Letter for Innumerable Stars 2024

[octopus_fool]

First of all, thank you so much for creating for me!

I'm pretty easy to please and while I don't have specific wishes for all the characters and groups I requested, I wouldn't be any less happy about works for the ones I have no or less elaborate prompts for. And if you want to write something different than the prompts I posted, please do so!
I've sorted the various settings and tags into settings. Please use strg+f to get to the ones that are relevant for you. I'm really sorry for being so wordy!
I generally don't really separate between the different fandoms, so if a worldbuilding tag or idea from one fandom or setting inspires something with a character from a different one, go ahead and mix them! Also, feel free to add other characters than I requested if it works for the story. Wild combinations and AUs are also great, so if you want to, say, throw Lobelia Sackville-Baggins into a steampunk AU on a mission to rescue vampire!Voronwe and a non-hostile spider from Gilim the Giant, go ahead!

First, a few general things:

Do-not-wants:

• non-con /dub-con
• A/B/O
• incest (closer than cousins)
• underage
• reader insert
• a person falling from our world into middle-earth
• PWP

Dislikes (but fine to add if the plot requires it):

• animal death
• eye trauma
• detailed tooth trauma

General likes

•     siblings interacting
•     female characters
•     humor, crack, H/C, fluff, drama, tragedy
•     friendship to relationship
•     m/m and f/f
•     worldbuilding
•     cultures (including ceremonies and rituals) and cultural differences
•     prophetic dreams, visions, shared dreams, ghosts
•     time-travel, reincarnations (there are some interesting worldbuilding prompts in this exchange and I'm not sure I always have the right characters requested for them, so these tropes might be work-arounds...)
•     the uncanny, eldritch creatures and settings, horror
•     animal characters showing behaviours that are typical for their species
•     plants, gardening, landscapes
•     difficult decisions
•     characters who keep fighting despite the odds
•     characters showing an unexpected side
•     characters who do not get along at first coming to respect and even like each other
•     characters being experts or geeky about something

Art Likes

• If you need an excuse to experiment, this is that excuse! ;)
• Contrasts (whether that's interesting color choices, black and white, ... )
• Just the results of a character’s actions without actually showing the character is always fun (e.g. their room, an object dropped in a hurry, ...), if you don’t feel like drawing characters

The Hobbit – J. R. R. Tolkien

Mirkwood

Worldbuilding: Non-Hostile Spiders (Hobbit Book)

Worldbuilding: The Enchanted River (Hobbit books)

Worldbuilding: Influence of Doriath on Mirkwood (Hobbit books)

Original Spider Character(s) (Hobbit Book)

Thranduil (Hobbit books)

Worldbuilding: The Necromancer's influence on Mirkwood (Hobbit book)

Worldbuilding: How did Sauron come to be called The Necromancer? (Hobbit book)

Group: The Necromancer & Thrain (Hobbit book)

The Necromancer (Hobbit book)

 

I’ve always liked the parallels between Doriath, so anything exploring that would be interesting.

I’m also a big fan of spiders in general. Spiders struggling to remain neutral between the Necromancer, the elves and their relatives would be an interesting idea to explore, as would spiders that are allies of the elves. That said, I also enjoy the normal evil spiders, their motivations and shenanigans.

The general creepiness and uncanniness of Mirkwood (through Sauron’s influence, Thranduil’s influence or just naturally) is always something I enjoy, whether that is the main plot or just in the background.

I’ve always thought it’s sad that while Sauron is called the Necromancer, we don’t really get to see the reasons for this. And there’s plenty of potential for interesting necromancy in Middle-earth! Of course, it could all just be a big missunderstanding and Sauron doesn’t dabble in necromancy at all (I could see this being kind of comedic).

 

Gandalf and Tooks

Worldbuilding: Gandalf is the fairy ancestor in the Took family (Hobbit books)

Group: Gandalf & Took character(s) (Hobbit books)

Group: Gandalf/Took ancestor (Hobbit books)

Group: The Old Took & Bilbo Baggins (Hobbit book)

Group: Gandalf & Gerontius Took (Hobbit books)

Group: Belladonna Took & her sisters (Hobbit book)

Gandalf (Hobbit book)

Belladonna Took (Hobbit book)

 

I saw the theory that Gandalf is the Tooks’ fairy ancestor somewhere and have been fascinated by this idea ever since. It’s a nice explanation for why he has a special connection to the Tooks. And of course there’s the question whether the Tooks know, suspect or if it’s entirely a secret.

