#{ the minstrels played }

[teethcake]

been replaying just for him tbh 

[thelien-art]

Day 2: Maglor of @feanorianweek

Kingship

Poppy = Sloth | Manipulation

I do think Maglor mourned when Maedhros got himself captured, I just also read Maglor as a manipulative power hungry character.

He probably convinced himself that Maedhros had died and ignored everything that proved otherwise, both as a poor coping mechanism and, subconsciously, seizing the power of being a king, although he never named himself one as that would give him trouble. He differently enjoyed the power and mourned, when Maedhros came back, for the power loss. He was happy to have his brother back of course. I don´t think he spoke against Maedhros choice to give the kingship to Fingolfin, even if he wanted it himself, as he did except Fingolfin to do something stupid and get himself killed eventually, and by agreeing he seemed more "civil" and the friendliest of his brothers, which would end up giving him political power, giving people the illusion that he´s the innocent and harmless of his family.

Maedhros | Celegorm | Caranthir | Curufin | Ambarussa | Nerdanel and Feanor

[unionizedwizard]

god i love weird experimental jazz that sounds exactly the way an anxiety attack feels like. straight up conjuring The Imminent DoomTM. bard spell kinda deal

[spitblaze]

Dragon Quest 4 is pretty good but I still stand firm in my belief that 7-9 are the best ones

[storms-path]

FFXIV Write 2024: Day 16 - Third-Rate

[Arashi enters, stage left. From the tattered state of her clothing, it is clear that she has emerged from another death-defying battle and emerged victorious. She gasps, stumbles forward to the door]

Arashi: Though the battle was fierce and my strength is sapped, I will not be denied! No force on this star nor any other will stop me!

[Arashi slams a bare fist on the door. Once. Twice. The third attempt fails as her strength gives way. Nonetheless, her knock is answered.]

[The lights rise on stage right. The Ala Mhigan palace is littered with bodies, both Imperial and Resistance both. It is clear that the doors separating Arashi from the palace are very large, and very heavy. Lyse, Raubahn, and Alphinaud are present, speaking in hushed tones.]

Alphinaud: Only two knocks. Did she miscount? Or has she not the strength to muster more?

Raubahn: Or has our enemy bested her at last?

Lyse: No! I refuse to believe it! I refuse!

Alphinaud: I, too, refuse. Terrible our foe may be, but Arashi is every ilm his equal!

Raubahn: That, I do not deny. But rumour has it that Zenos has tamed a greater beast than any the Mad King dared break. A dragon.

[A shiver is shared between the trio.]

Alphinaud: A dragon? By the gods, if that is the case…

Lyse: Did you so easily forget, Alphinaud? Arashi was the one who toppled dread Nidhogg, not once but twice! ‘Twas she who defied the dread Ascians and the Empire combined! And it was she and her allies who did fell the Griffin at the great wall!

[Lyse is gesticulating wildly, clearly caught up in her own words. Alphinaud and Raubahn share a glance.]

Arashi: Do you not hear me, my allies? The crown prince is dead! I am victorious!

[It is clear that her strength is failing her, though her voice remains strong. She slumps against the doors.]

Arashi: They know not that this land is free. They gave so much of themselves to see it done, and yet they sit and whisper and pray for me. All because I lack the strength to announce it. Curse this frailty!

[On the other side of the door, a woman dressed all in black emerges from centre stage. It is unclear how long she has been there, or how much she has heard. Only her eyes are visible, unreadable and full of unspoken feelings. Her appearance goes unnoticed by the trio.]

Sanda: Sister, do you still breathe? Are you still the sister I once knew? Or has the mantle of saviour devoured her, leaving only an empty husk? No. I must hold onto hope that you still live on, though the weight of your role is so heavy. But to do so, I must wait. Until the time I can spirit you away from all of this.

[Sanda melts away again, as if she was never there. Fareena and Stalwart rush in from stage right. Both are likewise battered and bloody, but Fareena wears a fierce grin. Stalwart does not.]

