Forum FAQs

So...

Ok, So I have signed up, what next?
The best place to head first is the welcome forum. Jump in the welcome thread there and introduce yourself, meet a few of our members and ask any of those burning questions that are running round your head. There are plenty of people around and you will find no end of assistance. No question is too silly and we all know what it’s like to be new, so make yourself at home, come say hello and see where your dreams take you.

I forgot my password or my activation email never came through. What should I do?
Use the contact form HERE to email us and we will issue you with a new password that you may change once you are logged in.
Under no circumstances should you open multiple accounts. If you have problems with your original, get in touch and we'll fix the issues with you both promptly and smoothly

What are points?
Points are used to progress through the kingdom ranks. Once you are over 30 points, you will need to choose a kingdom to join. You need not join in with the kingdom activities available in the kingdoms own forums, but you will then find yourself with a kingdom icon. This will allow you access to all forums within that kingdom and will also enable you to join inter-kingdom events as a representative of said kingdom. Further details of the point requirements for each rank can be found HERE.

How can I get points?
You can gain points by posting in the point scoring forums. For posting over 250 characters (spaces not included) in the following forums, you will receive 1 point…

For over 250 characters (spaces not included) in the following forums, you will receive 2 points…

 In all of the above forums, posts over 1500 characters (not including spaces) you will receive 3 points.

Spam and abuse of the above may result in posts being deleted with point loss. The points are there as a thank you for your time and effort and for your contributions to the site. Please bear that in mind and refrain from spoiling it with spam and unnecessarily drawn out posting.

Is there any other way of getting points?
Occasionally, rulers and administrators will issues bonus points as a thank you, as a reward for a contribution or maybe as a prize for a competition entry. These points are our way of giving something back to those who are an active and contributing part of LotrDreams.

What are kingdoms/lore forums etc?
A description of each area can be found above. Each category is different and we hope that we can cater for a vast variety of tastes and preferences.
The Dreams community area is for light-hearted chat, gossip, opinion polls and general bonding. This area is more off-topic and relaxed, a place to meet, bond and spend time with friends.

The kingdoms are a place where you may role-play a character living in Tolkiens world (currently beginning at the start of the 3^rd age, see our timeline HERE). When you reach 31 points, you can go to your profile, select the edit profile option, and just above the signature box, you will find a dropdown bar through which you can select a kingdom to join.
The Creative Arts area is where you will find artists, photography, poets, stories and a whole world filled with imagination. Varying between Tolkien and non-Tolkien works, you will find a great variety of fine work contributed by the members. Feel free to pull up a seat and take a peek inside.

The lore forums are for both light-hearted and more detailed discussions on different Tolkien based topics. Here you will be able to learn the answers to those burning questions and further discuss your opinions and thoughts on a variety of Tolkien aspects more in-depth.

Can I use any of the artwork/writing from the site?
No, not without the owners permission. All artwork and text remains the property of the original artist and you must first gain their permission before using anything. Credit should also always be given to the owner. Much time has been taken in bringing this work to you and us, so the very least we can do is acknowledge and respect such generosity by keeping the wishes of the author/artist in mind and not using anything without prior consent. Should you use somebody else's work and claim or infer that it is your own, you may be subject to legal proceedings under plagiarism or copyright laws. So please, stay out of trouble and always take time to ask, you never know, they may just say yes.

What are rulers/mods/admins/overseers?
The above are all the people that oversee the day to day running of the site. Be it supervising specific forums in the case of rulers and mods, or be it a wider eye maintained by the admins. These are the people that ensure LotrDreams remains a safe and peaceful place to play. The rulers oversee the kingdoms where most of our role-play is based, the moderators will oversee the other forums on the site, and the admins will oversee the site as a whole. Melkor, aka Mat is our coding guru and he oversees all issues relating to the coding and then we have the overseers, Tarkano and Tiana who are the original founders of LotrDreams. Tarkano can often be seen disguised as Eru and Tiana can more often than not be seen donning a Gondorian icon.

