April 2023 1st Round Voting is CLOSED

[Michael O'Brien]

Thanks for all the new ideas submitted this month.
I wanted to wait until I got full confirmation on them before starting the vote. All were approved. So that is a good start.
This is the first round so we are hoping to find two or three that will go forward to the final round later this month. Please note that the first round always hides the current status of the poll to give every idea an equal chance at support. You will see the state after voting, not before.
Feel free to comment on your reasons to vote for your favourite idea, even if you did not submit it, as that can sway undecided voters. Every vote counts so please take part.

[Halbarad II.]

Saruman of many colours defeated, with broken staff.


'Come back, Saruman!' said Gandalf in a commanding voice.
To the amazement of the others, Saruman turned again,
and as if dragged against his will, he came slowly back to the iron rail,
leaning on it, breathing hard.
His face was lined and shrunken.
His hand clutched his heavy black staff like a claw.
'I did not give you leave to go.‘ said Gandalf sternly,
'I have not finished. You have become a fool, Saruman, and yet pitiable.
You might still have turned away from folly and evil, and have been of service.
But you choose to stay and gnaw the ends of your old plots. Stay then!
But I warn you you will not easily come out again.
Not unless the dark hands of the east stretch out to take you.
'Saruman!‘ he cried, and his voice grew in power and authority.
'Behold, I am not Gandalf the Grey, whom you betrayed,
I am Gandalf the White, who has returned from death.
You have no colour now, and I cast you from the order and from the Council.
He raised his hand, and spoke slowly in a clear cold voice.
'Saruman, your staff is broken,’
There was a crack, and the staff split asunder in Saruman’s hand,
and the head of it fell down at Gandalf’s feet.
‚Go!' said Gandalf.
With a cry Saruman fell back and crawled away.

J. R. R. Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings
The two Towers
Chapter X
The Voice of Saruman

[khador]

An undead swordman of Carn Dûm

[Haldir Rhovanion]

Going to propose again the

Hobbit Outsider

The Shire-hobbits referred to those of Bree, and to any others that lived beyond the borders, as Outsiders, and took very little interest in them, considering them dull and uncouth. There were probably many more Outsiders scattered about in the West of the World in those days than the people of the Shire imagined. Some, doubtless, were no better than tramps, ready to dig a hole in any bank and stay only as long as it suited them.

My idea is that of a hobbit that looks a bit like a vagabond, possibly wearing a hood/cape, carrying a bundle with his few possessions, and generally looking down-and-out. He may be either sneaking somewhere, or perhaps striking a carefree pose, dancing or making music, whatever Chris thinks best.

[twrich]

We still are missing a figure that was important in helping the Army of Rohan reach Minas Tirith to aid Gondor.

Woses Drummer

King Theoden and Company were unlikely to make it to Gondor without the aid of the Woses. Drummers helped send signals to the Rohanians as they used an old path to come through the Woods in full force.

This a single figure version of my previous suggestion. I envision the Wose Drummer to be standing behind a waist-high, wooden, barrel-shaped drum with a hide and sinew covering. Woses are gnarly limbed and hunched over somewhat, even at a younger age, so the drummer would crouch over the barrel, while still able to strike it with shorter, clubby arms.

[ddaines]

Dúnedain Ranger at rest playing a harp

After a long day’s work guarding the marches of the Shire a group of weary Rangers relax under the eaves of a wood. One of them laying atop an old fallen tree plays some songs of the Elder days and gently sings to his companions as they prepare their camp.

This figure would be resting upon a fallen tree-trunk, one leg resting upon an upturned bough. Behind his head his cloak is rolled to form a pillow and in his hand is a small harp. Ideally he would be smoking a long-stemmed pipe.

His boots are off as he rests his weary feet, but his sword, ever handy lays near to reach, resting on his belongings pack. A campfire is there with a small metal pot still bubbling away with either a stew, or a brew bubbling away.

[Thingol]

Éomer as a king of Rohan sits on the throne in The Golden hall of Meduseld

[Axel]

A young Rohirrim manning the walls of Helms Klamm.

One of those, who has not seen enough summers, so eg. a boy who is too small for the armour and weapons he has, and who looks anxiously towards the hordes of Isengard.

This could later be accompanied with one who has seen too many summers, perhaps his grandfather.

[Gerold]

I would like to resuggest this character:

Bolg, Orc Chief of Gundabad

[gondolin]

Faramir, Steward of Gondor

I would like to put forward a suggestion I have made before:

Two different concepts: the first, as he is being appointed Steward by the newly-crowned King Elessar

or (to my mind the most interesting)

Faramir acting as Steward while Elessar and Eomer are away on campaign fighting the last remnants of forces loyal to Sauron.

Either way, Faramir could be portrayed with the Steward's rod of office.