Thorog, the Helegrod Dragon

When I was younger, I remember reading about Helegrod. It offered a sense of foreboding… a 24 person Raid? A huge dragon? Some tough thug drummers at the beginning, and a miniboss prior to Thorog’s entrance, and a dragon that has 346k morale!? It seemed inconceivable to my young self that had seen few dragons at the time, and had never seen anything remotely close.

Getting to see him has been on my list since then. I have been patient. Waiting. Watching. Waiting for the right time to take a group to see him.

Helegrod has now been separated into 4 wings: the Giant wing, the Drake wing, the Spider wing, and finally… the Dragon wing. You cannot enter the Dragon wing until you have beaten the other three wings at least once. Thankfully, it isn’t on a raid lock; you only have to beat the wings once, and you are eligible from then on.

I proceeded on. Onward through Moria, through Lorien and Mirkwood, toward Enedwaith, Dunland, and the Great River. I was even on one of the very early teams to take out another dragon, the always pleasant Draigoch. (draigoch-draigoch-spoilers-pictures-of-draigoch) Then, I returned to defeat Draigoch again with only 6 people. That was a special day for me as it was no contest; a win in one try with just 6 of us.

Still… Thorog stood steadfast, and I remained patient.

My friend Lartessa knew my desire, assembled an assault team, and took us through the first three wings back in April, 2012. (Happy-5th-anniversary-lotro) However, we were not ready for Thorog at that time on that night.

Patience. Waiting for the day I could return.

I completed every deed in Eregion. Now only Thorog stood between me and the Meta deed Steed, the Dunedain War-horse, and the title Saviour of Eregion. The wave presses toward the confrontation.

Thankfully, the ride to Rohan was delayed! The rangers were unprepared to ride in September, so we were instructed to get our affairs in order for an October journey. For me, that meant deeding, tying up loose ends… dare I say it… defeat Thorog or die trying.

I made a plan with my friends in the Riders of Rohan to target Thorog. The date was set but too few had the experience of conquering the three pre-cursor wings. We would need an extended plan.

I visited Alti Spiderbane of Archet; he has a blood debt against Zaudra, the master spider of Helegrod.

I leave Alti, with his final words weighing heavy on my chest. “End her, Danania.” He had suffered losses at her devastation. I hope not to fail him en route to my goal.

A few of us grouped with the kinships Ministry and Warriors of the West to advance as many people through the wings as possible. Storvagun the Giant was toppled. The Drakes were dissected.

Even, Zaudru the Spider fell, much to the pleasure of Alti Spiderbane. A word of caution when entering Zaudru’s lair… she can poison-one-shot even the toughest foe. The 5-person team of Halj, Mysticle, Nidrod, Reza, and I learned the hard way that hers is no ordinary poison. A hunter with group poison removal is a safer way to beat her. 

Now, the culmination, enter the dragon. I am giddy with anticipation. Here is the last shot as we have passed the trolls and drummers blocking the entrance, and enter his domain. The snow was heavy on the ground and the sky was grey, foreboding.

Drugoth the wight is an appetizer. He tells us how we shall soon be dragon food. THEN, it is dragon time.

Actually, the Thorog fight can be fairly easy. Words of caution: let the tank do his thing and if you are not the tank don’t get agro. More importantly, Thorog has a fear that will kill you. One of the fears has a 10s countdown and if not removed, it will kill you and explode and kill those around you. It needs to be potioned away and you need a bit of luck to not get feared again while on CD (or a Captain who is ready to bolster away your fear). During one of the runs, I did get instantly killed but realized what was happening and ran away and died alone so I did not take out the group.

Thorog looks almost peaceful sitting up there on his perch.

Are we ready team? Sic em Daweirdo!

I did get a few good shots during the fight. Here, Thorog is about to let it be known that not just anyone can enter his realm and walk away to tell the tale.

Thorog is not happy and is throwing fear and death. You can see my friend Mysticle to the far left with the eye over her head. I am thinking this might have been when she got hit with Thorog’s Fear (mentioned above) and is marked for death.

Here, Daweirdo tanks Thorog. I am glad to be over here… and not over there under the big dragon.

In the end, the battle was won! Defeating Thorog has its own special title, De-animator of Thorog.

Five deed sets make up the Saviour of Eriador: Barad Gularan, Urugarth, Carn Dum, defeating the Rift balrog, and defeating Thorog. More importantly (to me), I received the beautiful meta deed steed, the Dunedain Warhorse! He is one of my favorites.