Fareena: What a fight! A thousand dead Garleans and more running at the sight of me! Shame Arashi claimed the prince for herself. I’m certain I could have taken him!

[Stalwart’s expression makes it clear that this is far from the first time Fareena has proclaimed it.]

Lyse: Fareena! Stalwart! What news from the city?

Stalwart: The army has broken. We hold the streets for now. But were it not for Hien’s reinforcements, things could have gone very differently.

Raubahn: Our eastern ally will be well compensated for his efforts this day, of this I assure you.

Stalwart: What news of Arashi?

Lyse: We heard two knocks, but no more. I want nothing more than to wrench open the doors, but Alphinaud forbids it.

Alphinaud: For all we know, Zenos himself awaits us on the other side, blade aloft. We must wait. For all our sakes.

[Fareena has heard enough. She stalks towards the door, shoving Alphinaud nearly into the crowd when he tries to stop her. Her aim is the door, but Lyse is quicker.]

Lyse: Wait! If we are to open this door, then let it be me that does so.

[Arashi perks up as Lyse draws closer. She staggers to her feet.]

Alphinaud: But-!

Fareena: No buts, pipsqueak! Here we stand, ready to receive Ala Mhigo’s fate!

Stalwart: Be it liberation or damnation, we will face it together.

Raubahn: And may Rhalgr help us all if it’s the latter…

[The stage lights dim as spotlights focus on Arashi and Lyse, on either side of the door. The orchestra swells as Lyse groans and pulls…]

Lyse: FOR ALA MHIGO!

[The doors open and Arashi collapses through them, directly into Lyse’s arms.]

Lyse: Arashi!

Arashi: It’s done. The prince is dead. We have won.

[Fareena rushes forward, stumbling over bodies. A flash of light aether indicates the healing at work.]

Lyse: Don’t try to speak, Arashi. Your wounds are severe.

Arashi: Nothing I can’t… handle.

[Arashi tries to stand on her own. Fails. Lyse’s grip tightens around her.]

Lyse: Oh, my love.

Arashi: My… love?

[Lyse says nothing more as realisation dawns on the assembled party]

Lyse: That is, I… You are important to me… As a treasured ally and-

[Arashi silences Lyse, pulling her down into a kiss with the last of her strength. This lasts as long as the actors feel is appropriate.]

Lyse: ...Oh. Oh!

Arashi: I love you too. How wonderful, that my heart should find liberation too.

[Arashi goes limp, clearly unconscious]

[Pandaemonium erupts. Everyone shouts in panic and alarm as Arashi is carried off-stage by the assembled band. The spotlight follows them, but then returns to centre stage. A man dressed like the late emperor Solus Zos Galvus appears in a puff of smoke.]

Solus: Fascinating. Most fascinating.

[The spotlight dims.]

[END OF ACT 3.]

Arashi frowned as she pored over the pages. “It’s… it’s certainly embellished, I’ll give it that.” She didn’t know where to begin. The list of inaccuracies stretched as long as her arm. The wandering minstrel, unfortunately, took it as a compliment.

“Perfect! To capture your adventures in a larger-than-life fashion is the sole calling of this wondrous play!” It was abundantly clear that no words would dissuade him. Arashi sighed, handing back the manuscript. Kugane would surely appreciate it, if nothing else.

[sesamenom]

eleven pipers piping, ten lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, FIVE GOLDEN RINGS! four calling birds, three french hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree

-

The day of battle approaches. Finarfin retained his position as High King, Feanor has been released from the Halls to lead the Host of Valinor, Elwing and Eonwe get to lead the bird army this time around, and Ecthelion just showed up to lead his army of battle flutists.

