Just to Clarify

[fox]

Hello Eru,

Just to clarify, what is the exact timeline to this board? Many members,including myself bielvied that this was set around and during the quest.

Let us know,
Loving Members

[banaili]

Right! I guess I'm also wondering...so, we're not allowed to roleplay out the quest at all? Or roleplay anything during or after it? (Because all of my posts so far take place during or after it... ) I guess I'm just wondering if we're limited to only posting things during that one year 10 years before the quest.

[Tyler]

According to the Quest page where the plot for the site is, the year is 2936, five years prior to the beginning of the hobbit

[puckrox]

Okay, looks like I'm going to play voice of the people.

While that is what the page says, that it takes place during that year, most of us were under the impression, upon joining, that the timeline boundaries were a bit wider and that we would get a chance to play out some of the quest. Not the initial quest, per say, but little side quests and character interactions. I know I've already discussed with some people plots about getting lost in Mirkwood, traveling over the Lonely Mountains, staying in Rivendell, etc. While I do respect that this is the board's set rule and you are the mods in charge of it, it seems like the majority of the members have shown great interest in playing out scenarios during the quest and a little after the quest as well. Obviously we're not looking to go super far back in time or far into the future, but having a chance to do interactions during the quest and after it holds a lot of potential for great side quests and character bonding moments. There are so many wonderful things that can unfurl during the quest. Bilbo's relationship with the dwarves. Thorin's struggle about reclaiming Erebor. Dori, Nori, and Ori repairing their broken family. Gloin hating on some elves. You get the idea.

We respectfully ask that this rule of the boards could be tweaked a little. We're not looking to create any AU scenarios, and we plan on keeping canon character's canon in every way, shape, and form. However, not RPing the actual quest is a huge opportunity wasted, and it would be such a shame if all of the great writers on this site didn't get that chance to pursue some excellent story lines that can take place only during the quest to reclaim Erebor.

We don't mean to cause a ruckus, but this is how we all feel about this situation as a unit. We hope that you reconsider.

[pumpkin]

Well Puck already said that all of us felt this way, so it's probably monotonous of me to write here, but it's true. And I felt very sad hearing the news...

To be honest, I think all of us on here are very responsible. We love Tolkien's work so much that none of us intends or wants to even remotely destroy it, so we're all going to stay canon as much as possible. And in that same vein, I think if any of us does go AU or out-of-character with a canon, the rest of us would try to help fix it. We definitely won't ruin it for you, we promise!

On that note, I thought it would be a good idea to have a master timeline thread of ALL the threads taking place with canon characters. Even if it's before or after the quest, if we can organize it so that we see what character is doing what with who and when, it would be very helpful for everyone to stay organized. It would also be a great reference for all the writers of canons on here! ^-^

If no one wants to do that, or if it seems like it would be a huge chore for the admin, I would be very happy to set one up for you and keep it updated. It would be nice for it to be in a separate place for easy access for all the members, but however it would be done, I can do it if no one else wants to. It's really okay for me!

You have a beautiful site here, and we love it so much. Please allow us the freedom to explore these equally beautiful characters, because we certainly won't disappoint you!

[Tyler]

~The admins will discuss your proposal and compose a reply~

[Gandalf the Grey]

Alright after reading all of this i agree and disagree with different portions of this.. To start.

First: If portions of the quest would like to be played out then i have no problem with that.

Second: Let me clarify this: Portions that are not huge impacts upon the story line. For example. If the dwarfs want to get lost in Mirkwood, or go to Rivendell, fight Goblins in the Misty Mountains or Moria, by all means, please do so. However, there can not be major story line changing moments played out. I will list the ones off the top of my head.

Bilbo can not meet Gollum
Smaug can not be Killed
Thorin can not receive the key from Gandalf... ( unless i give it to him )
The Battle of the Five armies can not take place ( Yet...)

These are just the ones that in my mind would influence the board the most. I am not saying these threads can never happen, just not at the current moment. Now, can the dwarfs try and take Erebor.. Sure, why not, the outcome just can not be that the same as it is in the book. I hope this clears everything up for everyone. If you are going to have a question whether or not your plot line you are planning is playable, just pm me and ask and most of the time you will have a green light. If there are any more questions please post them here..

Third: Balin, that would be great if you could do that! Thank you.