• Introduction
• Really Useful Links
• Roleplaying Links
• Other Tolkien and TORC resources
In the next post…
• A little bit about each of us
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First and more important than anything else: welcome; to TORC and to our adoptive family.

We’ve compiled a selection of useful links lower down the page, to get you started. From the questions that everyone asks, to the peculiar quirks of Tolkien Online, most of the answers should be at your finger tips. If they aren’t, we’re here to find them – all you have to do is ask! We also have a thriving and long-running chat thread in the Bird and Baby. You will be very welcome over there in the Orphans in Exile.

We are: Alandriel, Dindraug, EdaintheRanger, Hunter, Impenitent, Leoba and nienor-niniel. We are all heavily involved in roleplay here on TORC, with more collective years experience of writing here than is decent to recall. If you’re interested in getting involved in this side of forum life then this adoption family should suit you down to the ground. The only thing we ask of you is that if you are better known by another name, in or out of the RP world, then please be open and honest about your identity. Writing with someone can bring you much closer in friendship than you might presume at the outset and too many times people have been hurt through unintentional deceit.
As well as offering as much or as little support as you desire in creating characters, building up confidence or finding a thread to join, we will very shortly have our own roleplay story in the Pony, 'Prelude to the Fall - Bree 1407', specifically designed in mind of those newcomers who’ve found their feet in the simpler beginners threads and are looking for something meatier yet accessible to sink their keyboards into.
This is a vast and enchanting place. Enjoy exploring the many forums, read plenty, post thoughtfully and above all have fun.

In the words of Liendle, ‘May your posts always be well thought out and well thought of‘.
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Really Useful Links
Introductory Threads:
* Terms of Service
These are non-negotiable reading matter if you want to remain a member of this family friendly site. Under 18s should particularly note that they “may not post their ages, specific locations…. or legal names”.
* For new members: a Welcome and Comprehensive Introduction to this Board
Whether you want to know what the little sword above your name means, or how to make links, or what a ‘ringbearer’ is, this is place to go for all the frequently asked newbie questions.
* Message of Welcome and Guidelines of Conduct
Some simple common-sense tips, worth bearing in mind for a smooth ride.
* Search Lite Version 3.0
TORC’s current search engines take a bit of getting used to and even then finding what you want can be a bit like the lucky dip at the Christmas craft fair.
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Role Playing Links:
Roleplaying is taken very seriously on TORC. A really good place to start is the Lucky Fortune Inn in the Welcome Forum, which is run as a practice thread. As is The Bards’ Guild; the longest running guild on the boards, filled with like-minded aficionados of poetry and roleplay. It's strongly recommended that before you RP and certainly before you RP in the Green Dragon or the Prancing Pony, you read the following:
* Guidelines and Rules for Roleplaying in the Prancing Pony
This is the most popular RP forum and the one in which our roleplay thread is located. It’s designed for stories that are in harmony with Professor Tolkien’s works.
* Guidelines for the Green Dragon Inn
This forum adheres to the same quality standards as the Pony but is designed for those people who want to explore the myths and cultures that influenced Tolkien.
As well as taking a look at Erinhue’s roleplaying classes:
* Roleplay 101 and
* Roleplay 102
Then, when you’re ready, dip a figurative toe in the ale of
* The Lucky Fortune Inn. Or maybe pop along to one of the
* Bards’ Guild festivals.
If you would like any assistance or feedback in creating a character then please ask and we will be very happy to hammer out ideas with you, via email or IM. If you want to join in our ‘Prelude to the Fall’ thread then we would heartily recommend collaborating with us.
It’s also worth reading:
* The Character Archives
* The Bookworms' Character Development Studio
* TORC RP FAQ
* RP Resources A-Z
Have you ever wondered where to unearth an authentic-sounding name for your character, what sort of things they might carry in their pack or what the sea birds of Gondor look like? Then this thread of Alandriel’s may provide inspiration.
* Ye Olde Pony Express: post your RP classifieds here
This thread of Impenitent’s making is the best place to see who’s looking for new contributors to a story or where you can advertise your skills.
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Other Tolkien and TORC resources
* The Encyclopaedia of Arda
* Ardalambion: Tolkien’s languages
* The Big List of the Best ‘Books’ threads
* The List of Alliances and Guilds
* The Tolkien Virtual Resources Library