Talking with the Darkness
by Firefly

On a recent journey of mine, I was (un)fortunate enough to cross paths with the highly feared Witchking of Angmar. I really must have smelt awful on this particular day, since I walked away from this meeting alive and miraculously unscathed. It is not so common knowledge that this wraith really loves to be in the spotlight, so he and his alter-ego lnzilbeth agreed to talk to me. Now were I a real reporter, I would be recounting my take of near escape, cool-headed in the face of real danger, and the way I bested the terror with naught but my nail file, but like you, the readers, would believe the truth anyway...

Have you always been a minion?
Yes.

What can you tell me about your character?
The Witchking is extremely arrogant and likes to think he is above everyone, including Sauron at points. He also likes ice cream and bonbons and has a strange weakness for fell beasts.

Does your fell beast have a name?
Marco - not very Black Speech accurate, but the Witchking has never liked ugly things, which is why he is beautiful.

Do you desire the ring?
Only for Sauron, not for myself.

What does the Witchking desire?
A clean set of robes every morning, to wreak havoc among the free peoples of Middle-earth, to eat the halflings, to push orcs into Mt. Doom, to shave elves hair, and to keep minions from fleeing to Gondor.

Do you think that there is a hidden message in that comment? Anyway, now to butter the invisible fellow up a little more…

Do you mind if I call you WK?
Call me WK, KW, or Good lookin’.

What goes on in the daily life of the Witchking?
In a daily life I wake up before sunrise and don’t put on my robes. I run around Barad-Dûr creating mischief, like turning the statues of Sauron upside down, because I’m invisible. (and if he’s reading this, those upside down statues are all Khamul’s fault). Then I finally get dressed and make my rounds around Mt. Doom, because the Big Guy is always afraid some hobbits will get too close to it if you take my meaning. Then I hunt elf...and after that I really can’t discuss it. Nazgul matters.

I’ve been led to believe that Nazgul #6 had been slipping in his duties, what’s you take on this?
Oh you cant blame him. The poor boy gets picked on all the time. We steal his sword and throw him in that dratted water and what not. I hear he has been hiding behind the 2nd boulder to the right on Gorgoroth if anyone wants to tease him...

A free-for-all then?
If they want to die, sure. Nazguls should only be triffled with by other Nazguls or Sauron.

If you could corrupt one R/A, who would it be and why?
Probably Eru. If you’re going to get someone, go for the top.

What do you envision for Mordor? What kind of future do you see?
I envision a little more that can be kept in one view, but only an extension of what already is. There will be more places for non-army minions to play their games, but still be a balance where the army can reign in their own glory - after completely killing Gondor. I would like to see more minions understand they are wanted and not feel intimidated, while having minions act more evil. And last, but far from least, minions should be minions, not half-elves or dark elves. A minion should be a minion.

A question from a supporter of you, do you think minions are less evil now than when you joined?
Yes, but they are no doubt smarter, and who is this supporter?

I can’t reveal my sources, now a question from a hobbit - what is beneath your mask?
A large brain that you can’t see, along with a very nice looking face, if I do say so myself …and I do.

From said supporter again, with the change, do you think Mordor is a lot different from when you joined and do you like/dislike the change. Is there anything you would change now if you could?
There is a lot of change, but I like it. Back then in the "good old days" (that weren’t so good) they judged you on points and how old you were, which was nothing short of irritating and puerile.
If I could change something it would be to have more half-elves and dark elves become full minions. It really takes character away from Mordor when there aren’t any orcs

Did you play an orcish character?
Before I was the Witchking, I always played the rank I was given, be it orc or Uruk

And here ends my talk with he who wears the oversize robes since he has been called away on urgent business. I am lead to believe it has something to do with that Nazgul #6, seems like a tricksy wraith to me. This is Firefly signing off from a hair-raising, skin crawling interview with the King of Darkness himself.