It was such an adventure, I went twice to get more people completed on their journey.

Special thanks to the two groups with whom I went and the many I got to group with along the way.

Group 1: Tahnee, Byrane, Eroric, Blodin, Maethindol, Mysticle, Thyshadow, Nimitar

Group 2: Hal Jordan, Lapis, Daweirdo, Nidrod, Mysticle, Ainurian, Nimitar

For those really into quests, there are several quests (all level 50) scattered around that are aimed at Helegrod. They come from

• Elrond (Elrond’s Library),
• Sigrun (Misty Mountains near the Helegrod entrance),
• Gonediad (Rivendell Spire),
• Elladan and Elrohir (Bruinen Gorge),
• Arifael (Giant Valley), and of course,
• Alti Spiderbane (Archet).

Here are two of the quest items I thought were interesting that I found along the way. The Ancient Explorer’s Pack is as good as the best explorer tools available (minus the Tailor portion, and will soon be outdone in Rohan). I have used these tools for over a year (when I first ventured to Helegrod); I like them because they are unique and good. I have a separate tool for Tailoring, yeah, I know I could just get the dropped one-time recipe, and a Metalsmith, with a Scholar’s help for the scrolls, and with very good luck have a combo tool made. But, my tools are mine and I like them. (It only takes one more slot in my bag so shush. hehe)

The gem-encrusted scale is surprisingly good for a level 50 item, and compares well versus the scholar crafted pocket item for level 75. Granted, I have a better Great River pocket item, I have never used this Scale and I’m sure it will get tossed but for what it is, I was surprised. 

...final comments...

Because it matters to me, I kept all the comments people wrote on my old blog. And because it matters to me, I am reprinting them here before starting a new chapter in my adventure. You are always welcome to leave comments on any of these posts. It makes me think you care. :)

from In a beginning hole far far away...

Syllina 2011-10-19 15:04

As the first comment I feel i have a certain responisbility to make it a worth while comment.
000000000000000 000000000000000 000000000000000 000000000000000 00
00111111111000011100000111111110000000011111110001111111111100
00111000000000011100000111001111000000111000000000000111000000
00111000000000011100000111001110000000111000000000000111000000
00111111100000011100000111111111000000011111100000000111000000
00111000000000011100000111000011100000000001110000000111000000
00111000000000011100000111000001110000000001110000000111000000
00111000000000011100000111000001110000111111100000000111000000
000000000000000 000000000000000 000000000000000 000000000000000 00

Danania 2011-10-20 11:50

Yay! A binary coded message!

For being first, you have the honor of "being first".

Thanks! I love it.
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Berda 2011-10-22 20:08

WooHoo The Superblog!!

Good stuff Dana girl keep it coming!!

Danania 2011-10-24 10:00

Yay for being 2nd blog commenter!

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from Journey toward Dunland

Berda 2011-10-22 20:12

I sadly haven't made it to the coveted 75 but looking forward to it. Hope my journey is as spectacular as Dana's.

On a side note I'd like to send out a random shout out to all the random dudes of Middle-Earth, Thanks for all you do Dudes! 

Danania 2011-10-24 09:59

Yay Berda! Soon enough you will be 75, and you will be even more super-uber-awesome!

Sadly, my journey there happened so fast. No matter how much feet-dragging I did, I kept being forced to accept more levels. All I wanted to do was do every quest, and deed, and explore everything, and see everything, and do everything. I have to get levels also?

I hit 75 shortly after I made it through the Gap of Rohan (while doing Heathfells quests, before I saw any Isengard quests).

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Menelchol 2011-10-27 22:00

Excellent call on the unimaginative names for the population of Galtrev. Makes me dislike the Dunlandings even more now.

Danania 2011-11-01 11:43

Hehe... yeah, it's hard to feel very friendly toward them when they won't even tell me their names. I guess... just take my order, do your job, and I won't trouble you further, Some-dude.

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from Best laid plans of elves and rune-keepers

Byrane 2011-10-22 14:02

Wannabe? I am Byrane Davin, BATHED IN FIRE!!!!! Nice article, Dana. Keep it up!

Danania 2011-10-24 09:47

Lol!
Well yeah... NOW you are taking firey baths, but I knew you when. :)
I'm still a wannabe.

Danania 2011-10-26 10:20

If you see Byrane.. you may call him
"Sir Byrane, the Red".

