Dec 2014 & Jan 2015 1st round of Voting is CLOSED

[Michael O'Brien]

UPDATE: Every member gets two votes, please vote for ONE suggestion for (DEC) and ONE for (JAN). If you submit a single vote, rather than two, you will LOSE your chance of voting again, so use your TWO votes before you submit them. This is a blind vote, so once you submit your votes, you can see the current status.

Chris Tubb has posted the following message explaining why he listed the ideas the way he has:
I left out the " Elessar and son" suggestion as it is two figues and moved the "snake dancer" from Dec to Jan to balance things out.

Welcome to another exciting chance to add your ideas and dreams to Mithril's LOTR miniatures.
Post your suggestions here. TWO per member.

Due to the Christmas holidays, Mithril traditionally combines December and January together and gives all members the opportunity to submit two separate ideas, sometimes themed, sometimes not. This year it will not be themed but we do need to separate the two ideas so please insert 'DEC' and 'JAN' before or after your title so we can clearly identify which goes where. Failure to do this will result in my choosing which goes into which section when it comes time to start the vote.

This month's ideas is for single figures only, so no mounted or Vignettes (more than 2 people or a lot of furniture + two people) please. A mounted figure counts as two figures (horse/camel/warg/etc)

The only other restriction is that the figures MUST conform to our license, so NO Silmarillion based characters are allowed. They have to be in the Hobbit or LOTR books. The final say is ours and no argument will be allowed. Ask if you are worried about its eligibility.

Please submit ideas in the following format ONLY:

IDEA TITLE
"this is why I think 'Idea Title' is a good idea for this month..."

Make the title stand out (within reason) and separate from any supportive text by a paragraph. This will prevent Chris accidently overlooking it when he compiles the voting list later on. Otherwise it could be mistaken as a comment not a new suggestion.

Please add some quotes about where it is mentioned or give descriptions to promote your suggestion. Even add a picture or submit it to me to add to the gallery page. If you drum up support NOW, the you have a much better chance when it is time to vote.

Voting will begin on the 9th of January. We stop taking suggestions at 16.00 GMT on the 8th.

You may add comments about other members suggestions as well. If you post any suggestions elsewhere it may not be seen or credited. Please post any suggestions in English. (That is all I can respond in, sorry).

[Sangarunya]

DEC -Thinking Fox-

I think this is a good idea because I really like the circumstances sorrounding this moment, and I really wish to be there every time I read it -the small group of fir where Frodo, Sam and Pippin found shelter, the fire and the "(...)merry crackle of flame(...)". I also love miniatures of wildlife just like those we can find in our world.

A fox passing through the wood on business of his own stopped several minutes and sniffed.
    "Hobbits!" he thought. "Well, what next? I have heard of strange doings in this land, but I have seldom heard of a hobbit sleeping out of doors under a tree. Three of them! There's something mighty queer behind this. " He was quite right, but he never found out more about it.

                                                                                                     The Fellowship of the Ring.

[Shadyt]

December
Military Musician of Harad
Wearing a "corslet of overlapping brazen plates" as described in the two towers p. 340

Here are some additional quotes about the forces of Harad from the LOTR:
"They have black eyes, and long black hair, and gold rings in their ears. And some have red paint on their cheeks, and red cloaks; and their flags are red, and the tips of their spears; and they have round shields, yellow and black with big spikes. Not nice; very cruel wicked Men they look. Almost as bad as Orcs, and much bigger." The Two Towers p. 321
"Displaying his standard, black serpent upon scarlet, he came against the white horse and the green with great press of men; and the drawing of the scimitars of the Southrons was like a glitter of stars." ROTK p. 139
"Out swept his sword and he spurred to the standard, hewed staff and bearer; and the black serpent foundered." ROTK p. 140
"And from the southward fields came footmen of Harad with horsemen before them, and behind them rose the huge backs of the Mumakil with war-towers upon them." ROTK p.144

[Milo]

^{DEC: Elboron, Prince of Ithilien}

Elboron was the son of Faramir and Éowyn. He became the second Prince of Ithilien and the Steward of Gondor after the death of his father in Fourth Age 82. He served as Steward to Elessar and possibly also Eldarion.[1]

Elboron was either the father or uncle of Barahir, the grandson of Faramir who wrote The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen.

[Milo]

^{JAN: Ufthak}
Ufthak was an Orc of the Tower of Cirith Ungol.

Ufthak was captured and poisoned by Shelob, and encased in her webbings. Shagrat, his commander, saw him hanging there, but made no effort to free him as he was eager to leave the caves without making Shelob angry.