It has been brought to my attention that a new power has risen in Mordor. It would seem that the One Ring has been stolen by none other than the Witchking himself. The transformation itself was a truly spectacular sight, no longer does he wear the long black robes, but dark armour and the One Ring adorning his finger. Sauron walks again and has taken the name Inzilbeth for his own.

Interview with Winddancer
by Vinyatur

We all know that there are a few people who are considered to be the ’engines’ of the Plaza. Many of them have been members for a long time, longer than many of us can even imagine. They put in a lot of time and effort, and now it’s time to get to know a little bit more about these people. This time: Winddancer.

An impression of the conversation I had with the Nazgûl we all know.

MeM: What is your favourite color?
Winddancer: Blue
MeM: So you’re from Danmark right?
W: Yup, and you spelled it right!
MeM: Go figure...But isn’t that boring?
W: Spelling it right?
MeM: No, living in Danmark.
W: You are easy to tease, you know that?
MeM: ...Answer
W: Oh yes sir! Extremely boring. Why do you think I am on the Plaza so much?
MeM: Because Danmark is so boring?
W: Damn I’m good.
MeM: Sure you are.

MeM: Would you say that the average temperature in Danmark has anything to do with the coldness of your character?
W: No.
MeM: Isn’t it frustrating, always having to wear a sweater?
W: I haven’t had one on for a while now. It’s summer here.
MeM: I thought it was always freezing there...
W: We live just above you (Netherlands) you know, not on the North Pole.
MeM: But still, it’s like...Scandinavia.
W: Yes but we can have a hot summer occasionally.

MeM: Of all Plaza members, you are the one with the most posts. You average is nearly 40 posts a day. What is your secret?
W: Post a lot?
MeM: I need longer answers than that.
W: There is no secret, I just post a lot. Better?
MeM: Would you spend less time on the Plaza if you had lived in another climate?
W: I don’t think it has anything to do with where I live.

MeM: Who said: "The movie is absolutely GREAT and because of it I will always be a die hard fan!! The ONLY thing I don’t like is that we have to wait SOOOO LOOONG for nr.2 and nr.3!!"?
W: Oh! That is sooo mean!
MeM: This couldn’t be Winddancer, known for her great posting skill?
W: Absolutely not.
MeM: This is not you?
W: No, it was written by my alter ego.
MeM: And who might that be?
W: The nice Winddancer.
MeM: Might one say...the spammy Winddy?
W: This isn’t spam, it’s under 200 characters!

MEM: Have you changed much since then?
W Dramatically.
MEM: How?
W: Well I became the complete opposite of how I started out. I was new to forums; this was the first one I ever joined. And I was also new to internet itself. I was infamous for my huge family back then, something I don’t even like thinking about now. At the time I thought it was fun but dang it was annoying. I still have the reputation of adopting everyone in sight, even though I haven’t adopted anyone in ages.
MEM: About reputations. Do you ever feel pressure to keep up your own, which is very good?
W: Is it?
MEM: Yes it is. You are an example to many new members.
W: Well, I know that I am an oldie and that I am visible. I realize there are a lot of people who I don’t know that do know me. That is quite scary at times. But I guess all who have been here as long as me and who post a lot are known by most.

MeM: For those that don’t know yet, could you explain one more time where your name comes from?
W: Well I started my Plaza Life as a Rivendell Elf and I foolishly signed on with my RL name. I told you I was a newbie...But after I had finally figured it out I chose the name Winddancer. It’s a name I had once seen on TV. It’s the name of a movie company or something like that. I also saw it on a boat and I really loved it. I thought it fit well for an Elf.
MeM: And, as it turned out, for a minion too?
W: Well, Winddancer didn’t come to Mordor out of her own free will. She was kidnapped and tortured first. And it was her name, why should she have changed it?
MeM: And then you just decided to stay?
W: Well no. I tried to return to the Elves but it didn’t work.
MEM : What was it in Mordor that attracted you?
W: It was a challenge. A chance to try something I hadn’t done before.
MEM: Do you think you’ll ever leave Mordor again?
MeM: As things are now, no. I think if it ever came to another kingdom change, then I would rather just leave the plaza altogether. I think my kingdom hopping days are over, but then I will never say never, as I could change my mind. I almost did recently, wanted to go to Gondor, but then I love being evil too much hehe...

