Epilogue
For the better part of seven years I was a dwarf in Middle Earth. A proud, strong, fierce dwarf called Augir. Over time he matured, developed a fine bouquet and new sides. No longer just an ale drinking, axe wielding goblin slayer. He became a family dwarf and a renowned musician. At the end I found myself just stuck in old tracks. I could no longer reinvent this beloved character of mine. I struggled with the simplest things that used to come so easy. I lost the feel for how to role play Augir and even his music in the end wasn't enough. I felt it coming for a while and suddenly it struck me. All good things must come to an end. Why? So better things may come in it's place.
I like to thank the dwarves of the following kinships for making my dwarven experience extra special:
- The Mithril Guards
- Durin's folk
- Baruk Khazad
- Khuzd belkul
- The Blue Mountain Garrison
So in the end, what happened to Augir, Skaril and Snorvir? Those were the three main dwarven characters of mine.
Well let's start with the young rascal Snorvir. I started the Snorvir character because I wanted to explore the opposite of what a lore correct dwarf is all about. Snorvir loathed mining and metal work. He'd rather explore the contents of various kegs than actually doing any work of some sort. Also he was rude, disrespectful and frequently drunk in public. He preferred the Shire to Thorin's hall. In the end he went back to his wooden shack and his pipe weed crops. And content with a simple life he remained in Needlehole, frequently embarrassing the hobbit women and killing the fish by bathing nude in the river. The later may be just an evil rumour...
Skaril, the very old and wise. In a way I was most fond of him. As Augir's Uncle I first pictured him as a scholar, a sort of grey eminence who studied ancient texts and lore. The very opposite of his brother Halgrim, Augir's father. Halgrim was the brave strong hero who died a warriors death at the Battle of five armies. In his old age Skaril was afraid of fading away in his nephew's hall, like a dim candle nearing the end. Many shook their heads when he was to be the new scout of the brilliant Durin's Folk Othrikar DFTC role playing event. Suddenly he found himself wielding an axe, fighting for his life and the lives of his friends. And he loved it. So it is only fitting that he would end his days in such a manner. Killed in battle like his beloved brother.
(original image by David Gaillet)
And this is not a sad thing. It was simply the way he wanted to go.
As for Augir...Well the last year of the third age proved to be disastrous for him. The death of his wife and children was a momentous loss. Skaril's death made it even worse. I am sure he wished to join them at some point. But no, I'd like to think he survived the War of the Ring. And somewhere he found his place in Middle Earth. A new hall with a warm soft bearded lady by his side. *)
You may have noticed by now I have written about my Lotro characters in a narrative way. Well to me they always seemed to have a life of their own, even if ultimately they are a figment of my imagination.
All good things must come to an end. Although I will no longer role play dwarves, my Lotro days are far from over. Recently I have rediscovered this gem of a game and once more I'm eagerly exploring Middle Earth.
Farewell
...and CHEERS
Every good thing must come to an end
As we continue to grow
we will learn many things
and one of them is that
every good thing
will come to an end.
Whether it's by
a choice of mind,
by a decision made
between two, or by
a lost loved one.
But, as these things
come and go
remember to make
every moment count
because you'll never know
just when it'll go
and a new will start
letting the cycle repeat.
Because, every hello ends with goodbye,
every love ends with heartbreak,
every beginning soon comes to an end,
every happiness is soon or rather later
replaced with a sadness of some sort
and every creation of life ends in death.
Every good thing
must come to an end.
Poem by chrystal ruth
P.s Lately I have also rediscovered the hobbit movies in form of my own cut version that reduces this bloated triology into a 4 hour movie. Perfect for my Lotr movie marathons. Hence the music, Billy Boyd's “The last goodbye” D.s
*) This was not ment to be. Augir died in battle near Gundabad, on the first year of the Fourth Age.
