+IMNEWS IC GUIDE

Roleplaying as a Tolkien Elf is a challenge that is easily underestimated. Even if only by the sheer volume of literature Tolkien has written about Elves, we get a little insight as to the complexity of their roles in Middle Earth. They are the firstborn children of the Creator, Eru - an ancient people now living in a time when their race has long begun to diminish. They have a love for the world that binds them to it, a source of both joy and sadness to a Tolkien Elf. They are immortal, a concept even the most avid readers among us cannot claim to fully understand; an Elf may live one hundred lives of Men before wearying of the world. Yet it is not because of their age alone that they are counted among the wisest of the peoples of Middle Earth. Their are great lovers of beauty, be it of craft or song, as well as lore.

This barely scratches the surface of what would otherwise be a very general characterization of a Tolkien Elf. Several texts exist (e.g. The Silmarillion and Morgoth's Ring "Laws and Customs of the Eldar") that use narrative to give a more detailed picture. Many players find that reading these works enhances their image of Elves as Tolkien intended them, leading to more inspired RP. However, fitting your own elf character into the guidelines given by the books is harder than it sounds.

It often happens that a player will try to base their RP off of a misunderstanding that Tolkien Elves are all unquestionably perfect beings who are perpetually happy and do nothing but sing and dance. These interpretations, though not altogether objectionable in and of themselves, often lead to unfulfilling RP and character development. Though there are many ways to get out of this sort of lull, sometimes the best way is through a little perspective. Don't think that there is nothing better for you to do in RP than dance, sing, talk about the weather, and sip wine in the Hall of Fire. It couldn't be further from the truth! Part of the fun in RP is feeling and acting as someone new and different - in this case, a member of an entirely different race! - and thus, developing the character along with his or her environment. Have some fun with it... and most of all, don't hesitate to make your OWN fun!

The following pages will hopefully give you a new perspective on RPing your Elf character, and perhaps a few new ideas.

        +IMNEWS IC GUIDE2..................Nature of Tolkien Elves
                        +IMNEWS IC GUIDE3...............Nature of Tolkien Elves 2
                        +IMNEWS IC GUIDE4........................................Rivendell
                        +IMNEWS IC GUIDE5.......................Quotes on Rivendell
                        +IMNEWS IC GUIDE6........Common Myths About Elf RP
                        +IMNEWS IC GUIDE7...................................Creating RP

+IMNEWS IC GUIDE2

Since the advent of Tolkien’s vision of what Elves are, quite a few different versions have popped up over the years. Be it in other works of the fantasy genre or from sources like ‘Dungeons and Dragons’, tall, powerful Elves have come in many forms since Tolkien saved them from their literary obscurity. Yet even now, in addition to their new form, Elves still suffer in our minds from the influences of Shakespeare and Spencer. They are at once large and small, serious, yet still perceived as ‘silly’. However, this perception, this conflict, is both correct and incorrect.
                What are Tolkien’s Elves? What motivates them? Here at Elendor, there are several sources that describe directly the differences between the three clans and their offshoots. NEWS SINDAR, NEWS NOLDOR, and NEWS SILVAN give brief descriptions of the differences between the three types of Elves one is able to play on the MUSH (Noldor, however, are restricted to features only). Those are only generalizations, however, and are mere guides. To truly understand what an Elf’s true motivations are, it is necessary to read ‘The Silmarillion’, ‘The Hobbit’ and the LotR.
                Perhaps we should look at the best episode from the books that helps illustrate the point. In ‘Fellowship of the Ring’, Frodo, Sam and Pippin come upon Gildor Inglorion and his company of Noldor traveling from Rivendell and wandering in the Shire in autumn. This scene is notable because is has both the merry side of the Elves and their seriousness as well. In the middle of the night, while the rest of the Shire sleeps, the Elves begin their singing under the stars. Their songs are not described as flights of fancy or nonsense, they don’t dance around in little enchanted rings in the meadows. Instead, they sing glorious songs to Elbereth, honoring her for making the stars of the sky. Later, when Gildor and Frodo talk by themselves, the Elf reveals the serious side. He is reluctant to give advice for fear of giving the wrong advice. He shares knowledge of the wide world, and knows of the dark things that plague it. This is not some being who is more interested in making mischief than in doing good. This is a Noldo Lord of great power and majesty.
                Of course, there are other clans. But what has been said so far is pretty much true of them all. Even the Avari, scattered around the East of the world and living in conditions little better than the barbarian men they teach to speak, would have a nobleness and majesty far above the mortal man. The farther west one went, the Elves encountered would only be more so. The Silvan, the Green-elves, and finally the Sindar.