[themanwhomadeamonster]

ME WHEN VIDEO GAME SERIES CALL BACK TO PREVIOUS INSTALLMENTS BY REFERENCING PAST MUSICAL THEMES AND MOTIFS EXCEPT IT'S INCOMPLETE OR OTHERWISE ARRANGED DIFFERENTLY REMINDING US THAT IT'S THE SAME SETTING BUT WILL NEVER AGAIN BE EXACT SAME STORY

[permanentbottombunk]

I protected the village that I just dropped my stuff off in so I could go hunting, but it gave me bad omen.

Now I'm camping in a cave until daytime so I don't start a raid, passing the time with my lute and my bread I stole from a tavern five days ago.

[a-c-u-l-o-s]

Fitz being confused about Fool's behaviour is explained by the fact that theatre kids don't exist in The Six Dutchies

[solottrpgchronicles]

3a. Secret Passage - The Last Tea Shop

Shop name: The Vagrant Tea Leaf

Supplies: sea salt, ginkgo leaf, giant puffball

Days: 11

Visitor: a minstrel

It's been a few days since the last visitor, and the insistent drizzle still isn't letting up.

While I'm lost in my daydreaming, the door opens, startling me.

"W-welcome!" I greet my new visitor. They're carrying a lute, so I assume they must be a musician of some kind.

Tired, yet exuding self-confidence, the visitor nods at me and sits down at the table.

As I brew a cup of Gumboot Tea for the mysterious stranger, I fire off my first question: "You look like someone who might have traveled a lot. Have you ever seen something unusual, and if so, what was it?"

"It must indeed show that I've traveled, and in fact, I feel so very tired. You could certainly say I've laid eyes on a myriad of peculiar folks, visited strange places, and encountered wondrous things. The oddest of all was perhaps that book…" They sigh, getting lost in their thoughts for a moment before resuming; "I was roaming the hallways of a castle, one night after a show. Truth be told, I sought the castle's kitchens, for I always feel a hollow pit in my stomach around midnight.

The surroundings were shrouded in darkness, and my only companion was a flickering torch. I stumbled over an unseen obstacle, my face nearly meeting the cold stone floor; right then, I heard the clanking of heavy armour and turned to see it sliding aside, along with the wall behind it. I had found a secret passage.

At that point, I couldn't resist, so I ignored the protests of my hungry stomach and ventured inside. I had only heard of secret passages in fantastic tales before; can you imagine the excitement I felt?

The passage led me to a chamber lined with bookshelves. A singular, small tome rested upon a reading desk at its center, open. Its pages were covered in intricate symbols, similar to runes.

As soon as I touched its pages, I was taken by a powerful vision: I suddenly had knowledge of everything happening within the walls of castle and outside, in the nearby town; I glimpsed into the lives of its denizens, witnessing their actions and emotions…

I was aghast. That was devilry of the highest order, and while I was tempted to turn the tale of my adventure into a song, my instincts urged me to put miles between me and that cursed place. Initially, at least. Then, I decided I couldn't abandon such a book."

"Fascinating," I comment earnestly, while bringing over the tea. "So, what did you do? Did you hide it?"

I hover around with my serving tray under my arm as they take a few sips and then reply.

"Hmm, marvellous tea. Yes, I deemed it prudent to steal and then hide the tome. Perhaps I should have followed my instincts instead and let it be; I might have lived longer, in that case.

Yet, as fate wanted, I had to perform again the following night - this was a private encore for the Sovereign and select kin; the night ended earlier than usual.

I feigned sleepiness, and soon after I sneaked out of my room. I recalled the location of the secret passage; identifying which floor tile to move was child's play. It seemed like a big flaw in design, but it certainly worked in my favour.

I infiltrated once again, grabbed the tome, and hastened away. I fled the castle using a makeshift rope woven from tied-together sheets.

After many days of traveling, I reached a vast lake and threw the accursed book into its depths, hoping no one would ever find it; perhaps the water damage would put a stop to the tome's evil magic.

Alas, the Sovereign noticed the theft, and it required little imagination to pinpoint the culprit. Admittedly, my scheme could have been more artfully devised... and now I find myself here."