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Berda 2011-10-22 20:22

Go Dana!! We look to you to be the model RK. Heaven forbid we leave that in the hands of Dandur 

Danania 2011-10-24 09:48

Oh my... the pressure of being the model for an entire class...

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Terrentius 2011-10-24 00:43

GREAT post! I'd definitely be interested in watching you run the 12k morale build in the Moors. I can't wait  for Helvannen to make it up there!! I shall be invincible and swift... like bunnies.
Also, Helvannen is very pleased with his spear. Thanks to Dana, he's able to employ stabbity-death upon unsuspecting goblins. What elf doesn't enjoy that as a past-time?

Danania 2011-10-24 09:52

You know... that seemed pie-in-the-sky... but given time to gather the pieces, becoming cherry-lite isn't that far-featched.
Thanks! I'll put it on my to-do list. :)
...and enjoy your stabby spear; let me know when you need another one.

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Menelchol 2011-10-27 22:03

I think now that a full Riders raid has taken Draigoch down, it's time to break out the pics!

Danania 2011-11-01 11:45

As you wish... I'll make a column with some shots of the adventure within the week.

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from Cremello Szand

Terrentius 2011-10-24 21:53

I didn't realize that Cremello was able to levitate! What an amazing talent!!
Also, Helvannen is VERY pleased with his Cremello and feels ever-indebted to Szar and her amazing awesomeness. Just like Po from Kung-Fu Panda... there is no charge for awesomeness... or attractiveness.

Danania 2011-10-25 08:59

Yay for Helvannen's horse!
Oh my! Many of my horses levitate. Mebbe it helps being light-headed. Also, don't eat too many of the festival breads and pies... they will weigh you down.
It dawned on me that the color of this horse isn't greyish-tan... it is more of a szand-y color.

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Terrentius 2011-10-25 09:50

It's true. Horses are capable of flying. Pigs? Not likely... but horses, yes!
I shall keep that in mind concerning festival goodies. Both Helvannen and Asherr need to keep up their physique. Helvannen for his orc-slaughtering self, and Asherr for Ameera's sake (no sense ticking off a Champion you're betrothed to. She hates laziness).
I believe more things should be szand-y. It's quite a beautiful colour, mixed with happiness and joy. I'd say the Cremello Steed is Szandilicious.

Danania 2011-10-25 16:16

Szandilicious. I need to use that one in conversation more.
Tis your pre-warning for Yule festival... pies and breads are bad... berries and safe mushrooms are good...
For the Fall haunted house, be careful what you eat in any case since the Mystery Barrel will make you /heave anyway. lol

Terrentius 2011-10-25 19:20

I shall keep that in mind! Although I'm afraid Asherr is quite a fan of his pies and breads. Bree ruined him. Helvannen, on the other hand, is fit as a fiddle (by the way... who ever came up with that term?).
Mystery barrel, huh? Helv prefers to avoid mysteries. I heard many a folk have had interesting trips from said barrel.

Danania 2011-10-26 14:10

You know I can't leave seemingly rhetorical questions alone...
phrases.org.uk/.../40250.html
Thomas Dekker - 1603: "Then comes downe mistresse Nurse as fine as a farthing fiddle, in her petticoate and kertle."

Terrentius 2011-10-26 14:49

Intriguing! I have been enlightened!

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penglad 2011-10-25 20:28

Whee! A comment!
Was all like, "How do you gift a horse?" Went and looked. Missed page 2 and asked for one.
So uh...how does this subscription thing work? Where do we sign up?

Danania 2011-10-26 14:06

Close enough. :) I accept blog comments, rorweb PMs and chat, in-game tells and mail, nervous twitches, etc. I'll be looking into the best way to setup a notification and you will know soon. :)
Others feel free to jump on the bandwagon, or you might miss things like... the next post concerning everything you want to know about T7 Tailor craft.

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Szand 2011-10-26 14:33

My expression in that screenie looks like I'm channeling Sapience. Freaky!

Danania 2011-10-27 10:03

Lol. I don't see it. Of course, we were in the heart of Barad Gularan. You look solemn and focused on the task at hand!

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from Welcome to my Tailor shoppe!

.......Dana note...... the Tailor shoppe and Draigoch were some very high trafficky posts! I think ultimately, they garnered half of all my blog hits on those first ten posts. :D

Berda 2011-10-27 17:23

As a crafter all I can say is NICE...oh and THANK YOU THANK YOU. Great guide for the tailors of middle-earth. Terrific job Dana!! 