Fresh Words and Faces: Talking To Our Newbies
by Gwendolynn Léht

When you first joined the plaza, you were probably saddled with the title of "newbie." Maybe you enjoyed it, perhaps you didn’t; but at one point, everyone here was a newbie. Today I’m interviewing one such newbie, hoping to get her perspective on the Plaza. This issue’s newbie is Agnes Skywalker.

MeM: Agnes, please tell us how you first discovered the Plaza.
AS: A friend of mine told me about it.
MeM: Ah, a real referral. I just found it when I Googled Lord of the Rings. What made you decide to join the Plaza community?
AS: Well, it seemed like a fantastic place to role-play; and I welcomed the chance to actually "live" in Middle Earth.
MeM: It certainly is a fantastic place. Now, I see that you have chosen Gondor as your kingdom. Is there any special reason that you chose to become a resident of the White City?
AS: Not really... All the kingdoms are great, and different in their own way.
MeM: Yes, that’s certainly true. Now that you’ve been here a little while, what’s your favorite Plaza activity?
AS: I don’t think I’ve been here quite long enough to pick a true favorite - I like everything about I’ve come across on the Plaza! The Home of the New Souls is a very fun and helpful place though.
MeM: So on the whole you’ve found the Plaza community to be friendly and helpful to you as a newbie?
AS: Yes, everyone has been very friendly and welcoming.
MeM: Well, that’s good. I remember when I was a newbie; everything seemed so confusing! Have you had any problems with confusion?
AS: At first I was a little confused about role-playing my character in posts. I couldn’t believe that you all write such creative posts just from your imaginations!
MeM: I’m happy to see that you’ve figured out posting In-Character. It is a little hard to do at first. However, the Plaza has a lot of resources to help newbies. Do you think that they were helpful?
AS: I think so.
MeM: Wonderful; I’m sure the Admins will be pleased to hear that. But I’m sure there’s something you don’t like about the Plaza. What’s the one thing you would change if you could?
AS: I would update the Forum Stats, specifically the kingdom populations. There are a lot of people who have been inactive for a long time, and they make the kingdom populations look larger than they really are. This can be misleading to a New Soul because I think a lot of newbies choose their kingdoms based on population.
MeM: I suppose that could be misleading, and the stats should be updated regularly. You know, if you became a long-time member of the Plaza, you could have a say in things like that. Do you plan on staying with us for a while?
AS: I hope so... but things get busy when school starts, so I can’t make any promises.
MeM: I understand completely, sometimes it is hard to find the time to post every day, especially when you have classes to think about. Now, suppose you even stay here long enough to become a Ruler or and Administration - what is the first thing you’d do?
AS: Oh, I don’t want to be a Ruler or an Admin. That’s definitely not for me.
MeM: Well, I suppose it’s not for everyone. I don’t think I would be able to take on that responsibility myself. So, now that you’ve chosen a kingdom and accumulated some points, do you have any advice for other newbies?
AS: Don’t hesitate to choose your kingdom. You only know how exciting kingdom life can be once you join one. Also, points are not that important at all. What’s important is having fun in Middle-earth and communicating with LOTR fans from around the world.
MeM: And now for the most important question of all: Would you recommend the Plaza to other LOTR fans?
AS: Of course! I’ve already recommended it to some friends.
MeM: Wonderful! So I guess I’ll have a few more newbies to interview soon. Agnes, thank you for letting me interview you for the Newsletter.

I hope you enjoyed the first edition of Fresh Words and Faces: Talking To Our Newbies; be sure to look for it in the next issue of the Middle-Earth Messenger!

Questions With Erestor, Lothlorien Elf
by Fean the Bunny Man

Hello Erestor I’m a reporter for the Fanatics Plaza Newsletter, The Middle-earth Messenger. I know you are familiar with us, but today I want to ask you about the
Fellowship Festival, a Lord of the Rings festival in London, Wembley from the 27th to the 29th of August.

