several notches higher than everyone around you.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Ambitious: Ambition has gotten you far, but your tendency to over-reach will be your downfall.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Selfish: The world is here for your pleasure.  "Take what you can, when you can" is your motto.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Megalomaniac: It's about the power.  It's about the dominance.  It's about crushing the competition.
  
  You must. have. more!
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Burned By Love: All members of the opposite sex should be banished because of your heartbreak.  You will never love again and that colors the way you see everything.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Looking for True Love: The love of your life has got to be out there.  You just need to find them.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: For King and Country: You are a loyal patriot to the core, even if it costs you your life.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Security: In this uncertain world you long for safety and assurance.  
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Improve Yourself: You're painfully aware that you lack certain skills and strengths.  You are looking for a chance to change all that.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Maintain the Status Quo: Don't rock the boat.  
  Things are fine just as they are and you never want anything to change.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A New Adventure: You crave a change from ho-hum living.  You're looking for something or someone exciting to throw your lot in with.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Reclaim the Family Name: Years ago your family was held in high esteem.  You seek to restore your family name to it's former glory.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Wealth: No bones about it- you want more stuff.  Yeah, that sounds about right.  More stuff.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Rohirrim- The King's Rider: In service to the King of Rohan, you may be sent to the furthest corners of the kingdom on any errand. Your role is mainly political and strategic and you are a jack of all trades.  
  
  Your patriotism is admirable.  Your skills with sword, scroll and bridle, enviable.  Your diplomatic prowess, however, is not.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Orc- Horde of Foot Soldiers: A company of 200 orcs. They run, they hunt, they stab, they cleave, they spear, they follow orders really well.  And there are a LOT of them.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Courageous: Boldly going forth despite your fears, you know that no one was ever memorialized for being a coward.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Intuitive: You have an innate sense of the right thing to do.  You "read" people and situations quite well and can accurately assess outcomes.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Plays Well With Others: You are a natural peace bringer.  Your winsome and attractive personality means nearly everyone likes you the moment they meet you.  You make friends wherever you go.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Myopic: You have a tendency to obsess over the details and focus on problems from one angle and one angle only.
  For you, there is only one way- YOUR way.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Naive: You don't know that you don't know.  Pity.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Running Away: You're running from something.  Someone.
  
  Does anyone here know what you've done?
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Aldburg - Village Green: The central green in this small village is the gathering place for market, news and community life.  
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Aldburg- The Smithy: Hot and close, the smithy is always bustling.  Horses need to be shod, wagons need new wheels, swords require sharpening.  Never a dull moment here.
  
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Orc - Bloodthirsty: You are angry with the world and won't let anything stop you in your quest for revenge.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Orc - Temper: If you're mad, nobody's gonna get in *your* way.
  Your hot-headedness gets results. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Orc - Dreamy: You *should* think with the group. But that doesn't really appeal to your creative needs.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Orc- Daylight: The daylight... it burns us...  (plus, we can't see all that well.)
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: River Entwise: A shallow river running along the border of The Westfolde.  It is a vital resource for the Rohirrim.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Rohirrim- Horse Master, Warrior: As a youngster you were selected to train in horsemanship and combat in the service of the King of Rohan as a Rider of the Mark. Worldly wise and your training complete, the King has dispatched you back home to Aldsburg to protect it's gates from danger.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Aldburg- Horse Barns: A timber-framed communal housing structure for Aldburg's horse population.  Any villager without the means to host horses in their own home has access to the horse barns.
  In addition to stalls and a fenced riding ring there are storage rooms for feed and grain, bedding and tack. Attached is a small armory for horse-borne weapons.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Brandt- The Village Blacksmith: Good-natured and deep thinking, Brandt is the go-to man for advice in Aldburg.  The constant stream of customers for horse shoes, plow blades and knife sharpening keeps his folksy wisdom in circulation.
  
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Cynefrid- Steward of Aldburg: His name meaning "royal peace," Cynefrid has stood in protection over Aldburg for many years.  He is not a brash man and holds to the proverb, "In many counselors there is wisdom."
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Agnes- Old woman: Agnes is one of the elders of Aldburg.  She gathers wool, dyes and weaves it, and sells her yarn and fabric at market.
  She is a bit hard of hearing and has very few teeth left.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Orc- Sneak Away from the Crime Scene: Now that you've wreaked havoc, can you get away clean?
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Rohirrim- Put Out the Barn Fire: Use your resources and teamwork to extinguish the fire and save the horses.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Phung- eyh: An orc in the lowest of low positions, Phung-eyh will do almost anything to garner the approval of his comrades and the favor of his superiors.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Mohss: An orc that bungles nearly every assignment he's given.  Mohss is curious about the Rohirrim and other peoples that roam near the Glimmering Folde.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Folkaa Cynefridsdatter- Child of Aldsburg: Thirteen years old and freckled with sun kisses, life's possibilities stretch before Folkaa Cynefridsdatter.
  Folkaa has grown up hearing the enchanting tales of Old Rohan around her father's, Cynefrid's, hearth.  Eager and intelligent yet naive, she is anxious to make an impact on her world and her people like the heroes of old.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Rohirrim- Muster a Posse: Horses are missing, and at least one Rider of Rohan has been taken captive. Convince the villagers to gather an armed force to deal with the orc raiders.  
  
  
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Orc- Extract Information: You have a stinking Rohirrim prisoner.  Find out what he knows.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Orc- Hide in the Caves: Attempt to stay out of sight of the heightened Rohirrim presence patrolling the Folde.  Planning your next move would be a good option.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Orc- Horde of Foot Soldiers: A company of 200 orcs. They run, they hunt, they stab, they cleave, they spear, they follow orders really well.  And there are a LOT of them.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: There Are 200 Different Motives!: It's hard to explain...
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Rohirrim- Villager: You live a quiet, peaceable life in Aldburg. Tending to your garden, your hut, your family and your horses, life in the Glimmering Folde is idyllic.  You've lived here your whole life attending every birth, wedding, and funeral.
  
  For you, Aldburg is sleepy and constant... just the way you like it.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Stubborn: Once you have your mind sent on something it is hard for anyone to sway you, no matter their reasoning.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Idiocy: Yeah... not too much going on upstairs...
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Scary: BOO!!!
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Determined: You don't give up easily. Once you've set your mind to something, almost nothing can stop you from getting it done. Any hindrances are merely obstacles to be overcome.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Doubt: Be it your age or your attitude, Anforlaetan doesn't believe you have what it takes.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Terrifying!: big, ugly and covered with old blood... not the most heartwarming picture.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Curious: When you find something new, you just can't leave it alone. If there's a new factor in the equation or something that might reveal a new concept, it simply must be investigated even if the stakes are high. 