Danania 2011-10-29 11:01

Thanks Berda! That means a lot!
Hopefully, other tailors can find it as useful as the free people will.

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Menelchol 2011-10-27 22:07

Sadly, all those burglar signals provide the exact same bonuses as their level 55 counterparts. I'd hope to see  Turbine correct that oversight in an update, but am not holding my breath.

Terrentius 2011-10-29 10:24

Don't these add some form of bonus from adding a buff when Exploit Opening is used?
Also, the Lv. 45's also give 15%. Weird.

Danania 2011-10-29 11:02

How about that... 
Well Burgs, you will know best. If you want T6 signals instead, we have those in shoppe as well.

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Dainger 2011-10-29 18:51

Danania,I have to say that my burglar tools are the best I could ask for, and many creeps will understand why. Thank you again =)

Danania 2011-10-30 20:56

Wonderful. It is a pleasure to be of service.

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from Skelehorse and Mounted Rear Up

Terrentius 2011-11-01 13:57

I really really really hope you get it!!! I wish I could give Asherr's to you, since I still love Butterscotch, the Cremello Horse!!

Danania 2011-11-02 10:39

Yay! I love my Cremello horse too.
It is the idea that the skelehorse is hiding from me though...
Besides, I have lots of equinely love to give. 
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Berda 2011-11-01 17:15

I feel your pain Dana...so many attempts..soooo many failures. I wish both of us and all the others trying the  best of luck. We deserve skele horses for perseverance if nothing else! The emotes would be an added bonus for sure; they are just too cool!

Danania 2011-11-02 10:32

Yeah... too bad it isn't building up good karma with the Hidden chest...
"Hey chest! I visit you every day... we are homies, like kin rep... please stop giving me Haunted Trees; I already have a haunted forest."
BTW... if anyone wants a Haunted Tree, let me know. We were up to around 42 trees a few days ago, and started throwing them away.
UPDATE: I was so excited that one of the lil danas won a lottery! It was the trick or treat lottery... she won a lump of coal. I was very disappointed. Mebbe sometimes it is better to win nothing.

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penglad 2011-11-02 06:26

Is the emote a drop or how do you get it...?

Danania 2011-11-02 10:27

Right now, the emote is from the lottery.
Word on the wind is that it will be for sale in the store... but free is better.

Menelchol 2011-11-02 17:16

Lotteries for the emotes are over. Look to the store. :(

Danania 2011-11-02 17:28

Stright from the horse-master's mouth. To the store!

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from Draigoch, Draigoch spoilers, pictures of Draigoch

...Dana note... Yep. lots of traffic. :) I enjoyed that one.

Majesticmyst 2011-11-03 18:13

Very nice Dana!!!!

Danania 2011-11-05 16:03

Yay for being first to comment on the Draigoch post!

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Terrentius 2011-11-03 20:13

WOW!!! I can't wait to put my Captain skills to the test and take on such a fierce enemy. I've heard legends  of "dragons", but the drakes I usually face never seem to challenge me. Perhaps Draigoch is more of a match for my hard work and training?

Danania 2011-11-05 16:04

You will be ready sooner than you think. When you are, it would be my pleasure to go with you.

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Lynrieth 2011-11-04 00:21

Great pics!

Danania 2011-11-05 16:05

Thanks Lyn! I didn't even mention your belt buckle! Cowgirls rule!

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Belile 2011-11-04 04:43

You showed him just who is the mightiest in the land!
 

Danania 2011-11-05 16:06

Testify! RoR is the mightiest! (happy dance)

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Macswife 2011-11-04 06:07

Beautiful Dana :)
I love the pictures of him flying.
Honest to God, he looks like my kitten Allie when she is angry with me.
I think Dana's blog is awesome (as is she)

Danania 2011-11-05 16:08

Thanks MW! High praise! With minstrels like you singing the advertisements, I am the one who is honored.

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penglad 2011-11-04 06:23

I now have a can't-raid regret. I should be 75 this weekend, though, so that's good. I'll start by building a new LI! Whee! (then just have t figure out what freakin armor to grind...)

Danania 2011-11-05 16:10

Hehe. Yay for your progress toward leveling!
A good crafter can get you a long way toward your armor goals.  (You read my "Best laid plans..." column...)

