IMNEWS IC GUIDE
Roleplaying as a Tolkien Elf is a challenge that is easily underestimated. Even if only by the sheer volume of literature Tolkien has written about Elves, we get a little insight as to the complexity of their roles in Middle Earth. They are the firstborn children of the Creator, Eru - an ancient people now living in a time when their race has long begun to diminish. They have a love for the world that binds them to it, a source of both joy and sadness to a Tolkien Elf. They are immortal, a concept even the most avid readers among us cannot claim to fully understand; an Elf may live one hundred lives of Men before wearying of the world. Yet it is not because of their age alone that they are counted among the wisest of the peoples of Middle Earth. Their are great lovers of beauty, be it of craft or song, as well as lore.
This barely scratches the surface of what would otherwise be a very general characterization of a Tolkien Elf. Several texts exist (e.g. The Silmarillion and Morgoth's Ring "Laws and Customs of the Eldar") that use narrative to give a more detailed picture. Many players find that reading these works enhances their image of Elves as Tolkien intended them, leading to more inspired RP. However, fitting your own elf character into the guidelines given by the books is harder than it sounds.
It often happens that a player will try to base their RP off of a misunderstanding that Tolkien Elves are all unquestionably perfect beings who are perpetually happy and do nothing but sing and dance. These interpretations, though not altogether objectionable in and of themselves, often lead to unfulfilling RP and character development. Though there are many ways to get out of this sort of lull, sometimes the best way is through a little perspective. Don't think that there is nothing better for you to do in RP than dance, sing, talk about the weather, and sip wine in the Hall of Fire. It couldn't be further from the truth! Part of the fun in RP is feeling and acting as someone new and different - in this case, a member of an entirely different race! - and thus, developing the character along with his or her environment. Have some fun with it... and most of all, don't hesitate to make your OWN fun!
The following pages will hopefully give you a new perspective on RPing your Elf character, and perhaps a few new ideas.
+IMNEWS IC GUIDE2..................Nature of Tolkien Elves
+IMNEWS IC GUIDE3................Nature of Tolkien Elves 2
+IMNEWS IC GUIDE4................................Rivendell
+IMNEWS IC GUIDE5......................Quotes on Rivendell
+IMNEWS IC GUIDE6................Common Myths About Elf RP
+IMNEWS IC GUIDE7..............................Creating RP