[orc]

JAN: Vulseggi (Northman Mercenary)

(The Dark Mage of Rhudaur MERP)

The Vulseggi, named after their war-leader and ruler, Vulfredda, are the remnant of the myriad Northman mercenaries who once served in the army of Rhudaur.They crossed in solitarily the Mountains Clouded from Rhovanion, giving the orders to search to his wives and his families when the promise of employment and rapid work proved to be real. Later they installed his huts and corrals for the borders of the kingdoms in war.


Here some samples: (Click on the image)

[khador]

DEC : Orc Sentinel of Morannon

JAN : Elf mariner from Grey Havens

[maenas]

Elven brothers Haldir, Orophin and Rúmil met the fellowship as they entered the golden wood on 15 January T.A. 3019. These characters appear in the Lord of the rings, second book. Haldir is already done, but the other two brothers escaped the fellowship votings and did not have a representation in mithril's range. These fellows where first suggested by Estel if I am not wrong, back at 2006.

December - Orophin, Guardian of Lothlórien
Can see him crouched searching the floor for intruder's footprints. Wearing a grey cape and with his bow and arrows at his back.

January - Rumil, Guardian of Lothlórien
I imagine Rumil standing still with a hand on his forefront looking into the far distance searching for possible orcs firecamps.

Some pictures for inspiration (both from the great artist Magali Villeneuve)

[Thingol]

I'm not sure if I will suggest somenthing but I think in this moment that I will suport brothers of Haldir

[Mornedhel]

December: Angbor of Lamedon

Already proposed many time ...

"Angbor was met by Aragorn when he arrived from the Paths of the Dead. He was in battle with the Corsairs of Umbar, when the Army of the Dead gave their aid. Angbor was the only man who had courage enough to meet with Aragorn, who instructed him to gather his men and ride to the aid of Minas Tirith. It was later mentioned that he and his men arrived at Minas Tirith during the time Aragorn and company left for the Black Gate. It was Aragorn that named Angbor "the Fearless" "

[Mornedhel]

January : Finduilas sister of Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth, the late wife of Denethor II, and the mother of Boromir and Faramir.

A description of Lady Finduilas is given in Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings The Return of the King:
"She was a lady of great beauty and gentle heart. Denethor loved her, in his fashion, more dearly than any other, unless it were the elder of the sons that she bore him. But it seemed to men that she withered in the guarded city, as a flower of the seaward vales set upon a barren rock. The shadow in the east filled her with horror, and she turned her eyes ever south to the sea that she missed."

[enheduanna]

Two MERP-sourced suggestions.

December: Kerjalin of Ladnoca

The second source of Bozishnarod healing lore originates in Tresti, the hero shrine of Junast, champion of the moon goddess. Tresti is the focus of the Kentribá Ladnoca, college of Ladnoca’s priests, the kerjalén (sing. kerjalin). Governed by the Diet of Junast, the kerjalén are renowned throughout the Raj (and beyond) for providing both spiritual and physical care for all the Bozishnarod. The members of this revered order wander among the peoples of Far Harad, teaching those who will listen of Ladnoca’s goodness and serving those they meet in any way they can; for just as Ladnoca seeks to heal her chosen land, so too the kerjalén seek the well-being of the goddess’ people.

- ICE2026, Hands of the Healer, p. 66

I see a woman wearing desert robes and a headscarf, with a satchel or bag of herbs.

Janurary: Jí Indûr, King of Korlan

Indûr Dawndeath was born Jí Indûr in the city of Korlan in the year S.A. 1955.
...
Sauron’s agents had resided in the home of the Mûmakil (Oliphaunts) since the mid-eighteenth century, S.A. and Jí Indûr’s cordial relations with the Dark Lord’s minions enabled him to find refuge after his overthrow. The tall Kiran provided the Lord of the Rings an opportunity to further his sordid goals in the Far South, while Sauron offered the exiled King a new throne. This heinous pact doomed the Mûmakani. The Evil One gave Indûr a Ring of Power in S.A. 2001, and later the same year the RIngwraith captured the throne of Mûmakan on behalf of his evil mentor.
…
Indûr stood 6’9” tall and, like most Kirani, was slight of build. Dark-skinned and black eyed, he embodied the ideal of his people.

- ICE8003 Lords of Middle-earth Vol II - The Mannish Races, p. 90

[Gerold]

December suggestion :

FEMALE ROHIRRIM DEFENDER AT HELM’S DEEP, armed with sword


January suggestion :

FEMALE ELF OF MIRKWOOD, armed with bow.
I suggest that the elf would come without a base, so she can be placed into a tree for example.