Can I use the name of one of Tolkiens main characters as my username
Whilst we cannot stop you from doing so, we would ask that for ease, continuity, originality and role-play purposes that you do not use one of the original Tolkien character names. For the benefit of your own experience at LotrDreams, having an original character that you have created and build yourself is far more satisfying and a far greater achievement than attempting to portray one who has already been formed or referenced in Tolkiens works. There are, at times, instances whereby mention of the primary characters, either in organised role-play games or otherwise is used as a part of the learning process as we explore the adventure for ourselves. Having reference to said characters and having members also using such names on an everyday basis causes confusion and a lack of realism along with the impression of misguided authority. On occasion, said names may be used for specially awarded ranks or for role-play purposes via the use of an associated icon, such occasions will be determined by the rpg organisers or the ruler/mod of the kingdom you are in. Therefore, with all this in mind, we would ask that you are considerate and give thought to this prior to choosing a character name and history.

Can I change my name in my profile?
It is possible to change your name, yes. But in order to do so, you must contact the admins and they will see that it is done. Though frequent changes and constant identity reforms will also cause great confusion and we do ask again that you are considerate with such actions.
Our only main request is that you do not add any business or site advertising images or links in your signature. This will help keep pages loading as fast as possible and keep the forum as readable as possible. All members own sites can be added to our member links page that we are currently working on and added to the homepage link in your profile..

Work in progress
More to follow...

Individual Forum Details

~Middle-earth Discussions~

~General Lore~
General Lore is the area of LotrDreams where you can discuss or ask basic questions regarding the Lord of The Rings books. Though the books have been around for many years, some fans are more learned than others. Here, we hope to bring the two together in a place where that knowledge can be shared, advice given and questions answered in a warm and friendly environment.

Who can start a thread here?
Anybody may open a thread in General Lore, though we would ask that you try where possible to make sure your questions have not been raised elsewhere.

How many threads can I open?
Whilst we do not wish to restrict members, we would ask that you are considerate with your posting. There would not really be any need for more than three active threads being opened in one session. We do of course understand that there may be many questions you do have, but checking previous threads and posts should eliminate a lot of unnecessary threads.

Are there any restrictions or rules I should know before posting?
Thoughtfulness and consideration. We are a family site and a community who all share in the pleasure and enjoyment that Tolkien has brought to life. Please remember those two words and remain respectful to both other members and the site at all times.


~Extreme Lore~
 In-depth discussions on a variety of middle earth topics
Extreme lore is the area of the site where members may meet and discuss in more detail the further writings and deeper meanings of the books. Venturing beyond the basics that can often be answered by one or two short quotes, you may here discuss the HOME books, the background or history behind certain aspects of the tales, the reasoning as to why certain events may or may not have happened, and delve into that which cannot be answered quite so readily as they can in General Lore.

Who can open a thread here?
Anyone may open a thread here, but please bear in mind that this forum is for the more serious fanatics that wish to divulge in more in-depth and philosophical discussions that require further study and research. If you are unsure of the suitability of your thread here, please post in GL first and if appropriate, we will move it to the Extreme Lore section. This is the more serious of the two forums so please bear that in mind when participating in discussions.

How many threads may I open at one time?
Given the in-depth discussions that you will be participating in here, it is highly unlikely you will have need to open many at all. We place no limit on the number of threads but do ask that you are considerate with your posting and participation.

Is there anything else I need to know about posting in EL?
Anyone posting in here is expected to treat this forum and those participating with respect and courtesy at all times. As with most things in life, there will be times when strong feelings and opinions are made known, please bear this in mind and remain considerate during such discussions.


~Tolkien's Works~
 Literary discussions on the published works of Tolkien
From the very first publication to future endeavours completed by his son, Christopher Tolkien, the works of the master will forever remain a huge part of literary history. With fans spanning from the early years to newly introduced readers now, there is always room for discussion and learning. Tolkiens works covers all that which has been penned from the very first debating society report for King Edwards School in 1910, to the up and coming tale of Beren and Luthien.

Who can open a thread here?
Anyone may open a thread here, just so long as it is regarding the written works of Tolkien himself (Or Christopher Tolkien for latter subject matter). It need not be directly aimed at the more well known trilogy or Middle earth as he also delved into other areas (debate articles, poetry, the letters etc), but here is where you can sit back and discuss his wonderful talents with fellow scholars and fans.

Is there anything else I may need to know before posting here?
No, again, as with any other forum, we would merely ask that you are considerate to both the site and to other members. Enjoy your experience and discussions, and hopefully you will also benefit from a greater more enriched knowledge and perhaps gain a friend or six along the way.