I also enjoy general Took chaos and interactions as well as snippets of Gandalf’s travels and life in general.

 

Gollum

Worldbuilding: Gollum in the mythology of the Woodmen (Hobbit books)

Worldbuilding: Life Among the Woodmen of Mirkwood (Hobbit books)

Gollum (Hobbit Book)

Group: Gollum & Original Woodsman (Hobbit books)

Original Woodsman Character (Hobbit books)

 

I love the mention that the Woodmen spoke of Gollum as a blood-drinking ghost and would love something exploring that. I’d also enjoy things exploring the culture and everyday life of the Woodmen and their interactions with other groups and characters.

Anything exploring Gollum’s life (especially the less known parts) would also be great!

 

Other

Worldbuilding: Dorwinion (Hobbit books)

Worldbuilding: Dragon Leather (Hobbit books)

Group: Trolls With Multiple Heads (Hobbit books)

Group: Were-worms (Hobbit books)

Original Character(s) from Rhovanion (Hobbit books)

Original Scientist Character(s) (Hobbit Book)

Group: The Beornings (Hobbit books)

Group: The Eagles (Hobbit books)

 

There are so many little details mentioned in Tolkien’s works that don’t get explored as much as they could be. Culture, interactions, folktales, superstitions, science, geography… go wild with these characters and settings!

 

The Hobbit (Jackson Movies)

Goblins

Worldbuilding: What do rank and file orcs think of their leaders? (Hobbit movies)

Worldbuilding: Goblin society (Hobbit movies)

Worldbuilding: The Great Goblin's thoughts on Dwarves (Hobbit movies)

Worldbuilding: The Great Goblin's correspondence (Hobbit movies)

Worldbuilding: Orc organization & logistics (Hobbit movies)

The goblin scribe (Hobbit movies)

The Great Goblin (Hobbit movies)

Grinnah (Hobbit movies)

Group: Grinnah & the Great Goblin (Hobbit movies)

 

I’d be happy with anything exploring goblin society! What are their hierarchies like? Are there any ways for the small, weak guys to get what they want, possibly through tricks and cunning? Are there any true loyalties and friendships between goblins? (I know some of the worldbuilding tags say orcs, but I’d also be interested in these things for goblins, or how the orcs’ dealings affect the goblins)

 

Rebuilding Dale

Worldbuilding: life in Dale after the Battle of the Five Armies (Hobbit movies)

Group: Bain & Sigrid & Tilda (Hobbit movies)

Group: Sigrid & Tauriel (Hobbit movies)

Group: Sigrid/Tauriel (Hobbit movies)

Group: Tauriel & Tilda (Hobbit movies)

Tilda (Hobbit Movies)

Sigrid (Hobbit Movies)

Hilda Bianca (Hobbit Movies)

 

Pretty much what the worldbuilding tag says. I’d be interested in the rebuilding process, both of the town and the society. What changes in contrast to Laketown? Are there divides in families and friendships as to who goes to which town? How do the relationships between Laketown and Dale (and other groups) develop afterwards?

Anything about the immediate aftermath of the battle is also welcome!

(My headcanon is that Hilda Bianca is the sister of Bard’s wife, but you don’t have to use this headcanon.)

 

Dwalin/Thorin

Group: Dwalin/Thorin (Hobbit movies)

 

 Anything about these two would be great! I love angsty things, so them going their separate paths for a while, or not daring to express or act on their feelings is always good. As is eloping, some family fluff (feel free to throw in Dís, Fíli, Kíli and Balin, if you like), anything about traveling, crafts, traditions, …. you name it!

 

Bard’s Wife/Thranduil’s Wife

Group: Bard's Wife/Thranduil's Wife (Hobbit Movies)

Group: Bard & Thranduil (Hobbit movies)

 

I just saw the pairing and thought it was really interesting. How did they meet? How do their husbands and families react (either in the moment, or when their husbands meet years later)?