They stare in the distance, theatrically, their soul clearly warmed up by the tea.

With a smile, I observe them stare at every little detail within the shop before leaving.

"I don't suppose you know my last customer?" I ask, as they stare at the portrait of the gambler.

"I do not, but I recognize the expression of someone who had a hard life. Well, I'll be off then, and thank you for the tea!"

They happily close the door behind them, grab the lute and play a song, the echo still lingering as they disappear in the warm drizzle.

---------------------

This is a playthrough of a solo TTRPG called The Last Tea Shop, by Spring Villager.

You can check it out on itch.io: https://springvillager.itch.io/last-tea-shop

[tehri]

So seeing as I really like various MMOs and currently actively play LotRO, I have a Weird Aversion to playing with others in MMOs. I was sort of fine with it in WoW, but I don't enjoy it in LotRO, simply because there's not much wiggle-room in regards to class-roles. Minstrels are not the best DPS, that I admit, but I am also not comfortable as a healer in this game (I am Aware that there are guides - they do not make me more comfortable) and do not currently possess any healer-gear because I've been focused on solo-play, so I tend to avoid group-stuff like the plague.

That being said. I realise that I am, uh... limited.

As in, I really like finishing up deeds and suchlike. And there are deeds that I Cannot Finish because you Need a group. This applies to various dungeon-deeds.

But this also leads to awkward situations where I forget to look up the summaries for dungeons and therefore know no strategies, so I just kind of... wing it while soloing them. And as a max-level red-line minstrel, that's pretty easy. Except, you know, when a boss like, say, the last boss in the Dungeons of Naerband instance has a fucking mechanic along the lines of "the boss will randomly put players in a cell and other players have to pull a lever to open the door and let them out".

Which is to say that I Trial & Error'd my way through the dungeon, finding out fun things (such as Flame Spirits are easy enough to deal with but Flame Wraiths can two- or one-shot me if they pull their Fuck You ability, and Gash-hai Leaders and Ghash-hai Skirmishers are absolute Ass to fight even if they don't have a lot of health because their abilities will End me if I let the fight go on for too long). And full of confidence I approached the final boss and readied myself to fight him and thought I'd be getting the last dang page I needed for the Lost Lore quest in Naerband.

Then he put me in a cell, and the fight was immediately over.

[sleepinginmygrave]

GUYS LISTEN TO THIS RN IT'S MY NEW HARP PIECE!!!!!! so so so excited to play it well you have no ideas like listen to how pretty it is i'm gonna scream

[a-lonely-dunedain]

oh whoops! I also forgot to post Celeair's Midsummer outfit!

[holytrickster]

idk i think it's so funny I went down a survival horror game rabbit hole when a) I'm too freaking anxious for horror games I will make myself cry, b) it was all PS2 stuff which is extra funny bc I've never even played on someone else's playstation let alone had one, i was always a wii kid lol. but now my brain is like ah yes. time to consume everything I can about games I can't even play and that are stupid expensive/hard to get now

[pitagain]

#365DaysOfVGM Day 107:

Absolute Freedom ~Gray~ (Romancing SaGa [2005])

Back when I was a much worse person, I somehow thought this track of all things was terrible. Nowadays, I like this the most out of all the playable protagonist themes, although Barbara’s still comes fairly close. Still hard to get over how my save file for the game on real PS2 hardware corrupted just as I was nearing the very end of my 1st playthrough, maybe I'll get the new remaster and start over someday.

"A pleasant Acoustic Guitar lies under the adventurous Flute, waiting for people to be blessed by the subtle String before it takes center stage later in the composition. Only traces of the original remain at its tail end, yet that's all it takes to retain its spirit, spread throughout all the land." Amateur "fantasy style" talk aside, I recommend listening to this if you haven’t already!

(Length before loop: Nearly 1.5+ minutes)

[lelianaslefthand]

DOCK TOWN BARD PLAYING SERA NEVER WAS