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Ilras 2011-11-04 08:42

I like the post. Can't wait until I make it to 75 in like 5 years 
Congratulations !

Danania 2011-11-05 16:12

Aww... I'm sure Draigoch will still be cool when you get there. I still visit Udunion in Barad Gularan (level 50) once a month; good adventures with good friends is always fun regardless of the timing!

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Menelchol 2011-11-04 20:10

Great action shots! Best blog entry yet, and that's saying something. Please keep it up.

Danania 2011-11-05 16:12

Wow! No pressure. lol
Glad you enjoyed it; that makes it worth it!

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Nidrad 2011-11-05 18:02

very nice pictures Dana.

Danania 2011-11-06 21:59

Yay! Thanks Nidrod! You were a good model for the pictures.

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Szand 2011-11-20 14:13

I'd love to see this fight some day. But given my RL schedule your pictures are about as close as I'm likely to get so thanks for sharing!

Danania 2011-11-21 11:48

Thanks Szand! You know... there may come a day when factions align that you will get a break and be in that place in that moment... and you shall become Szand the Red. 
All in its own time. (btw... assuming the group doesn't wipeout and has some good leadership, it seems the fight itself is about 45 minutes plus some prep/gather/discuss time.)

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from Fun Fall Festival, Friends!

penglad 2011-11-10 07:32

Sounds like you had a right blast! I hate that I missed the consumables-groups most of the time, but I didn't have all that many anyway. I won a couple of the Token Stash lotteries, though, so I have a few Black Silk Gloves...
I find they're the definitive retort for random slappers--in fact, I caught someone in Galtrev slapping Lyn and then trying to run off (WHACK! down on the ground! Mid-stride, even!) and laid out some Justice--then ducked off to make it seem as though I were a ninja.

Danania 2011-11-10 08:50

Go you! Oh... the satisfaction of laying out the glove on the deserving party. That one has to be my favorite consumable emote. I had a head start on it since I had gotten 100 of them last year and used them as necessary throughout the year... I still had 30-something left when this festival arrived. 

penglad 2011-11-10 16:17

Did you get the deed? I'm still not clear what the reward is...

Danania 2011-11-10 17:44

Yes. 
The deed completed once the 300th consumable was used. The reward was having it as a skill. Now I can slap people down without carrying around black gloves... worth it? I suppose. Satisfaction of completing a deed? That was the real win, right?

penglad 2011-11-10 21:25

So hard to say. 
You have it bound to a hotkey...?

Danania 2011-11-11 12:40

Good question. I did have them setup along one of my toolbars, but now after 2 festivals (summer, fall) with 13 skills my toolbar runneth over.
I'll probably do like I did with my ports and steed corral and make a TonicBar (plugin Tonicbar) out of them so I can see them only when I want.

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Menelchol 2011-11-12 15:11

Best post yet - so many Riders out enjoying the festival. Keep it up!

Danania 2011-11-14 11:33

Glad it lived up to the hype! Thanks Menelchol!  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ilras 2011-11-12 15:33

Who is that handsome guy with the disappearing facial hair? Oh...it's me  
I found out why my facial hair was disappearing - I had on one of the festival masks, set to hidden, so it made all of the facial hair disappear as well. So be careful of this all of you guys with facial hair! If you put on a face mask with a hood your hair will disappear until you take of the mask. At least I no longer have to shave :)
Great post! I am disappointed that there was no mention about my "unwise" title!!! That was a great wise crack moment :)
I'll see you guys back in game Monday or Tuesday. I've got a 1300 mile drive home starting tomorrow morning! Keep up the fight in Middle Earth.

Danania 2011-11-14 11:47

Hahahaha. The unwise Ilras... someone has been eating the rotten fromage. The question is, did it kill you? 

Ilras 2011-11-14 15:13

Bien sûr, je suis morte de le manger.

Danania 2011-11-14 16:52

Je suis vraiment desole. J'etais au un avantage etant un guerisseur. Je n'ai pas mourir. 

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Assmunahi 2011-11-12 21:45

Great recap of the Festival. I was able to get 4 of the Consumable deeds done this time around. Those skirmishes help out a lot. 
Alas I did not find a Skeleton horse either. Better luck next year.

Danania 2011-11-14 11:50

Yay for 4 consumable deed completions! Might ask around; there are still others with consumables...
3rd year is the charm for skelehorses. After so many fails, I will be completely shocked to finally get the quest item (or whatever it is...)