<Type +IMNEWS IC GUIDE3 to finish this essay.>

+IMNEWS IC GUIDE3

Where does this leave us? A conclusion will sum it up best. Elves are not creatures to be taken lightly. In Tolkien’s mythology, they represent Man Unfallen. But even so, they come from the earth and the earth has been corrupted by Melkor. Even though they are noble and majestic, they have their faults as well. But their faults are not petty; they are tragic faults on par with their goodness. A few examples from Tolkien’s writings and what others have written as well will help illustrate this.

On the word "Elves," from Appendix F of ROTK:
"This old word was indeed the only one available, and was once fitted to apply to such memories of this people as Men preserved, or to the making of Men's minds not wholly dissimilar. But it has been diminished, and to many it may now suggest fancies either pretty or silly, as unalike to the Quendi of old as are butterflies to the swift falcon..."

From The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, letter 154:
"But the elves are _not_ wholly good or in the right. Not so much because they had flirted with Sauron; as because with or without his assistance they were 'embalmers'. They wanted to have their cake and eat it: to live in the mortal historical Middle-earth because they had become fond of it (and perhaps because they there had the advantages of a superior caste), and so tried to stop its change and history, stop its growth, keep it as a pleasaunce, even largely a desert, where they could be 'artists'-- and they were overburdened with sadness and nostalgic regret."

If you choose to play an Elf, please take the time to research what being a _Tolkien_ Elf means. Tolkien's Elves are not eternally, vapidly happy. They are not vegetarians. They do not "nance." And most importantly, they are not human.

(Credits: Thank you to Thileithel and Rosgwaen for content.)

<Type +IMNEWS IC GUIDE4 for a quick reference on Rivendell.>

+IMNEWS IC GUIDE4

Imladris (Rivendell in the Human tongue) and the Last Homely House were founded about 4750 years ago, in SA 1697, by Elrond, leading refugees from the fallen Noldo kingdom of Eregion. It withstood a siege by Sauron before being relieved. Elrond's children Arwen, Elrohir, and Elladan were born here. Their mother Celebrian passed oversea in TA 2510 because of injuries sustained when she was waylaid by orcs.

Interaction with other Cultures:
Relatively isolated, Imladris is tightly guarded against intruders. No evil things enter the Valley. Yet Imladris is more open to outsiders than the other elfhomes, and all free people are welcome if there is no malice in their hearts. Elves from other realms visit fairly often, and there is an occasional human or even dwarf seeking wise counsel or healing.

RP in the valley:
Elves are good, lovers of beauty, song and starlight. They have nothing to do with Sauron and his evil. They may seem so merry as to be silly, but this is a mistake, for there is wisdom - often sadness - beneath the gaiety. But the elves, Eru's Firstborn children, do not despair but take joy in Arda, Eru's creation. However, as sorrows, evil, and Men increase, more and more elves, wearying of the world, take ships to their final home in the West.

<Type +IMNEWS IC GUIDE5 to read a few quotes on Rivendell.>

+IMNEWS IC GUIDE5

Some quotes about Imladris and the Elves:

"Elrond's house was perfect whether you liked food, or sleep, or work, or story-telling, or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all. Evil things did not come into the valley. Merely to be there was a cure for weariness, fear, and sadness."
--The Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R. Tolkieen

"Weariness fell from him soon in that house, and he had many a merry jest and dance, early and late, with the elves of the valley."
--The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien

"It's a big house this, and very peculiar. Always a bit more to discover, and no knowing what you'll find around a corner. And Elves, sir! Elves here, and Elves there! Some like kings, terrible and splendid; and some as merry as children. And the music and the singing..."
--The Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R. Tolkieen

"'It is difficult to keep awake here, until you get used to it,' said Bilbo.`Not that hobbits would ever acquire quite the elvish appetite for music and poetry and tales. They seem to like them as much as food, or even more.'"
--The Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R. Tolkieen

"Such was the virtue of the land of Rivendell that soon all fear and anxiety were removed from their minds. The future, good or ill, was not forgotten, but ceased to have any power over the present. Health and hope grew strong in them, and they were content with each good day as it came, taking pleasure in every meal, and in every word and song."
--The Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R. Tolkieen

"'Wonderful folk, Elves, sir! Wonderful!'
'They are,' said Frodo.
'Do you like them still, now you have had a closer view?'
'They seem a bit above my likes and dislikes, so to speak,' answered Sam slowly. 'It don't seem to matter what I think about them. They are quite different from what I expected - so old and young, so gay and sad, as it were.'"
--The Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R. Tolkieen

<Type +IMNEWS IC GUIDE6 to clear up some common myths about Elf RP.>

+IMNEWS IC GUIDE6

Common Myths About Elf RP:

Myth: I'm not a member of the Tirith, so I can't really participate in Tirith RP. (Replace "Tirith" with any guild.)