 

Dwarves

Ori (Hobbit movies)

Thorin Oakenshield (Hobbit_Movies)

Dori (Hobbit movies)

 

Anything exploring their personalities, difficulties they go through, happy moments, interactions with other characters, unexpected moments, … would be great! I’m not picky!

I also love the idea of Durin being reborn as one of the 3^rd age dwarves that aren’t the direct royal line (so not Thorin, Fíli or Kíli), perhaps with everyone only realizing the resemblance when they get to Erebor (or later Moria?). The focus could also be on the other dwarves reacting to that (or perhaps Ori finds something in an old book and thus is the first to realize?).

 

The Lord of the Rings - J. R. R. Tolkien

History

Worldbuilding: Witchcraft and Magic in Cardolan (LotR books)

Worldbuilding: the Fell Winter (LOTR books)

Worldbuilding: The Great Plague (LOTR books)

Worldbuilding: The Gwathló (LotR books)

Worldbuilding: The Legacy Kingdoms of Arnor (LotR books)

Worldbuilding: The North-South Road (LotR books)

Worldbuilding: Tharbad (LotR books)

Worldbuilding: The Barrow-Downs (LotR books)

Faramir son of Ondoher (LotR books)

Berúthiel (Lotr books)

Original Character(s) (LOTR Books)

Tarondor (LotR books)

Telemnar (LotR books)

Lady of the Blue Brooch

 

I don’t really have any specific wishes for these. Anything about these characters would be great! The original character can be from anywhere in Middle-earth and any period of time.

 

Rivendell

Worldbuilding: Elrond always fosters two Dunedain children at once

Aragorn (LOTR books)

Gilraen (LOTR books)

Halbarad (LOTR books)

Group: Aragorn & Halbarad (LOTR books)

Group: Aragorn/Halbarad (LotR books)

 

My current favorite little headcanon is that Elrond always fosters two Dunedain children at Rivendell at once, both so that they aren’t the only child there and that if there is an assasination attempt or something like that, it isn’t clear which child is the heir. It would be interesting to have something exploring how this is seen in the Dunedain society, if sending a child to Rivendell is something desirable or reluctantly done. It would also be interesting to see the other child’s feelings after the big reveal. Just a bit of the children’s everyday lives in Rivendell would also be fun.

I’ve listed Aragorn and Halbarad as characters for this, but I’d be equally interested in seeing this explored with historical figures and their unnamed companions. Likewise, if Halbarad isn’t the other child sent to Rivendell, that would also be interesting.

I’m also interested in these characters’ lives in general, if you don’t want to go with the worldbuilding prompt. I always love reading about Aragorn and Halbarad, no matter whether it’s shippy or not.

Gilraen is also an interesting character to explore, both in her role as a single mother in exile and in her life beside that.

 

Other + Hobbits

Worldbuilding: what do the midges in the marshes eat when they can’t get hobbit? (LotR books)

Fredegar Bolger (LotR books)

Hildifons Took (LotR books)  (disappeared)

Isengar Took (LotR books)

Lobelia Sackville-Baggins (LOTR books)

Pearl Took (LotR books)

 

I’d be happy to see anything dealing with these underappreciated favorites of mine!

I’m just lumping the worldbuilding prompt with the midges in here, but you can also use that for any other character.

 

Druedain

Ghân-buri-Ghân (LOTR Books)

Group: Aragorn & Ghân-buri-Ghân (LotR books)

Group: Éowyn & Ghân-buri-Ghân (LotR books)

 

Another under appreciated favorite of mine! The Druedain /Woses have always fascinated me, trying to live their lives without too much interaction with Gondor despite the proximity. Anything focussing on the culture, customs and forest would be wonderful. I’d also be interested in something dealing with any future (or previous?) encounters between Ghân-buri-Ghân and Aragorn or Éowyn. Perhaps Éowyn is struggling to fit in to Gondorian society and goes traveling for a bit, leading to an encounter with Ghân-buri-Ghân.