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from Lil Danas

Menelchol 2011-12-08 19:19

So many good pictures - not sure which is my favorite, but I'll choose Danadalyn looking mischievous and Danadelion waving from horseback for my favorites _today_!

Danania 2011-12-09 01:46

Thanks Menelchol!
Danadalyn makes me smile. :) Very photogenic. The bear one and the story-telling one in the Prancing Pony are some of my favs. Interesting that you were drawn to Delion given your "lion history"...

<Dana note... Menelchol's previous name was Prenthelion, which made that comment very funny to me.>

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Terrentius 2011-12-08 20:00

That totally tickled my RP fancy!

Danania 2011-12-09 01:48

Thanks Asherr. :) I feel and empathize with each and it took some thought as to how to present them in 3rd person. lol

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Throklin 2011-12-08 22:34

There must be a lot of lil' Dana stories running around in your head to produce these. Very nice. Thanks for taking to the time to share. :)

Danania 2011-12-09 01:52

Thanks Throklin! The lil danas existed far before I discovered them in Middle Earth. The link to where Danaish got her name sparked most of their origins. It was a year or so before some of them ever set out on their first adventures. :)

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Assmunahi 2011-12-08 23:27

Haha, love it. I've been waiting for your next installment. That is definitely a lot of personalities to deal with.
In a way I wish I had had a naming convention like yours but I really like and chose each of my characters names for their own reasons. (so I guess it is up to everyone else to know that Threanody is Asma and Velcrojones is Asma and Kipton.....) hehe, sorry guys.
Have fun with the crafting savvy Angels. 

Danania 2011-12-09 02:03

Yay! thanks Asma.
An Asma by any other name would still be As... well could actually be Asma (or Assmunahi, or Brytwen, or Crocosmia, or Kipton, or Liriodendron, or Nidia, or Threanody, or Velcrojones, or Ytanya, or Zahrah... did I miss anyone??? I can also recite the 7 dwarves and the 8 reindeer too. lol)

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Syllina 2011-12-09 14:08

What wonderful pictures! Nice to see the full line-up of Dana Inc. Love the back story on the characters as well.

Danania 2011-12-09 16:30

Thanks Lean! It was fun to tell! :)

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Asciel 2011-12-11 18:58

This is super! I, like Asma, wish I had considered a naming convention when I started making characters. Oh well :)

Danania 2011-12-12 13:53

Yay! Thanks dana-Asciel.

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Berda 2011-12-13 09:44

Simply fantastic! Such wonderful and detailed pictures. I particularly loved Danadalyn and the sheep. That one makes me laugh. Never realized just how tiny hobbits were till just then.
You must keep us posted on the progress of the Angels and the lil' Dana's adventures.
 

Danania 2011-12-13 10:32

Thanks Berda!
That was the day Dalyn was trying to teach herself to ride by practicing on a sheep! The idea was that getting bucked by a sheep might be like holding onto a big wool pillow and not hurt as much. After she was tossed on her rear she had a few words for the sheep. Sigh... hobbits.

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from Fun of Yule past...

Bossman 2012-01-24 16:08

I LOVE the synchronized jump in the first picture - well done ;)

Danania 2012-01-24 16:44

Yay! Thanks!
It was synchronized line dancing. Hehe (Elf dance #1 mebbe?)
The two of them let me join in on the fun. Next time, I'll change my outfit so I don't stand out so much.

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penglad 2012-01-24 17:54

Sounds like you had a pretty good time this go-round. Goofy, BTW, is the Bumble Monster's well-meaning halfwit cousin who is REALLY good with cars.

Danania 2012-01-24 19:18

I always enjoy festival. :)
I'll tell you all about it next post.
I did not know that Goofy and Bumble were related! See the things people can learn from reading blog comments! Thanks Peng.

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Assmunahi 2012-01-25 12:53

I actually tried acting this year on Threanody and she kept getting Gandalf's part. I was beginning to wonder if that was the only character I could play. Then I was finally given Bilbo's part. I got some deeds done but definitely didn't spend as much time out there this year. Sounds like you had fun over the past few years.

Danania 2012-01-26 11:21

Oh my... Gandalf every time... he IS the Villain in the story...  hehe. silly hobbits.

