What happens after the Lord of the Rings?

[Adanedhel]

Bard , I'm really raring with the whole story. I'll write more than the last time but I need time. I think in a couple of days I'll have finished.

Question: Shall we send more rainforcements to Eldarion?

 

[Bard the Bowman]

I'm loving it too. I don't think we need to give Eldarion more though. He's got all the elves and still quite a few troops. You can use discretion though.

 

[Adanedhel]

As I have not come to some good ideas about the continuity of the story ( :*confused: ), I'd be glad to read some of your ideas people. Please, express yourself:*)!

P.S. Bard, I count on you.

 

[Bard the Bowman]

Well here we go. I don't like this segment as much, i was just trying to get something down. Hopefully the next one improves.


On the plains of Rhun things were disintegrating for Ingwe. The Druedain, loathing open warfare on the plains, had deserted him. They however promised to guard the passes between Rohan and Minas Tirith. Small comfort at the moment. The Dark Elves too disliked the open plains, and only the thought of Valinor held them fast. It sickened Ingwe's heart as he had no guarantee the Valar would allow it. But he was mighty among the Eldar. The Forodrim, grumbled but remained. Meanwhile, the standoff had come to an end. 20,000 Nardorians, led by a contingent of sorcerers, had come up from the Morannon. Confusion was spread by the sorcerers, and many floundered. However, the Forodrim and the hobbits, more resistant to magic than any others, save certain elves, charged through and slaughtered many sorcerers. Hugo was slain in the charge. Just as Ingwe came charging up with the main body of elves, the Easterling army broke through the Arnorian line, Ingwe was taken unawares, and a halberd pierced his breastplate, through his side. He fell, grievously wounded. Full battle was joined, and with the Elven lying prostrate, things looked grim.

Elsewhere things had gone worse. Dol Amroth, still receiving no word from Pinnath Gelin, had sent scouts to investigate. Pinnath Gelin was known for having great stores of weapons, and were among the best equipped soldiers in Gondor. Their involvement was crucial to the success of Gondor. The scouts however found that Pinnath Gelin's settlements were fortified, and none were admitted. Only one spoke with them: Radagast the Brown. He warned the scouts, if the armies of the west were to survive, they must remain defensive and wait for the Vanyar to win the day. The Corsairs of Umbar now had new fleets of ships, and although Galion had no interest in Anfalas, the Corsairs had ravaged the Langstrand, slaughtering the villagers. Had Radagast not so instructed Pinnath Gelin, it would have fallen too. But they held off the Corsairs, and killed many. The scouts returned to Dol Amroth with no help, and depressing news.

Galion's brilliance on the battlefield was proven in the Second Battle of Pelennor Fields. While the Rohirrim horsemen were engaged, and his soldiers were battling with the Rohan footmen, he maneuvered a hidden reserve of cavalry in a pincer movement, breaking apart the ranks of Rohan, and scattering them all. The horns of Nardor were heard, and Eorine sounded the retreat. However, he would not join them. A well thrown spear brought him down, piercing his heart. Thus died the King of Rohan, and not the least noble. Few escaped from that great battle. Of the soldiers of Rohan, less than half escaped. They fled through the secret passes, and the Woses guarded their retreat. However, the City of Kings had now fallen. With the added reinforcements of Galion's remaining able-bodied 10,000, had overpowered the first wall. However, they could not win the second gate, and the situation looked bleak for Galion. He held up within the first ring, pondering his options.

Cair Andros had been assaulted, but Eldarion was too powerful to be taken yet. He was taken aback at the news of the Pelennor. His son was residing in Minas Tirith, and the thought that he might be killed angered him. Not waiting for his full force to be assembled, he gathered 500 horsemen and rode for Minas Tirith in a rage, leaving his foot soldiers in the dust. By the time he reached Minas Tirith, he had regained some wisdom. As he gazed on the ruin of the city, a rider from the East rode towards him. It was a fair Vanyar, bringing the grave news of the battle. Eldarion was now faced with a dilemna. To leave his son, or let the elven king die. Upon hearing the news the king was mortally wounded, and not even elven healing could save him, he knew only one person could save him, but his whereabouts were unknown. However, Eldarion had taken the Orthanc stone from Isengard, and now used its power to contact Radagast, who was now in possession of the Morgul stone. Upon hearing the news of Ingwe, and seeing one last chance to return to Valinor, Radagast rode through the night to reach Rhun.

Meanwhile, Eldarion's forces were running thin. Cair Andros only had the initial garrison now. Dol Amroth was under siege from the Haradrim. Pelargir was under control of the Nardorians. The fiefs were overrun. Rohan had retreated. The Battle of Rhun was still in contention. The only spark of hope came from the North. The dwarves of Erebor and sturdy Men of Dale had once again routed the enemy, and completely annihilated the Wainriders. However, dragons from the north had responded to summons from the Blue Wizards, and had attacked Dale. However, these were no First Age dragons, and after a great battle of fire and much ruin, the dwarves were victorious. Dale had suffered, and neither Dale nor Erebor could yet send aid.