~On screen productions ~
Discussions surrounding the various films & documentries based on the literary works of Tolkien
From documentary to award winning widescreen success the Lord of the Rings movies have introduced the younger generation to a world they may have never known existed. With the help of Peter Jackson, the big screen has seen a revival in Tolkien mania and the rebirth of a new generation of fans. A magical world brought to the screen and responsible for bringing to some, an experience that they may never have come to know otherwise.

Who can open threads here?
Anyone may open threads in the On Screen forums. Whether it be related to the movie trilogy, the animated Hobbit, the lesser known documentaries or the rumours surrounding future ventures, here is the place to discuss any of the productions relating to Tolkien or the Lord of the Rings. As long as your question/comments for discussion are related to the subject stated, you are welcome to open them up to discuss them here.

If you have any site related questions or are unsure of how to do something or where something goes, please feel free to ask. There are various help desks around the site and all are checked on a regular basis. Nothing is too silly or too much trouble…Well, except maybe the person answering you.


~Kingdoms~
 
The Kingdoms are our more role-play orientated areas. Here you can live the dreams, be a Hobbit and munch on taters and mushies or stand tall and proud like the Gondorians as they remain ever alert for threats from the dark realms. Perhaps an elven lifestyle is more to your tastes, the more relaxed, gentile nature a different lifestyle completely to that of the dwarven folk. Short they may be but incapable they most certainly are not.
Each race has its own characteristics, here is your chance to enter Middle earth and see that for yourself. Be you an experienced writer or somebody just starting out in the world of role-play, you will be made to feel welcome from the very start and encouragement and assistance is never far away.

The Shire ~ Home to the Hobbits of Middle earth
Rivendell ~ Home to the Elves of Imladris
Gondor ~ Home to the Gondorians
Erebor ~ Home to the dwarven folk
Mordor ~ Land of the servants of Sauron
Inter-Kingdom Arena ~ Kingdom vs Kingdom events & challenges


~Dreams Community~
 

~Welcoming Centre~
An introduction to Lotr Dreams for new members
Come here and introduce yourself in the Welcome thread, meet some of the members, ask questions, learn the basics of role-play and character development. Your first steps here will see you well on your way to finding comfort and friendship in your adventures, whether they take you to the discussion forums or into the world of role-play.


~Celebration Halls ~
A place to celebrate with friends
Welcome to the main forum for Birthdays, graduations, national holidays or religious festivals. No matter whom you are or what the reason, celebrations and those few friendly words on a special day can make all the difference. Anyone may open a thread here but we do ask that there is only one thread per recipient/celebration. No matter what your beliefs, share that special time with friends, and though you may be worlds apart, we guarantee its times such as this that bring us all closer in the end.


~Lotr, Dreams & Tolkien News ~
Discussions & announcements of up & coming films, books, events, etc
Does exactly what it says on the tin. All the latest news, reviews, hot topics and gossip on your favourite subjects. Be it hot off the press or a contribution to our site newsletter, you will find all the most up to date and interesting news here. Have something to share or is there a rumour circulating via the ever faithful jungle drums?


~Who, How, Why, What, Where & When? ~
A forum for those beloved opinion polls
From the colour of Legolas socks to finding out who is the most popular man in the movies, which horse is the fastest or which weapon would be most useful, ask and the answer will become clear.
You will also find on occasion mass polls relating to site issues whereby you, the members, will be given the opportunity to decide the direction the site takes on certain issues. Announcements for these polls will be clearly displayed. But otherwise, feel free to itch that never ending niggle and find out about those socks.


~Site Related ~


~Site Additions and suggestions~.
Do you have a suggestion or a comment on site issues. Is there something you would like to see taken into consideration, perhaps a new category or an opinion on how we could improve those we already have? Feel free to voice your thoughts and ideas here.
Please Note: This forum is for suggestions for improvement only, not discussions or complaints regarding matters that are already in place. If you have any complaints or negative issues, please email the site overseers in confidence where your thoughts will be considered and discussed both amicably and privately.


~Admin Messages ~
 Messages, questions & problem reporting for the Admins
Problems entering threads? Spelled your name wrong? Posted a thesis on why Gimli didn’t shave his legs in Mordor by accident? Come and give us a nudge here for assistance, no matter what the problem, if it’s in our power to help, we’ll certainly do our best.

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