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Saeiranos 2012-01-27 20:19

I laughed at the second picture, 'cause I remember standing in front of that and thinking myself, "It's my own  little army of snowmen!"
Love the blog Dana ;)

Danania 2012-01-28 03:18

Like minds, Sae... 
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Lil Danas

(archived from December 8, 2011)

Hey hey! A lil downtime there since my last post... I blame the tryptophan (http://hsionline.com/2002/11/27/thanksgiving-drowsiness/) though general holiday bustle is far more likely!

Someone asked recently what the lil danas are up to. They will show up throughout the columns, so I decided to give them their own column as an introduction.

Which lil dana was first? Darn good question. I have no idea, but am certain it was one of four choices. On the lil dana staff, I have four quadruplet hobbits, an elf, two humans, a dwarf, and another hobbit. All except Danaish grouped together to form the Angels. They are a great support staff working primarily in crafting and AH marketing, but each has a unique personality.

One of the quadruplets was first, but getting an answer to who showed up on my doorstep first is like trying to resolve which was born first. Even if I thought I knew, they look so similar I could have been mistaken. Alphabetically, they are Dana Arodel, Dana Boffin, Dana Horn, and Dana Onar. All four hobbits were hired to do “consignment craft quests” (http://lotro-wiki.com/index.php/Quest:Consignment:_Thick_Hides), which have been obsolete for more than a year.

Basically, the hobbits would show up and pay an NPC to gather resources for far cheaper than could be bought on the AH. The only catch would be that you would have to re-show up to pick up your materials at least 40 hours later. It was quite the pain for me to stop what I was doing to go get the consignments, but to have the four sit there and wait on the mats was a perfect job for young entrepreneurial hobbits.

So, with the quest cancellation, Arodel, Boffin, Horn, and Onar went on extended vacation until it was decided that they would become Thorin’s Hall greeters. Since then, they have become very proficient at marketing and make their living buying and selling at AH.

Arodel: She is more of a nature-lover than the others. She might look like just a farmer-girl but she has good fashion sense. Arodel originally worked in Celendim, at the scholar’s enclave. She now manages the entire clothing line and advises the rest of the danas on how to dress. The quads tend to dress in festival attire, while many of the others have tended toward fashions out of Dunland.

Boffin: She knows how to work a deal, watching the markets to buy when commodity prices fall and resell when she can turn a profit. Of the four, Boffin has the best head for business. She originally worked out of the Shire in Overhill, very near where they were born. She manages corporate dana-buys and sales.

Horn: True to their first jobs, Horn kept in the crafting line. While none of the four actually know how to craft, Horn keeps up with craft related sales, which include recipes that look like that might turn a profit and crafted items from other danas when coin is in short supply. She originally worked east of Bree.

Onar: She is the festival and housing accountant. If ever I need to know, “do we have…x”, Onar will know the answer. Her job transition was easiest; her consignment job was near Thorin’s Hall. Now all four sisters work together there.

Danaish: Danaish was the next lil dana. Danaish is the only lil dana that is a Rider of Rohan; in fact, she was in the rider kin nearly a year before I was.

Danaish has been out and about and was once known as Sno White of “Sno White and the five Chees”... but that is a story for another day.

Here is a picture of Danaish’s first visit to Rivendell. She attended the Riders of Rohan 4th Anniversary party, in which the Riders rode from Thorin’s Hall to Rivendell. This shot is Danaish dancing the afternoon away with others on Elrond’s front doorstep.

Like the other lil danas that came after her, Danaish loves to craft and loves the festivals! If you go to festival, you are likely to see her.

I first met Danaish when she tried to pick my pocket in Bree. Rather than vaporize her, I opted to rehabilitate her. The Riders gave her a home, I set her on the path toward becoming a jeweler, and now she is a productive contributor spending most of her time in Esteldin. Undoubtedly, she has not forgotten her Burgling roots and may someday put those skills to use.

I will tell you more about Danaish's origin down below and her ties to Archet. For the moment, I will show you one of her favorite tops I sent home from Dunland; it was a sleeveless green-trimmed blouse.

Danadelion: Danadelion is a champion and has the attitude to match. It shouldn’t be a surprise that she is the Head Angel, leader of the lil danas group. She is fearless, except when it comes to bugs. Please don’t tell her what lies within Skumfil.

As a metalsmith, she has proven to be a dominant crafter. Like most crafters, she could settle down and make her living as a master of the forge. She is leading the lil danas to greater things, including a large house in Duillond within a few months. Here is a shot of Danadelion shortly before she organized the lil danas toward the common goal of buying a bigger house. Danadelion called first dips on the yellow star blouse from Dunland. It fits her style and attitude.