Finally the great Battle of Rhun, the greatest battle since the War of Wrath, had come to an end. The bravery of the hobbits had saved the day, but still did not win it. They had driven the sorcerers back, aided by their natural resistance to the cold magic. The fair Vanyar had contested the Nardorians, and being greater in number, had broken through the lines and slipped into Southern Mirkwood with their injured king. Indeed, led by a dark elf scout, they were heading for Rhosgobel, the old home of Radagast. But Ingwe was fading fast. The light of Valinor had faded, and soon his spirit would find its way to the halls of Mandos. The dark elves mostly perished. They, along with the remaining Arnorians, had borne the brunt of the assault from the Easterlings. The few dark elves and Dunedain that escaped crossed the Anduin on rafts along with the hobbits. They fled through Rohan. And so the forces of evil had the mastery, but complete victory had eluded them in the night forest. The Vanyar had disappeared, and many others besides had escaped. Meanwhile, Radagast was riding hard still. He had reached Rohan, and had encountered some refugees from both Minas Tirith and Rhun. He headed into the darkness of Mirkwood, searching desperately for Ingwe.

Eldarion now had almost completely lost Gondor. He saw the blue pillar rise from Barad-dur, and he knew that Cair Andros could not repel this next assault. And so he left Minas Tirith, even as more Nardorians and rebels sailed up from Pelargir. His son would use the secret passes of the mountains known only to the kings. In the meantime, he made a tough decision. He abandoned Cair Andros, Pulling all his people out, he withdrew to Isengard, but with the palantir he instructed ships to sail from Mithlond to attempt a rescue at Dol Amroth, now completely surrounded and appearing doomed. When Eldarion learned of the death of Eorine he almost failed himself. In desperation he journeyed into Fangorn searching for the Ents. But now they were scarce, most being tree-ish; and the Huorns he dared not bother without any Ents around. The standings appeared bleak for the Reunited Kingdom. A force of 35,000 in Isengard, with more refugees arriving. Many fighters were also scattered throughout Rohan. Ingwe, fading fast, with his main bulk of 50,000 Vanyar, were now safe in the Rhosgobel area, with Radagast still searching feverishly. The Easterling army, now 40,000 traveled to the Morannon, preparing for the great assault that would conquer all the lands of Gondor and Rohan. The force assembled at the Morannon alone now numbered 80,000. Galion's force had swelled to 20,000, and the Haradrim had now been reinforced by the Corsairs, bringing their numbers up to 50,000. Outnumbered and weak in magic, defeat seemed certain for Eldarion's armies.

 

[Eledhwen]

Whatever happens has to be in response to the wiles of Morgoth: "And thou, Melkor, shalt see that no theme may be played that hath not its uttermost source in me, nor can any alter the music in my despite. For he that attempteth this shall prove but mine instrument in the devising of things more wonderful, which he himself hath not imagined."

So it is the dark threads in the story that will make the threads of light shine all the more brightly. Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series of books (a punishingly long series!) also has a dark lord imprisoned (wonder where he got that idea?) and shows the baddies visiting a deep dark place that is a sort of interface where they can receive commands, instructions and favour. The bonds that hold him are weakening (don't know why, yet, but it's only book twelve) and he'll be out soon for another go at mankind.

So, what you need is a storyline that leads up to the prophecy's beginning. An early character not properly disposed of is a common way in to this. Ar-Pharazon would do at a pinch - languishing in "the Caves of the Forgotten" with a handy army; Shelob and Ungoliant were never properly killed off (and Ungoliant is good in underground tunnels if you're looking to free any baddies) but you'd still need some humans, and the orcs that would have gone into hiding after Sauron's demise, waiting for someone to embolden them. On the goodies side, you have the two blue Istari, Radagast the Brown and Tom Bombadil. All these have been a bit lazy, to date; and one could rouse themselves to be the Merlin character filled by Gandalf in LotR. Elrohir or Elladan could be your bit-better-than-average human. Prince Imrahil's line is little mentioned, and could be brought in closer to centre stage to give an otherness to the heroes. For the Hobbits, you' could use Sam's lineage; they'd be wealthy enough to drop everything and go, but dour and sensible like their forefather.

 

[Bard the Bowman]

Yeah I don't think I'm going to go with that. Bye bye

 

[iluvatarin]

I'm loving it too. I don't think we need to give Eldarion more though. He's got all the elves and still quite a few troops. You can use discretion though.

Excellent stuff! always found the post-lotr-return of the king era to be slightly sad. Esp for Sam who is torn between his love for Rose+kids and the Shire and his love for Frodo and the Deathless Realms.

 

[Bard the Bowman]

Thanks iluvatarin. It's nice when someone just commends your ideas instead of telling you what to do, like Eledhwen.

