# D & D on the Straight Dope setup thread. (In Middle Earth FA63) **URL:** \ **Category:** Thread Games\ **Tags:** middle-earth-game\ **Created:** [February 26, 2008, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276 "2008-02-26T20:17:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 72
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2008, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276/1421 "2008-12-22T16:48:26Z")
> [@Hoopy\_Frood](#): > > I may or may not have access from the 24th to the 29th. It depends on if I can find a coffeehouse with free wifi. I think we’ll be in a slower mode until after New Years anyway. But as we progress I’ll never have your characters do anything foolish, (well almost never) and I try to continue whatever character you have given them. I assume it is safe to keep Bitur brave and up front and using his Dwarven skills and abilities to their fullest? ---
**Author:** ![NAF1138](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naf1138/32/3245_2.png) [@NAF1138](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NAF1138)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2008, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276/1422 "2008-12-22T16:48:39Z")
I am off work between Christmas and New Years so (since my wife still has to work) I am going to be home watching movies and playing with the dog and readnig. I think I will be able to find time to play in that busy schedule though. 😉 The next couple of days are going to be a little harder for me to participate. But I should be free starting Wednesday. ---
**Author:** ![Hoopy\_Frood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hoopy_frood/32/8452_2.png) [@Hoopy\_Frood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hoopy_Frood)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2008, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276/1423 "2008-12-22T19:33:14Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > I think we’ll be in a slower mode until after New Years anyway. But as we progress I’ll never have your characters do anything foolish, (well almost never) and I try to continue whatever character you have given them. I assume it is safe to keep Bitur brave and up front and using his Dwarven skills and abilities to their fullest? Yep. ---
**Author:** ![RogueRacer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7ab992/32.png) [@RogueRacer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RogueRacer)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2008, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276/1424 "2008-12-22T23:19:34Z")
> [@What Exit?](#): > > New experiment, it looks good but it takes too much time I am sad to report. Any comments pro or con, please post to the setup thread on it, I am curious. If it is really liked, maybe I can macro some of the keys. If it is a minor help, I try to keep to rougher layouts and maps. It helped see the order of battle for sure. I’m not sure if it was worth your time for that quick of an encounter though. The map is outstanding! I’m always confused about new areas until the map shows up. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2008, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276/1425 "2008-12-23T03:03:01Z")
Seconded. I’m in Vermont visiting my in-laws but should be able to check in at least daily, I think. ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2008, 7:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276/1426 "2008-12-24T07:18:16Z")
I’m home now, finals completed and with oodles of spare time but not much bandwidth- my parents are still on dial-up. Expect about one check-in a day, but it could be a lengthy one if need be. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2008, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276/1427 "2008-12-30T21:45:59Z")
Back home again. Let the good times roll. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2009, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276/1428 "2009-01-05T02:06:48Z")
A question about _The Hobbit_, which I’m reading with my nine-year-old… Take a look at Chapt. 8, “Flies and Spiders.” When Bilbo and the Dwarves are blundering around Mirkwood, they thrice come across Wood-elves feasting in forest clearings. Each time Thorin & Co. enters the clearings, total darkness instantly falls, all goes silent, and the Elves disappear or slip away at once. In D&D terms, what spell or combination of spells would this involve? ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2009, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276/1429 "2009-01-05T02:38:03Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > A question about _The Hobbit_, which I’m reading with my nine-year-old… > > Take a look at Chapt. 8, “Flies and Spiders.” When Bilbo and the Dwarves are blundering around Mirkwood, they thrice come across Wood-elves feasting in forest clearings. Each time Thorin & Co. enters the clearings, total darkness instantly falls, all goes silent, and the Elves disappear or slip away at once. In D&D terms, what spell or combination of spells would this involve? My take: No straight rules but effectively “Elven Magic” involving the Elves natural ability to move away quietly and effectively invisibly in what was pitch darkness to the Dwarves. The fire itself was magical in nature in and of itself and could be dropped at will. Finally the Elven circles had a magical sleep associated with it. I would say Thoroncir and the others that could had the ability to bring up a single spell that was effectively an area effect of Good Cheer, Bright Warm Fire and Warding via Sleep vs. intruders. I would add a sure bet that it was a hard protection against the Spiders of Mirkwood too. For my game, Lady Elenwë, daughter of Thranduil can cast this and Elven Sleep & Charm spells among a few other spell-like powers. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2009, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276/1430 "2009-01-05T14:44:54Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > …I would say **Thoroncir** and the others that could had the ability… Perhaps you mean Thranduil here, or am I misunderstanding you? ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2009, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276/1431 "2009-01-05T14:54:19Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > Perhaps you mean Thranduil here, or am I misunderstanding you? Yes, I meant to type Thranduil. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276/1432 "2009-01-06T20:11:22Z")
I pm’d this to the thieves but then realized I should just post it as it helps explain some of my game mechanics. > [@Middle Earth FA63 D&D Game: Fifth Adventure - War in Goblin Gate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/444): > > One of these days, read languages will work :rolleyes: > [@](#): > > **Read Languages abilities and failures**. > > Sorry about that but you only have a base 30% chance and minuses on these really ancient oddball non-elven based or magic based runes and pictographs that you encounter. You are still studying and need to seriously study languages and scripts to improve these rolls. I recommend Rivendell or Minas Tirith. > > It is not a magical ability and the Shire just wasn’t the place to study these oddities I have tossed at the party. I will add that while this one ability\* seems to suffer in my game. I think I have help make all three thieves much better in combat than D&D normally sees. - In fairness, the pickpocket skill has largely been rendered useless by the way the adventures play out. I don’t think anyone has really noted this yet though. 5 thieves in two games in the same world and I think there has only been two attempts to pick pockets. ---
**Author:** ![CatInASuit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3be4f8/32.png) [@CatInASuit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatInASuit)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276/1433 "2009-01-06T20:19:23Z")
Thanks for the explanation on read languages, it makes sense. > [@What\_Exit](#): > > In fairness, the pickpocket skill has largely been rendered useless by the way the adventures play out. I don’t think anyone has really noted this yet though. 5 thieves in two games in the same world and I think there has only been two attempts to pick pockets. As for pickpocketing, who are we going to try that on…each other :smack: ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276/1434 "2009-01-06T20:24:50Z")
> [@CatInASuit](#): > > Thanks for the explanation on read languages, it makes sense. > > As for pickpocketing, who are we going to try that on…each other :smack: I’m glad that helped. I wasn’t just being an ass, it was part of the game structure but sometimes I forget that just because it makes logical sense to me, I still need to share the reason. As to the pickpocketing, I don’t recall if anyone tried it yet in this game. In the other game it was attempted once against Orcs early on and one in Rhûn to try and get a key on a boat. It failed leading to much fun. ---
**Author:** ![CatInASuit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3be4f8/32.png) [@CatInASuit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatInASuit)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276/1435 "2009-01-06T20:33:57Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > As to the pickpocketing, I don’t recall if anyone tried it yet in this game. In the other game it was attempted once against Orcs early on and one in Rhûn to try and get a key on a boat. It failed leading to much fun. You really don’t remember Mulligan pickpocketing a money pouch from Elfstan in a tavern while he was three sheets to the wind. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2009, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276/1436 "2009-01-06T20:35:53Z")
> [@CatInASuit](#): > > You really don’t remember Mulligan pickpocketing a money pouch from Elfstan in a tavern while he was three sheets to the wind. :eek: Oops, that’s right. In Tharbad. I kept thinking there was one in the party but I couldn’t recall. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2009, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276/1437 "2009-01-07T23:47:56Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > My take: No straight rules but effectively “Elven Magic” involving the Elves natural ability to move away quietly and effectively invisibly in what was pitch darkness to the Dwarves. The fire itself was magical in nature in and of itself and could be dropped at will. Finally the Elven circles had a magical sleep associated with it. I would say Thoroncir and the others that could had the ability to bring up a single spell that was effectively an area effect of Good Cheer, Bright Warm Fire and Warding via Sleep vs. intruders. I would add a sure bet that it was a hard protection against the Spiders of Mirkwood too. > > For my game, Lady Elenwë, daughter of Thranduil can cast this and Elven Sleep & Charm spells among a few other spell-like powers. The Runequest game system has a spell (_Warding_) that’s closer in spirit to this. It wards a largish area, and has both defensive and offensive effects against enemies crossing it - and enemy detection built in so it won’t keep out friends. Say also that Tolkien’s elves do things that appear magic but are merely “things doing what they should do”. So a boat should be light to carry and hard to sink, a rope should not burn the hand or take up too much pack space but should tie when you want and come undone when you want, a cloak should keep you warm and hidden… and a fire should provide warmth, light and cheer but not attract interlopers. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2009, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276/1438 "2009-01-08T00:24:58Z")
> [@Malacandra](#): > > The Runequest game system has a spell (_Warding_) that’s closer in spirit to this. It wards a largish area, and has both defensive and offensive effects against enemies crossing it - and enemy detection built in so it won’t keep out friends. > > Say also that Tolkien’s elves do things that appear magic but are merely “things doing what they should do”. So a boat should be light to carry and hard to sink, a rope should not burn the hand or take up too much pack space but should tie when you want and come undone when you want, a cloak should keep you warm and hidden… and a fire should provide warmth, light and cheer but not attract interlopers. The second paragraph is perfect. Is that your own? It is a perfect way to look at it. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2009, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276/1439 "2009-01-09T06:48:53Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > The second paragraph is perfect. Is that your own? It is a perfect way to look at it. Like many of the things I trot out, I picked it up somewhere, and couldn’t tell you where. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2009, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276/1440 "2009-01-09T15:53:11Z")
> [@Middle Earth FA63 D&D Game: Fifth Adventure - War in Goblin Gate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/474): > > _“For the Shire” - I think I need another talk with you Elfstan about jumping into danger._ :dubious: > > Mulligan will try and get around the back of the Troll for a backstab > [@Middle Earth FA63 D&D Game: Fifth Adventure - War in Goblin Gate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/477): > > Rolling his eyes at the more extravagant battle cries from his compatriots, Deor grins, looks backward to make sure we’re not being surrounded, and continues to look for good casting opportunities. > [@Middle Earth FA63 D&D Game: Fifth Adventure - War in Goblin Gate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/480): > > Missed three time, eh? > > Bitur says “I meant to do that. I want the Troll to think he has a fighting chance.” > [@Middle Earth FA63 D&D Game: Fifth Adventure - War in Goblin Gate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/481): > > Thoroncir laughs at Bitur’s jest, and shouts, “Of course, we all knew that, but I think he’s emboldened enough now. Strike him, Bitur, strike him hard!” The knight-errant has neither seen a bigger foe than the cave troll (on land, anyway), nor smelled a fouler one, in all his days. He steadily hacks away at it, being careful not to hit Gwaelur, who is closest to him in the shield wall, as he does so. > [@Middle Earth FA63 D&D Game: Fifth Adventure - War in Goblin Gate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/483): > > Thoroncir takes off his helm, claps the Dwarf on the shoulder with a grin and says, “You struck the blow which began to bring him down to his final rest, dear Gwaelur - well done, my friend, well done! When will these hulking brutes learn not to trifle with you?” > > He makes sure that Gilraen is unhurt, and then cleans and sheathes his longsword. He will go a little further west to watch for any other attack while his companions recover their magic arrows. > [@Middle Earth FA63 D&D Game: Fifth Adventure - War in Goblin Gate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/486): > > “These depths belch forth much that is foul, but our teamwork gives us the advantage. Well fought, friends. Gwaelur - that was quite a blow you took. You are a stout warrior, indeed.” > > Hraedsig will help Thoroncir dispatch sleeping goblins if needed. Then he’ll take a closer look at the cave troll. Never having seen one before, he wants to get a sense of its anatomy, looking for potential weak spots in case we run into any more of them. Just a reminder, I do enjoy any and all of the roleplaying that goes into the game and it is of course reflected in experience later on. I just quote several of the most recent examples. **Malacandra** , what you said about the Elves reminds me of something similar Heinlein wanted us to grok about his Martians. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276.md?page=71) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-on-the-straight-dope-setup-thread-in-middle-earth-fa63/439276.md?page=73)