Danaszar: Danaszar is a very laid-back hunter. She is the only elf on staff and we share a common bond of having both come from Lorien. The only thing that gets a good rise out of her is the competition of seeing just how fast she can get through the festival races: horse races, Bree maze races, Shire haunted burrow races. Otherwise, Danaszar is very low-key and takes her time; in fact, she is a hunter that knows very little about porting; she rides where she needs to go. True to her low-key nature, she can often be found in a Rohirrim red outfit.

Danaszar is also good with her hands, a real top-notch wood crafter. Mostly, she hangs out in Esteldin waiting for the next festival and managing wood inventory and wood craft.

Danaclaus: Danaclaus is one of the newest members of the lil dana family, joining the danas less than a year ago. He is a jolly old dwarf and the only male on staff. He seems wise and patient, a good Guardian of the group, protecting the others.

Through experience, he has learned that one can indeed get into trouble out in this world. He and Danaszar are the only lil danas to ever meet defeat; hers was due to being very under-geared as she cut a path toward Esteldin to setup Shoppe. Danaclaus knows the moment he met his match. In the Lonelands, he stumbled across Asht, a higher level elite warg, who had other wargs around him. It was a good lesson indeed... that tanks are NOT indestructible.

Recently, as December rolled in, Danaclaus started getting very busy crafting things, and he was making lists and started checking those lists twice.

Last Delion heard, Claus took off on his Cremello pony Dasher, saying that he had to attend to some business up North for a few weeks and would be back before January.

Danadalyn: Danadalyn really joined the lil danas full time around Fall festival. She really livens up a room with her stories about adventures in Middle Earth and likes to play games and jokes on others (Fun Fall Festival, Friends!). I am told, she is quite the performer, getting the patrons of the Prancing Pony to pay attention.

She is really kind to all she meets and will talk to anyone, sheep included.

I taught Danadalyn to ride recently; she has taken to it like a hobbit to food. With her rise in skill, like the other lil danas, she too got to buy fall festival steeds and is looking forward to winter festival. Here she is on a Rohirrim steed. She chose a white long jacket from the clothes I sent back from Dunland. 

Of all the lil danas, Dalyn is the one I understand best. She is no rune-keeper but is close enough that I understand her. She knows when to hit, how to hit, when to run, and when and how to heal. She is an adventurer after my own steps. Here is Dalyn facing down a bear near Bree; fearless right? :)

Archet Ties: I have known for a long time that Danaish came out of Archet, but I didn’t really get the full story until I hired Dalyn recently.

Danaish, now a teenage girl, is or was the daughter of Ned and Peg Pruner of Archet. Before Archet’s burning, Ned was the jailor of the settlement and his wife Peg was a local supplier of simple goods. They made a decent living in the small community just northeast of Bree. I won’t go into the entire story of how Archet burned, many of you know it and I couldn't do justice to Dalyn’s ballad if I tried, but the gist was that Danaish’s father was killed. Dalyn found his body while following Jon Brackenbrook’s team into Archet as it was burning. Danaish’s mother hasn’t been seen since the fire and is presumed dead.

Danaish escaped the fire, but was haunted by the nightmares of carguls. She turned up in Bree a year later gaunt and starving, trying unsuccessfully to become a pickpocket.

Danadelion was a guard working in Archet for Captain Brackenbrook. When Amdir betrayed the Captain, Delion cowered in fear amidst the fire and watched the decimation of the town and death of her friend. After Archet, she started working as a guard against the Blackwolds in Bree and eventually became good enough with blades to venture forth and do more. She takes personal responsibility for Danaish, undoubtedly feeling shame related to her failures at protecting Danaish’s parents and the Captain of Archet.

As for Dalyn? She persevered to tell the stories of those who fought and died at Archet. She knew them all or seems to be able to fill in details with plausible stories. Whenever, the ale starts flowing in the local taverns, rest assured, you just might catch Dalyn telling the tales of Jon Brackenbrook, Atli Spider-bane, Constable Thistlewool, Cal Sprigley, and Ned Pruner.

If you like festivals like I like festivals, you will most likely see the lil dana team around. Feel free to say hello! Soon enough Delion will get her way and move the team out to the country... but that is another story.

(I love comments, and kept the comments from the original posting, reposted @ final-comments)