 

Aragorn/Denethor

Group: Aragorn/Denethor (LotR books)

 

Give me all the complicated feelings for these two! Uncomplicated affection going sour when Denethor starts suspecting/finds out Aragorn’s true identity; foe yay, Denethor trying to get into Aragorn’s bed and good books when he figures out his identity… whatever you come up with!

Setting this during the events of LotR would also be interesting, with either or both of them thinking back on their feelings/relationship as Aragorn approaches Gondor.

No happy ending necessary, but if you want to change the events in LotR, that’s also fine.

The Lord of the Rings (Movies)

Rohan

Worldbuilding: AU - Theodred lives (LotR movies)

Worldbuilding: Rohorric Mythos & Superstitions about Lothlorien (LotR movies)

Worldbuilding: who taught Éowyn how to fight? (LotR movies)

Group: Éowyn & Éomer (LotR movies)

Group: Éowyn & Éomer & Theoden (LotR movies)

Group: Éowyn & Éomer & Theodred (LotR movies)

Group: Theoden & Theodred (LotR movies)

Éowyn (LOTR movies)

 

All the family feelings would be great, no matter if simple and sweet or complicated and conflicted. Anything dealing with culture, traditions, superstitions, or nature would be fun.  

 

Gondor

Worldbuilding: AU- Faramir goes instead of Boromir (LotR movies)

Worldbuilding: Boromir's relationship with the people of Minas Tirith (LotR movies)

Aragorn (LOTR movies)

Boromir (LOTR movies)

Faramir (LOTR movies)

Group: Boromir & Faramir (LOTR movies)

Group: Denethor & Original Chef(s) of Minas Tirith (LotR movies)

Group: Denethor & Original Tomato

 

The more serious prompt: The AU of Faramir going instead of Boromir would be interesting, especially in regards to how that would influence other things and the relationships between characters. I’m well aware that this prompt is probably too long for an exchange, so feel free to concentrate on just one or two scenes.

That, or some slice of life for any of the characters.

The silly prompt: Denethor and the tomato! Feel free to make this as cracky (or serious) as you like! Is there a society of sentient tomatoes that dreads nothing more than being delivered to the citadel? Is the Chef secretly watching Denethor eat in utter fascination and revulsion? Does anyone try to change things? Is there a particular reason Denethor eats like this (childhood trauma caused by a tomato, perhaps)?

 

Science

Worldbuilding: Scientists of Arda (LotR movies)

Original Scientist Character(s) (LotR movies)

 

What I love about scientists is that there is such a range  of stories you can put them in and the worldbuilding you can do with them! There’s the possibility of having a botanist explore the flora of a certain region, like the adaptations of Mordor’s plants, comparing the flora of Mirkwood and Lothlorien, figuring out why plants in the Shire grow particularly well. There’s the zoologist that’s doing research on certain animals and attempting not to be eaten by the object(s) of their studies. The sociologist that takes us along to explore the certain aspects of any society. The volcanologist fascinated with Mount Doom (or perhaps Erebor?) and taking too many risks.

And there’s such a range of personalities too: the scientist that has an utterly rational view of things, over the scientist that is so fascinated by their area of study that they take too many risks, to the utterly mad scientist.

In other words: go wild and take this prompt whereever you want to!

 

Mordor

Worldbuilding: Domesticated Animal(s) of Mordor (LotR movies)

Original Fell Beast (the flying creatures ridden by the Nazgûl) Character(s) (LotR movies)

Group: Nazgûl & Original Fell Beast Character(s) (LotR movies)

Group: Nazgûl & Original Horse Character(s) (LotR movies)

 

I’ve always been fascinated by the relationship between the Nazgûl and their animals. I like the idea of these rather unpleasant characters having those few animals to which they are kind and caring (often to the detriment of others). Or if they aren’t that nice to the animals, that the animals get in their just revenge.

There’s also the question of what exactly the Fell Beasts are and possibly how they were created (or revived, if they are some prehistoric creature). I also wonder if there is perhaps some kind of rivalty between horses and fell beasts.

