The Gwaith-i-Thein, the Crafters of Lothlórien
The Crafters of Lórien, or Gwaith-i-Thein (Sindarin for "The Craftsmen", literally "The People of the Smiths") include all aspects of creation and preservation of all that can be seen or touched within Lothlórien. That which comes forth from the land, that which is woven, carved, molded, forged, or built, comes forth from the hand and song of the Thein. Responsible for the creation of and maintenance of, the famed beauty of Lothlórien, these skilled crafters are actively involved in the Wood. The Thein have a close relationship with the Glirdain as song has a strong influence in both Guilds.
Roleplay as a Crafter
Titles
Promotions
Insignia
Sindarin translations of titles
How to Join
Roleplay as a Crafter
Because there are so many different crafts to choose from, most crafters' direct superiors are non-player characters, or NPCs: elves who theoretically live in the Wood but whom no one is actually playing. At need, these NPCs can be played, but usually an NPC master means that you are responsible for imagining what your character's training is like. Roleplay assignments that you think your master might have given you, and seek out RP with other players that's centered around your craft. You might RP making a ring or tapestry, tending trees or gardens, or fixing some armor.
For those in the Thein, the most compelling part of roleplaying an elven crafter is how we work the power of song into our crafting. Just as a Bard might strive to bring forth images and impressions in their songs for those who listen, a crafter will strive to bring forth similar feelings and impression for those who might touch or look upon their work. Read NEWS MAGIC ELVES for good information on this. Talk with other players Journeyelf or above for more hints on how this works, or ask for links to sample logs.
The following jobs are currently available:
Armorsmith, Baker, Basketweaver, Bowyer, Carpenter, Farmer, Fletcher, Forester, Gardener, Herder, Hunter, Instrument Crafter, Jewelsmith, Lampwright, Miner, Potter, Vintner, Weaponsmith, Weaver.
Titles
The Thein ranking structure is as follows:
Active guild members: Apprentice → Journeyelf → Master
Inactive or non-participating: Consultants
Guild Head: Craftsmaster
Upon joining the Thein you'll begin as an apprentice, striving for the mastery of your craft as you learn the intricacies of your craft and the art of applying song in creation.
Promotions
Master crafters can promote apprentices to the title of Journeyelf. The major requirement for this promotion is a few months of good IC activity. Prospective journeymen must also show an understanding of elven theme and a basic knowledge of their craft.
Promotion from Journeyelf to Master is a bit more involved. In addition to continued IC activity, the second requirement is a TP ("tinyplot"). This is a "storyline" of RP about your character as a crafter that you must plan and carry out. Your Master TP should involve multiple guilds and/or houses, and perhaps the Lord or Lady. It may even include travel outside Lórien, if appropriate. If you're a journeyman and have a TP idea, +mail it to the Guild Head for approval. If you can't come up with anything, feel free to ask either and LA or any Thein Master crafter for help!
The title of Consultant is granted to cultural members who have been approved to hold a Crafters Background (Such as Restricted Species or Feature Characters that are Second or First Age Elves). To be granted the Consultant title, these players must have a history that details their association with the Thein. While these unique characters can not claim themselves Masters when not an active participant in the Guild, their characters former skill is honored with an exclusive title of Consultant which implies a special level of knowledge and skill.
The title of Craftmaster is the title given to the current head of the Gwaith-i-Thein. The Craftmaster is a Master Crafter who manages the administration of the Guild, both IC'ly and OOC'ly.
Insignia
Members of the Gwaith-I-Thein often wear brooches or rings of stylized flame -- a symbol of each craftsman's desire for mastery.
Brooches
This brooch is made of several thin laths of dark wood, each molded into the outline of a narrow leaf, and woven in a seine pattern into the shape of a flame. Thin lines of silver, finely worked upon the wood as scrolls and spirals twining around each tongue of flame, make it gleam more than its dull finish might suggest.
Rings
Polished dark wood is carved into stylized flames in an unending circle around the finger. Thin lines of silver are worked into the wood and gleam brightly.
Both descriptions are for the Journeycrafters' version. The Apprentices' version is made of solid wood, the Masters' version is made of solid silver, and the Craftmaster's version is solid gold.
Sindarin Titles
While official Lórien titles are in English, these optional Sindarin titles can also be used in RP. They can be applied to either gender, though specifically feminine forms can be created by changing -ron to -ril or -dir to -dis.
Armorsmith...........Thandan
Baker................Bathron
Bowyer...............Cuthavron
Carpenter............Thavron
Forester.............Tauron or Eryndir
Herder...............Lavandir
Instrument Crafter...Ganneldan
Jewelsmith...........Mirdan
Miner................Habaron
Potter...............Cennan
Vintner..............Suthceredir
Weaponsmith..........Hatheldan
Weaver...............Nathron
How to Join
- Complete a character description and have it approved.
- Review the Crafters files to determine what job best suits your character.
- Roleplay about your interest in joining the Thein with any member ranked Journeyelf or higher.
For additional information, contact the Craftsmaster of the Gwaith-i-Thein, or the highest ranking Crafter in the Guild.