# Middle Earth FA63 D&D Game: Fifth Adventure - War in Goblin Gate **URL:** \ **Category:** Thread Games\ **Tags:** middle-earth-game\ **Created:** [December 5, 2008, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898 "2008-12-05T19:34:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 40
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2009, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/781 "2009-02-01T22:56:35Z")
Ghân can also do a Stone Shape if we need an unorthodox door… ---
**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:** [February 2, 2009, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/782 "2009-02-02T13:42:51Z")
Mulligan tosses the smoke bomb and sees the corridor filling. She slams the door shut. Thoroncir finds heavy spears, goblin bodies, the huge axe and the small ballista. There is also a bed, a few stools and a strongbox in the room. It sounds like Deor and Ghân can hold off on their spells. ---
**Author:** ![CatInASuit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3be4f8/32.png) [@CatInASuit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatInASuit)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2009, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/783 "2009-02-02T14:48:30Z")
Ok, let’s barricade this door, I just wish I had time to reset the trap though. Just a moment, did somebody mention a strongbox? Umm, you guys take care of the Goblins, I may be busy. 😉 ---
**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:** [February 2, 2009, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/784 "2009-02-02T21:08:59Z")
Thoroncir will use the stuff to barricade the door which is closer to him. Any help would be appreciated. Other fighters, please kill anything that comes through the other door. The knight-errant will be with you shortly. ---
**Author:** ![ShadowFacts](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shadowfacts/32/2934_2.png) [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2009, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/785 "2009-02-02T22:10:09Z")
Hraedsig will help cover the other door while Thoroncir improvises a barricade. ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2009, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/786 "2009-02-02T23:09:22Z")
A ballista? Really? Cool! Deor will run over and check that out. That’d be quite a surprise for any goblins who rush into the room, if we could get that working. Maybe another non-melee type could give him a hand? ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2009, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/787 "2009-02-02T23:14:08Z")
It might be better if we have anyone with an inkling of artillery training to operate it, or at least instruct the crew. That lets me out - Thoroncir, do they use anything like this on Gondor’s ships? Gwaelur, Bitur, any clues? _all said while keeping Lindorn bent and an arrow on the string ready to welcome guests_ ---
**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:** [February 3, 2009, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/788 "2009-02-03T00:28:07Z")
Bitur do you have any artillery training? **I am fairly sure I don’t (artillery training was never discussed), though I assume that What Exit? will let me know if I am wrong** ---
**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:** [February 3, 2009, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/789 "2009-02-03T00:41:26Z")
I see no ballista experience on Thoroncir’s character profile, and **What Exit?** and I have never discussed it before. ---
**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:** [February 3, 2009, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/790 "2009-02-03T01:13:41Z")
No one has any artillery training to speak of but a ballista is little more complicated than a crossbow and Gwaelur is very good with those. He can also see clearly that it would be less effective than his crossbow but perhaps Deor could use it without hurting anyone. Thoroncir and Bitur have at least seen them in use close up. Brin quickly helps Thoroncir push things to the door. Who is covering the East Door beside the injured Hraedsig and Elfstan? ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2009, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/791 "2009-02-03T01:52:11Z")
I’m operating under the assumption that with some help muscling it into place, Deor’s above-average intelligence and affinity for the physical world (alchemy being one aspect), he has a good shot of using the ballista without injuring anyone (or at least party members.) Sound good to everyone? ---
**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:** [February 3, 2009, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/792 "2009-02-03T02:55:31Z")
Give it a try Deor, just remember to point it away from me! ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2009, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/793 "2009-02-03T12:44:56Z")
Agreed. And I think the threat is less to fellow party members as it should not be hard to stay out of the way of the bolt, as to Deor who must be careful not to put his fingers between a strong spring and an immovable part of the mechanism. By all means give it a try. > [@DM](#): > > Who is covering the East Door beside the injured Hraedsig and Elfstan? Bitur, Gwaelur, stand to. Ghân, Mulligan, please help Thoroncir. ---
**Author:** ![CatInASuit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3be4f8/32.png) [@CatInASuit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatInASuit)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2009, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/794 "2009-02-03T12:56:28Z")
Consider the door locked. ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2009, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/795 "2009-02-03T13:03:44Z")
Ghân will prepare to help Thoroncir. He would prefer to cast, but will fight if he has to. He’ll cast Barkskin on his jerkin and has Summon Insects and Heat Metal ready. > [@appleciders](#): > > I’m operating under the assumption that with some help muscling it into place, Deor’s above-average intelligence and affinity for the physical world (alchemy being one aspect), he has a good shot of using the ballista without injuring anyone (or at least party members.) Sound good to everyone? Ghân thinks an affinity for weapons is far more important than alchemy. 😕 What spells has Deor got left? (because they’re really useful!) Remember the Wose saying “Just because you find one, it doesn’t mean you have to use it.” ---
**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:** [February 3, 2009, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/796 "2009-02-03T13:34:01Z")
Bitur will help cover the east door. ---
**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:** [February 3, 2009, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/797 "2009-02-03T14:19:50Z")
Bitur and Gwaelur guard the east door as Hraedsig and Elfstan stand near and ready to help. Brin, Thoroncir, Mulligan and Ghân swiftly work to block and reinforce the south door. Gil-Gandel is ready with his bow. Deor (who is down to just 1 1[sup]st[/sup] and 1 2[sup]nd[/sup]) cranks the ballista as per Gwaelur’s shouted instructions. He finds it tough work but none are free to help. Gilraen is still tending one of Hraedsig wounds as the party has a little time. There is pounding on both doors. The pounding on the east door sounds serious and it looks ready to give. Deor has the ballista cranked and is loading it. Mulligan has her crew blocking the door very well. Everything but the strong box quickly put to use. A large plank bursts low on the door. An axe blade is briefly seen and withdrawn in the upper section. Hraedsig is now up to 34 of his 42 thanks to Ghân and then Gilraen using herbal cures and salves. ---
**Author:** ![CatInASuit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3be4f8/32.png) [@CatInASuit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatInASuit)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2009, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/798 "2009-02-03T14:38:29Z")
Gilraen, any chance of a song? I think we are going to be in a running battle until we reach the stairs. ---
**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:** [February 3, 2009, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/799 "2009-02-03T14:49:56Z")
Gilraen is low on spells but is up to casting her Estë Prayer song which she quickly explains will last for 10 minutes after she finishes singing but is otherwise the same as the Song of Estë. She begins and it will provide the +1 saves and those wishing to harm her friends are -1 to hit and damage. ---
**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:** [February 3, 2009, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/800 "2009-02-03T17:12:58Z")
If the south door seems secure, Thoroncir will draw his longsword and go to the east door to help. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898.md?page=39) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898.md?page=41)