Truth: There's no reason that anyone should be excluded from RP because of guild (or House) memberships. If you enter into an scene in which your character might feel out of place, turn it into a fun new experience instead of an exclusionary one. While there are a few things that all Elves would know a bit about (for instance, all Elves are inherently good singers by the standards of Men) there are others that could have potentially interesting results: such a swordsman of the Tirith helping bake a cake, a solemn Seeker trying to shoo a wayward sparrow out of the Library... are you thinking yet?

Myth: "Big characters", like Elrond or Glorfindel, have no business RPing with little old me.

Truth: Absolutely not true. Thematically speaking, Imladris is a haven for a relative few Elves (compared to Lothlorien). Elrond houses all of the Imladhrim under his own roof, and supports each and all with his powers and resources. He, and almost any of the Imladhrim FCs and BFCs, would be more likely to know your character than not. Grab them for RP, and see what happens! Though IC respect would be warranted in RP to Elrond's family, for instance, don't feel like you need to grovel in awe.

Myth: Elves are incurably happy.

Truth: While that may be the case in certain situations, it need not be assumed that it is ALWAYS true. Elves can be both spirited and serious, gleeful and gloomy, friendly and fearsome... the list goes on. Just look at what they've been through as a race! Yes, they ARE inherently good. But as long as none of these listed traits are consistently taken to an extreme, or without any sort of justification in a given scene, the unexpected can occasionally spice things up.

Myth: I'm not responsible for creating RP for myself. That's what LAs and RPCs are for.

Truth: If there were no players, there would be no RPCs and LAs, and no amount of effort on the part of that small group of people would yield worthwhile results. You don't need any special designation to think of an idea and put it into action. Not only do we allow you to come up with your own RPs and TPs... we would be happy to have you do so! If you get tired of one specific kind of RP, don't hesitate to stir up something new yourself. You are the first one responsible for your own fun, so spend some time doing what you like to do, be it training with a new weapon, hosting a craft exhibition or skill competition, going on scavenger hunts through the forest, learning to paint, or anything else you're dreaming of. Of course, theme is still the most important consideration, so if you're not sure whether or not an idea is doable, go ahead and ask.

<Type +IMNEWS IC GUIDE7 for some ideas on starting RP.>

+IMNEWS IC GUIDE7

Looking for Inspiration?

RP somewhere you've never been before:
Take a quick walk around the valley OOCly, but take the time to actually READ the room descs. You'll be surprised at the kind of things that might come to mind when you see a solitary wading pool, and interesting tree, a dim cave, a nearly-hidden doorway.... yes, sometimes it's just that simple to get a new idea. You might even find a secret room!

Make a history link with another Imladhrim, or join a noble house:
Sometimes having a direct IC connection with another player gives an "automatic in" in RP. Whether it's a new sibling, a parent, a mentor, a childhood friend - or even someone your character DOESN'T get along with for whatever reason - gives wonderful opportunities for you to develop your OWN character in ways you wouldn't have thought of before. At the very least, you'll always have someone to talk to during crowded scenes.

Start a "thread" between several RPs:
Living in the moment can be fun sometimes, but is often moreso when that moment develops into something more. In terms of RP, it's often worthwhile to look for little connections between the scenes you RP in. If your character has done something interesting in one scene, why pretend like it didn't happen in the next? Sometimes the best TPs develop out of the smallest events, and often unexpectedly.

Join a new guild:
As immortal beings, it's not surprising that Tolkien Elven often learn several trades or skills. If your 600-year-old Silvan or 2,500-year-old Sinda is becoming static, it's never too late to teach an old dog new tricks.

Create something:
An Elf is always able to appreciate a thing of beauty, by his own definitions. Therefore, you don't have to be an Artisan to create something beautiful, be it a functional craft or some kind of masterwork. Some suggestions: a gift for someone, a new invention to solve some kind of dilemma, decorations for a festival, an ornament to be hung on display somewhere, etc.

Bring others into your ideas and goals:
To draw on a previous suggestion for a moment, let's say you want your character to learn a new skill. Instead of just writing another line somewhere in his history or persona, why not ICly ask another Imladhrim to teach your character? There's no better way to get a new perspective on your character than to RP more with others about these sorts of things. So next time you have an RP idea - about your character in specific, or some other central idea - make an effort to bring others into it through RP. You'll have more fun, and so will they!