The Silmarillion - J. R. R. Tolkien

Dark creatures

Worldbuilding: Elves being turned into werewolves and/or vampires (Silm)

Worldbuilding: Vampires & wolves & ‘dark’ creatures who chose not to align with Morgoth (Silm)

Group: Ariën/Thuringwethil (Silm)

Thuringwethil (Silm)

Group: Lúthien/Thuringwethil (Silm)

Group: Aredhel/Thuringwethil (Silm)

 

I’m equally happy with the traditional evil dark creature narrative and the twist of not all vampires/werewolves/etc. being evil. Feel free to take this whereever you like. Femslash is a bonus, but not necessary.

 

Numenor

Worldbuilding: Tar-Míriel as the Witch-King (Silm)

Tar-Ancalimë  (shepherd)

Tar-Míriel (Silm)

 

I’d be happy with anything featuring these Numenorean women! I love the idea of Tar-Míriel becoming the Witch-King, but that part is entirely optional. Feel free to combine them with any of the other worldbuilding tags.

 

Science

Worldbuilding: Gaslamp Fantasy/Steampunk Setting (Silm)

Worldbuilding: Ethics and Mad Science in Númenor (Silm)

Worldbuilding: Weirdest Noldorin inventions (Silm)

Group: Original Noldorin Blacksmith/Original Sindarin Blacksmith (Silm)

 

These worldbuilding prompts caught my eye and I figured the pairing would go well with it, but feel free to combine them with any characters you like!

I could also see someone unearthing a weird Noldorin invention in later ages (either accidentally or during an archeological dig) and perhaps even asking Elrond about it, who might have witnessed this device or heard of it.

 

Peredhil

Worldbuilding: Eldritch Peredhil (Silm)

Worldbuilding: Eluréd & Elurín survive their abandonment (Silm)

Worldbuilding: Growing up in close proximity to a Silmaril (Silm)

Group: Eluréd & Elurín (Silm)

Group: Eluréd & Elurín & Maedhros

Group: Eärendil & Elrond & Elros & Elwing (Silm)

Group: Elrond & Elros

Group: Elrond & Elros & Maedhros & Maglor (Silm)

Group: Eärendil & Elrond & Elros & Elwing (Silm)

Group: Dior & Eluréd & Elurín & Elwing & Nimloth (Silm)

Elrond (Silm)

Maedhros (Silm)

Maglor (Silm)

 

I love the idea of the light of Valinor and the Silmarils turning people uncanny and thought this or just general genetics (or a combination) would be a good reason for Peredhil to become uncanny/eldritch. Anything dealing with this would be great. Up to you if and how much you make Maedhros and/or Maglor regret ever crossing their paths.

If you prefer to create something about any of these characters without these worldbuilding prompts (or with other worldbuilding prompts), that’s great too!

 

Voronwe

Worldbuilding: Cultural mixing in Nevrast (Silm)

Voronwë (Silm)

Group: Tuor & Voronwë (Silm)

Group: Tuor/Voronwë (Silm)

 

I’d love seeing something about Voronwe’s travels – there’s a lot that can happen in seven years of sailing! Feel free to combine this with some of the prompts for the Book of Lost Tales, like the Falmarini & Oarni & Wingildi. I’d also like to find out more about his life before or in Gondolin.

I’d also enjoy something about him and Tuor, whether that’s as friends or in a relationship.

 

The Book of Lost Tales - J.R.R. Tolkien

Cat Chaos

Worldbuilding: The Effectiveness of Cats as Evil Minions (BoLT)

Group: Beren & Miaulë & Tevildo (BoLT)

Group: Miaulë & Tevildo (BoLT)

Group: Oikeroi & Tevildo (BoLT)

Group: Melko & Tevildo (BoLT)

Tevildo (BoLT)

Oikeroi (BoLT)

 

There’s just something utterly charming and hilarious about cats running a castle and a kitchen, of all things. It definitely makes me wonder about Melko’s taste in food – or did the food the cats supplied cause unhappiness (and indigestion)? So anything dealing with this or Beren’s task of catching three terrifying mice would be great!

 

Makar & Meássë

Group: Makar & Meássë (BoLT)

Makar (BoLT)

Meássë (BoLT)

 

I like anything dealing with their somewhat grey morality and their motivation in general. Interactions with other characters and seeing the opinions of others on them are also welcome.

