Input from today's session:
Bard is a bit dark and foreboding - maybe a unibrow, craggy face, someone whose appearance makes people take a step back (not 'cute' or 'sunny'), dark coloring
Bard's wife can have Marielle's description - sunny, 'keeper of memories', singer - much more personable than her husband, 'gets things done' (brisk), wisdom, seeing to the heart of things. Maybe a Beorning? of the Woodsmen. Not 'girly'. Strong.
Bain will be a teenager - maybe 13-14? - softer than his dad, lighter coloring, minor character (maybe one scene with Bilbo?) Represents the 'new generation of Men' growing up in a post-Battle of Five Armies world.
Beorn? He could maybe be included - up to us if we want him. If so, he's like Bard, but even moreso on the foreboding front. And 8 ft tall.
Thranduil - blond, willowy?, weak, stern, haughtiness of someone with low self-confidence, Mark Gatiss, 'British Raj', not admirable, why not Orlando Bloom?, short
Legolas - can be dark-haired, stronger than his father, (not Orlando Bloom), not really tall, but potentially taller than his father. [Aragorn should be taller than Legolas.]
darker-skinned elves in Mirkwood? Maybe Native American. [ethnic variation up to us]
Celeborn's sister - should look like a relative of Celeborn; firm and reserved; isolationist, rarely speaks. Mysterious. Intimidating. [Mandos role] Tony's suggestion: 'beautiful woodswitch'
Balin is old, friendly, and outgoing - smiling face. Everyone's favorite grandfather.
Dain is younger, but not young. Quiet; doesn't say much, gentle in speech. Taciturn but reliable. [Not pompous like Thorin.]
Dís is also a senior dwarf. NOT a voice for reconciliation. Very stern and severe. Matriarchal. Everyone's a bit afraid of her (even Dain).
Longbeards are which ethnic group? 'Typical' dwarves
The Blue Mountains are the 'refugee camp' of all the dwarves from Nogrod, Belegost, Moria, and Erebor.
Gandalf is described in the book very well; go with that.
talking Ravens give snarky rebukes
So, here's the updated List:
- Gandalf
- Balin
- Dís
- Thranduil
- Dain Ironfoot
- Legolas
- Celeborn's sister
- Bard
- Bard's son Bain
- Bard's wife
- Ravens - Röac is still alive, and maybe a younger one as well?
- new Master of Lake-town?
- Beorn?
Bilbo is already cast: James McAvoy