It has nothing to do with certain characters created by other people ; I just like female warriors… 

[Halbarad II.]

December:

Female snake dancer of Far Harad

Far Harad: a beautiful young girl in floating garments and veils
performing her dance with a large snake, like a king python or a Boa constrictor of our world,
around her shoulders, body and limbs
She would probably be in very high favours of the wealthy traders and army captains of the south,
for the snake is the sign on the Haradrim banners and shields!
Figure is supposed to fit to MS 584 Haradrim bellydancer



January:

New year, new Life/Luck:

Happy King Elessar with infant son Eldarion

Minas Tirith: Aragorn King Elessar in royal garment joyfully holding up with both arms over his head 
his laughing little son Eldarion (2-3 years old)

Suggestion as some kind of subsequent piece to MS 459 Gilraen fleeing to Imladris
or a chance for every club member to get a touching figure like MMP special "Born of Hope"

[casey]

My vote is for the brothers of Haldir

[Gildor]

I really like your suggestion Halbarad (if I remember well, I had suggested it myself years ago)

I won't suggest anything myself as I really have no idea at the moment but I see many good ones In particular, I like the idea of Ji Indûr, but it would be cool to have others such as him... like Dendra Dwar or Uvatha Achef

[orc]

Support JAN: Vulseggi (Northman Mercenary)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

("The Dark Mage of Rhudaur" MERP)


continuation.......

The feud between the Vulseggi and the Cultirith has become a way of life with its own rhythms and cycles, not entirely unlike that lived by farmers. After the spring thaw, the Northmen release their precious herds of horses and foals from the paddocks to roam the fields. The Men of Rhudaur withdraw to the woods, since they cannot match the mounted patrols in a fair fight. Throughout the summer, the Vulseggi search for the camps of their foe and block the routes to Angmar, while the Cultirith set ambushes and practice horse-thievery. In the fall, the Northmen take their horses to market and purchase winter supplies. Convoys of wains bringing stores to the Towers are harassed, and each side makes one or two major attacks. The winter belongs to the Rangers; so the mercenaries withdraw to their virtually impregnable stone towers. All the Gondyrn will be blockaded, and one fortress selected for a siege.

The holds of Angmar, realm of the Witch-king, are vast and contain hoards of wealth as well as hordes of Ores. Yet the valor of the Northern will not be overcome easily. The Easterling armies needed for victory must be maintained on the eastern side of the Ered Mithrim (S. "Misty Mountains"), because the borderlands of Eriador are infertile and depopulated. The Witch-king seeks to control the East Road to allow the rapid
deployment and supply of these forces. Thus far, the Beacon Towers of the Angle have blocked this route. As a preliminary move in the great assault on the North, the Gondryn must be taken.

They were few and fought to the death ...not betray them !!! For the North!!!!!!

[orc]

Support:December
 Military Musician of Harad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Without powerful enemies there are no heroes!!!!!! Black serpent!!!!!! For Mordorrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!

[mcdsean]

SUPPORT Angbor of Lamedon!!

[barliman]

I just have! To be honest, I've never heard of most of the named personalities in this list, so the ones I have heard of (i.e. JRRT's own characters) are the ones that get my votes.

[Gildor]

too bad the Elessar idea was left out once again, it fails... well, that's life...

as for other choices, considering I don't like orcs , well I supported Angbor, but also Ji Indur as I'd really be curious to see "one of the nine" still alive

NB for Barliman : Ji Indur is the real name of the Nazgul who was also known as Indur Dawndeath the "fourth Nazgul" (the one with Elephant helm, from the MERP series... King of Mumakan, land of the Mumaks, in South East Far Harad)

[barliman]

Thanks for the info, Master Gildor. But of course, it's only a "real" name if you subscribe to the MERP/ICE version of Middle-earth. Like me, JRRT would never have heard of him.

[Gildor]

indeed I did not say he was a canon name at all, he is not (well he is for Middle Earth Enterprises which incorporated all names and trademarks created by ICE after they ceased MERP products, from what I heard )

but Mithril on the other hand has already released him once : LR17 Indur Dawndeath, so he is no stranger to mithril

NB : full biography on MMP here : mmp.faerylands.eu/viewtopic.php?pid=4333#p4333

[barliman]

Sorry, Master G., I think my meaning must have got lost in translation. You said it was his "real" name, and I was merely emphasising that it's only as real as the character concept - which isn't real, merely - as you rightly point out - a MERP/ICE invention.