 

Giants

Gilim the Giant (BoLT)

Nan the Giant (BoLT)

Worldbuilding: Origins and History of the Giants (BoLT)

 

I’d love anything that shows how giants fit into (or fail at doing so) into Middle-earth. Do they have dealings with others, or do they seclude themselves in some remote area?

 

Gorgumoth

Worldbuilding: Gorgumoth as Therapy Dog for the Dead (BoLT)

Gorgumoth (BoLT)

 

Pretty much what it says on the tin! It can be taken seriously, or Gorgumoth can be hilariously awful at this task.

 

Roads

Worldbuilding: Magical Roads (BoLT)

Ír (BoLT)

 

Evil road building shenanigans! What’s there not to love about that? I’d also be interested to see something about how Ír got his connections to the orcs.

 

Tinfang Warble

Worldbuilding: Tinfang Warble is Tinúviel's sister (BoLT)

Tinfang Warble (BoLT)

Group: Tinfang Warble & Tinúviel (BoLT)

 

Let’s face it: I just really like the idea of Tinúviel having a brother (or sister?). Feel free to mix together the various iterations of the characters, though I’d prefer if there weren’t any incestuous feelings. If you feel like it, go ahead and make both of them eery or eldritch.

 

Other

The Sleeper in the Tower of Pearl (BoLT)

Worldbuilding: Nature Spirits (BoLT)

Group: Falmarini & Oarni & Wingildi (BoLT)

Group: Silmo & Ilinsor (BoLT)

 

I don’t really have any specific preferences for these, just go with what you like!

 

Crossover Fandom

First Age Elves in the Shire

Worldbuilding: first age elves hiding out in the Shire (Crossover)

Worldbuilding: characters are sent to the Shire for rehabilitation (Crossover)

Group: Maglor (Silm)/Halbarad (LotR Books)

Group: Maglor (Silm) & Nazgûl (LotR books)

Group: Faramir (LotR books) & Maglor (Silm)

Group: Elladan & Elrohir (LotR books) & Olwë (Silm)

Group: Elrond (LotR) & Maglor (Silm)

Group: Elf of your choice (Silm) & The Fox on Business of His Own (LotR books)

Group: Bilbo Baggins (LOTR books) & Finrod (Silm)

Group: Bilbo Baggins (LotR books) & Daeron (Silm)

Group: Arwen (LotR books) & Elros (Silm)

Son of Fëanor of your choice in the Shire (Crossover)

Huan (Silm) in the Shire (LotR books) (Crossover)

Eöl (Silm) is Old Man Willow (LotR books)

Group: Ents of Fangorn (LotR books) & Eöl (Silm)

 

I love the trope of first age elves hanging out in the Shire, whether it’s for rehabilitation or to escape notice. What do the hobbits say about this? Does Lobelia go after them with her umbrella (and was that umbrella perhaps an invention by a first age elf?)? Do the elves enjoy the company of the hobbits or are they annoyed by the hobbits or do they try to avoid them? Are the elves pulled into the events of the Hobbit and LotR in any way? Does an elf think they are the only elf in the Shire, only to slowly find out that the Shire is packed full of elves (who all think they are the only one)?

I also like the idea of Rivendell as a refuge for all kinds of outcasts where lots of people meet who wouldn’t otherwise meet.

Eöl as Old Man Willow is such an intriguing idea. How did he get to be who he is? Who knows about this? Is this what happens when elf rehabilitation fails? (I’d prefer if he doesn’t suddenly become a completely sympathetic character.)

 

Other

Worldbuilding: Water Magic (Crossover)

Worldbuilding: Ancient Artefacts and Documents (Crossovers)

Worldbuilding: Ghosts and Hauntings (Crossovers)

Worldbuilding: Inns and Way-houses (Crossovers)

Worldbuilding: Any character wakes up in another character's body/ Body Swap AU (Crossover)

Worldbuilding: Aragorn (LotR books) during The Hobbit (Hobbit books)

Group: Chrysophylax Dives (Giles) & Smaug (Hobbit Book)

Original Archaeologist (Crossovers)

 

I don’t really have any specific prompts for these, but they sound fun!