 

[Gandalf White]

So, what you need is a storyline that leads up to the prophecy's beginning. An early character not properly disposed of is a common way in to this. Ar-Pharazon would do at a pinch - languishing in "the Caves of the Forgotten" with a handy army; Shelob and Ungoliant were never properly killed off (and Ungoliant is good in underground tunnels if you're looking to free any baddies) but you'd still need some humans, and the orcs that would have gone into hiding after Sauron's demise, waiting for someone to embolden them. On the goodies side, you have the two blue Istari, Radagast the Brown and Tom Bombadil. All these have been a bit lazy, to date; and one could rouse themselves to be the Merlin character filled by Gandalf in LotR. Elrohir or Elladan could be your bit-better-than-average human. Prince Imrahil's line is little mentioned, and could be brought in closer to centre stage to give an otherness to the heroes. For the Hobbits, you' could use Sam's lineage; they'd be wealthy enough to drop everything and go, but dour and sensible like their forefather.

Now this I like. Especially the idea of Tom Bombadil taking a larger role.

 

[Bard the Bowman]

Now this I like. Especially the idea of Tom Bombadil taking a larger role.

Feel free to open up another thread.

 

[Prince of Cats]

Now this I like. Especially the idea of Tom Bombadil taking a larger role.

Yes! I think Elethwen had some great ideas - Ungoliant in the fourth age! I forgot about her; perhaps laying in wait like the watcher in the water. But Bombadil, now there's something A merlin-type role was mentioned; what kind of king would be made under the council of Bombadil and his (perhaps) enlightened views on power (being master of but not owning the creatures of his forest, being untempted by the seductive power of the ring)?

But would he take such a role? Tom's apparent connection to the barrow mounds suggests he once associated with the local kingdom. I think that without his intervention his forest would be increasingly encroached-upon as men spread out - as they do. If Bombadil was in a mind to worry about it he might try to guide men as he can to protect the realm he stewards. An interesting idea about what could happen after the Lord of the Rings, indeed

 

[Bard the Bowman]

Guys Ungoliant consumed herself. Shelob would be far more likely, after recovering from her wounds.

 

[iluvatarin]

Thanks iluvatarin. It's nice when someone just commends your ideas instead of telling you what to do, like Eledhwen.

Having been on other forums I must say the back on forth on this forum-keeps it interesting. As a lover of tolkiens works I am always keen to gain new insights. This forum appears to be a treasure trove for this. I also enjoy your well thought out concepts and writings and of course Bard the Bowman, is the first human hero, if i recall correctly, that we meet in the hobbit-lotr cycle.

I remember as a youngster, who stumbled upon the hobbit-had no earlier exposure to it, thought it was a book on gardening actually based on the very low key cover art. one very bored day (pre-internet era) i found a book my neighbor had gave me months earlier. Started reading it and my eyes were opened to a new and adventurous world of hobbits, wizards, goblins, elves, dwarves and beorn. I was so excited i used to read it to my siblings b4 bed. they still recall it fondly.

anyway here you as bard shoot out prose instead of arrows. maybe some people disagree at times but nothing beats a lively forum with the solid unique and interesting content i been reading here.

 

[Gandalf White]

But would he take such a role? Tom's apparent connection to the barrow mounds suggests he once associated with the local kingdom. I think that without his intervention his forest would be increasingly encroached-upon as men spread out - as they do. If Bombadil was in a mind to worry about it he might try to guide men as he can to protect the realm he stewards. An interesting idea about what could happen after the Lord of the Rings, indeed

It seems unlikely to me that he would take on such a role, and that's exactly why he is so interesting. He is a being of such immense power, and yet so complacent in LotR, that it is hard to imagine him being disturbed enough by external circumstances to take a leading role. Oh, but imagine if he did...

 

[Bard the Bowman]

Just to give everyone a little background on what happened. After the Nardorians escaped to Middle-earth, deep in the south, they were close to perishing, and many already had died in the extreme heat with little in the way of food or water. But Maglor, wandering the shores of Middle-earth, found them, and guided them to a land of plenty. They took him as king, and his line was known as the House of Maglor. But he became mortal in that, and died.

 

[Bucky]

And they had many long discussions...

About everything but politics and religion. :*D

 

[Bard the Bowman]

Bucky, you're like the seed in a beautiful delicious "seedless" mandarin orange. You may have potential for greatness (i.e. like the seed has potential to become an orange tree), but at the moment you are a distinct, disturbing, and disruptive displeasure.

 

[Prince of Cats]

It was a joke, Bard. Here at the TTF we have a rule of not discussing religion or politics (there is or was a different forum for that). So (I think) he was joking that the people on TTF are decedents of the Nardorians. Hey, maybe it could catch on :*D "honey, are you still on that computer?" "just a minute, dear; I'm discoursing with the Nardorians"

 

[Bard the Bowman]

I understand that Prince of Cats, but let me ask you something. If someone who has made sarcastic insulting remarks to you and has been in continual conflict with you makes a "joke" like this, how do you think it will be perceived? As a friendly, harmless joke? I think not.