As I've mentioned many times before, nothing will ever persuade me to like the MERP inventioms, especially when so many genuine JRRT characters have yet to appear in the Mithril range.

[Halbarad II.]

I don't want to be unforgiving but this I want to point out here:
Past in 2006 at the double month suggestion December/January both my suggestions were rejected:

For December I suggested a SILENT WATCHER of Cirith Ungol,
the vulture-headed statue at the gate
which was mistaken for the big Watcher in the Water before the Gate of Moria,

and for January I suggested UFTHAK orc of Cirith Ungol victim of Shelob.

This was the answer at that time past:

Post by Michael O'Brien on Jan 11, 2007 at 12:10pm
GOOD GUY DECEMBER 2006 VOTE:
"I left out the watcher in the water as to do it justice it would need to be a small diorama. Likewise the orc as Shelob's victim which although an interesting suggestion, should really count as a vignette, with the rocky additions...." by Chris Tubb.

Now the Ufthak orc is in the voting!!!
Is it supposed to be a character figure or a Spiders victim, which means a little VIGNETTE?
If Ufthak is done as commonly orc fighter, please where's the connection that he was captured by Shelob?
(By the way I still whould be pleased to see Ufthak being released!)

And now my King Elessar with infant son suggestion is cancelled too - because it is two figures?

MS459 Gilraen fleeing to Imladris is a single figure, isn't it?
The child is connected to her body as Little Eldarion should be connected to Elessar in a likely way,
I mean't to have pointed that out in my suggestion.
We have many single Figures with instruments (for example MS567 Lord of the Rings 'The Horn of Helm': Man, really BIG Horn and extra base) or banners which are bigger than a 2-3 year old child in the arms of an adult whould be.

a bit strange decisions I think, or as Gildor says: that's live....
and Mr. Tubb has the final say, no trouble with that!

[Gildor]

Maybe Chris thought that Elessar and son meant Eldarion at a teenage age? Maybe he did not read the entire description ... which leads me to ask : Does Chris read the description of the suggestions before the winning of a vote, or is he only given a "reported list" of suggestion ?
If so, if he only saw "Elessar and son", of course he rejected it...

[Halbarad II.]

Maybe that has been so, though I named my suggestion "Happy King Elessar with INFANT SON.
I though Infant means a newborn to age of max. 3 years, though I do not know that exactly

Nevertheless, voting has started, let's see how it develops..

[maenas]

ohhhh seems that my Orophin suggestion for December's vote got lost in the way ;(

Well I will keep it for maybe another time.

Also it seems that someone forgot to double vote this time, since there are 60 votes for 31 voters, watchout and don't forget to double vote!!

[Michael O'Brien]

Jan 10, 2015 16:24:47 GMT Halbarad II. said:

I don't want to be unforgiving but this I want to point out here:
Past in 2006 at the double month suggestion December/January both my suggestions were rejected:

For December I suggested a SILENT WATCHER of Cirith Ungol,
the vulture-headed statue at the gate
which was mistaken for the big Watcher in the Water before the Gate of Moria,

and for January I suggested UFTHAK orc of Cirith Ungol victim of Shelob.

This was the answer at that time past:

Post by Michael O'Brien on Jan 11, 2007 at 12:10pm
GOOD GUY DECEMBER 2006 VOTE:
"I left out the watcher in the water as to do it justice it would need to be a small diorama. Likewise the orc as Shelob's victim which although an interesting suggestion, should really count as a vignette, with the rocky additions...." by Chris Tubb.

Now the Ufthak orc is in the voting!!!
Is it supposed to be a character figure or a Spiders victim, which means a little VIGNETTE?
If Ufthak is done as commonly orc fighter, please where's the connection that he was captured by Shelob?
(By the way I still whould be pleased to see Ufthak being released!)

And now my King Elessar with infant son suggestion is cancelled too - because it is two figures?

MS459 Gilraen fleeing to Imladris is a single figure, isn't it?
The child is connected to her body as Little Eldarion should be connected to Elessar in a likely way,
I mean't to have pointed that out in my suggestion.
We have many single Figures with instruments (for example MS567 Lord of the Rings 'The Horn of Helm': Man, really BIG Horn and extra base) or banners which are bigger than a 2-3 year old child in the arms of an adult whould be.

a bit strange decisions I think, or as Gildor says: that's live....
and Mr. Tubb has the final say, no trouble with that!

I will forward your email to Chris. Perhaps he did misread your earlier posts, I don't know. I have no input into his decisions.