This. It's the abusive partner breaking something precious to you after you go out with your friends without them.

Thank you for sharing. You're sorely missed on the WotC side of things, but know that you continue to be such an awesome influence in the community.

Yoooo, that Tiamat play mat is awesome!

Congratulations on retirement, Chris! You'll always have a spot at our tables.

I understand what you're saying. I do love that we are having the same conversation here on social media in 2025 that echoes themes Tolkien touches on with Finrod and Andreth, Numenor, etc. I'm excited to see these sentiments explored with the Faithful post-Fall in ROP.

The whole race is corrupted in the sense of original sin, which is beyond the Valar to remove/fix. What the Valar should have done with men is sadly known only to Eru and maybe Manwe. We are left with the answer Finrod gave and had to sustain men until the Cross: There is no choice but to trust.

I can't remember if there's a passage about Manwe's feelings towards humanity. The problem with point one is that Morgoth corrupted the whole race of man. This is seen in Tolkien's version of the Eden story and Finrod's conversation with Andreth. Manwe knew special grace from Eru was saved for man.

You will have no argument from me that the Valar are not perfect. *Gestures wildly at the Feanor and Finwe situation* But if I remember correctly (I will have to recheck the texts) the Valar did not know where mankind was destined to wake up. I think Morgoth just found man first.

I don't see them as being abandoned by the Valar, but the Valar not wanting to repeat the mistakes of the elves with men. Morgoth had already deceived man by the time they reached the West, so Manwe trusted Eru with man's fate. Morgoth will never truly triumph over Eru's will.

I'm still pulling for my little fan theory of the Dark Wizard becoming Angmar. A fallen Istar Nazgul is too cool for my edgy heart to pass up.

This is a lawless week, where Chaos reigns.

Merry Christmas, James!! May the new year be full of adventure!

But it worked out so well for them with Biden's age.

Your list reminds me that I need to read Circe. I hear nothing but good things about it constantly.

Congrats to the whole team! I've loved Superman since I could walk, and this movie looks like the Superman movie I always pictured in my head as a kid. I cannot wait for July!