MeM: First, what is your role in the Fellowship Festival?
Erestor: As programme director I am responsible for what we call the intellectual content of the show. The word "intellectual" does however sometimes get a bit overlooked by Craig Parker and Mark Fergusson, our MC’s who don’t always have the same reverence for the dear Professor’s work that most of the fans display. An example is Craig’s German Gollum Chicken. Don’t ask me to explain that further. It’s definitely
a "you had to be there"-thing.

MeM: Do you do more than organising the shows?
Erestor: Apart from the programme, I look for fans who can contribute to the festival, whether it be as lecturers, film makers, cartoonists, or competition participants, hoping to match it all with the talent of the actors, to make it a fun experience for all. I find, or make, fun fillers for the stages. Actually the Plaza will probably contribute with some in the form of some of the best Captions to screenshots. I’m also working closely with TSLO (The Spirit Lives On), an art organisation with background in Lord of the Rings who’ll be running our competitions this year. But mostly I work with the programme, the contents of which at this stage changes on a daily basis as our CEO signs more
guests to attend, and everyone wants to contribute.

MeM: Any tips on the “must sees” of this year’s festival?
Erestor: Well, apart from a repeat/prolongation/continuation of the Radio Play (LOTR part IV) from last year Mark has also come up with RingWars. It sounds like a lot of fun, and about as chaotic as usual. On the seminar stage, The Talan, the British Tolkien Society will dish up with some very interesting talks again this year, a plaza member will
also be giving a talk, there will be talks about New Zealand plus we’ll have both acting classes and directors classes given by our actors. In Pelennor Fields the hobbit dancing lessons is a must, as well as Richard Taylor showing us how he turned Stephan Ure into an orc. If you are an artist you have a chance of participating in a very exclusive master class with Sandro Kopp. Generally, art from the competition entries will be very well displayed this year. We’ll also have open mike at the end of the day, so if you know of any good poetry from the Plaza, come and read it to us. Or sing us a song. Oh, and let’s not forget Galadriel’s Ball, the party on Sunday night. With a bit of luck Billy Boyd will pop his head in so we can all sing Happy Birthday to him

MeM: What brought you to the organisation of such a festival?
Erestor: I was at Ringcon in Germany as manager for one of the extras when I met Louise, our CEO. We got talking and Louise liked me. She later flew to Copenhagen to meet me, and that’s when she offered me to be in charge of the programme for festival.

MeM: You’re a member of the Fanatics Plaza, Did it influence you in the organisation of the festival? Like the choice of shows?
Erestor: All the suggestions I’ve had from fellow plazanites, plus input from fans all over, has an enormous impact on the contents of the festival. It’s is a fan event first and foremost.

MeM: Are there other Plaza Member helping you with the Festival?
Erestor: Absolutely. We have three major stages, and Winddancer and Ethuil mans the other two. I man the Hall of Fire, Winddancer The Talan, and Ethuil reigns supreme in Pelennor Fields. Last year Lanthir gave a speech in The Talan, and this year Eldrith will.

MeM: I understand the Plaza will have a stand in the FF, did you also participate in this?
Erestor: Not really. It was Ally’s idea. I just helped make it come about by being the link between ’the boss’ and the Plaza.

MeM: How does it feel to work with Actors, illustrators, and all the talents present at the festival?
Erestor: It’s a hoot. I can’t begin to tell you how much fun it is. They are all so professional, and they so enjoy meeting the fans. It’s quite a feast for them too, as you can see by our line up this year; so many of them wanted to come back again.

MeM: Thank you for answering my questions, do you have anything you would like to say to our readers?
Erestor: I look very much forward to meeting the large group of plazanites that will be going this year. There was also quite a few last year - I even had my picture taken with a dwarf! Tsk. Tsk. – but this year it’s a much bigger Plaza group. It should be a hoot.