# Middle Earth FA63 D&D Game: Fifth Adventure - War in Goblin Gate

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898>\
**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:** 74

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**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:** [March 31, 2009, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1461 "2009-03-31T20:26:49Z")

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Bitur will aid Thoroncir at lifting Ghan, provided the extra height Ghan needs is not so much that Bitur’s shorter physique compared to Thoroncir would not create mechanical problems.

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**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\
**Post date:** [April 1, 2009, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1462 "2009-04-01T01:19:32Z")

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> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#):
>
> Thanks, Mulligan.
> 
> Thoroncir sheathes his sword, kneels and cups his hands. “Care for a lift, my Wose friend?”

> [@Hoopy\_Frood](#):
>
> Bitur will aid Thoroncir at lifting Ghan, provided the extra height Ghan needs is not so much that Bitur’s shorter physique compared to Thoroncir would not create mechanical problems.

Ghân grins at his mates. “Whilst I appreciate the offer, what is your plan once I make an opening? For example, how will you defend me against attacks from above? And how will you follow me through the opening?”

Ghân has two [COLOR=“Blue”]Stone Shapes available. Can he first make a set of steps in the wall for all to use, then create an opening?[/COLOR]

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**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:** [April 1, 2009, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1463 "2009-04-01T01:48:34Z")

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> [@glee](#):
>
> Ghân grins at his mates. “Whilst I appreciate the offer, what is your plan once I make an opening? For example, how will you defend me against attacks from above? And how will you follow me through the opening?”

I think this is a good question to ask. Just because there are small holes in the ceiling, does not mean we need to expend spells getting up there. Personally, I think we should just keep going on this level, being extra careful of the holes. If something happens from up there and we need to get access, we know we’ll have the spells available to do it. Just my 2 bits.

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**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:** [April 1, 2009, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1464 "2009-04-01T02:20:32Z")

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Our party is big enough that I doubt we’ll be able to move underneath all those holes without getting something dropped on, or shot at, us. If you want to wait to see what Mulligan finds up ahead and then try to sidle past, we could certainly do that. I thought, by your offering Stone Shape, that you were proposing to use it.

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**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\
**Post date:** [April 1, 2009, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1465 "2009-04-01T03:47:31Z")

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I don’t think it’s really necessary to inspect what’s up there- I strongly suspect that it’s simply goblins watching us, sizing us up and deciding the best way to attack us. While bursting up there would certainly be unexpected, I don’t think it’s required. We’re probably better off sticking with our usual strategy- letting the hobbits scout ahead, then using overwhelming force and a choke point to increase the advantage held by our excellent archers and well-armored fighters.

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**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\
**Post date:** [April 1, 2009, 8:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1466 "2009-04-01T08:29:15Z")

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> [@ShadowFacts](#):
>
> I think this is a good question to ask. Just because there are small holes in the ceiling, does not mean we need to expend spells getting up there. Personally, I think we should just keep going on this level, being extra careful of the holes. If something happens from up there and we need to get access, we know we’ll have the spells available to do it. Just my 2 bits.

Ghân wanted to give the party options.  
Um, if something bad happens, the last thing any caster wants to do is stand below it casting spells!

> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#):
>
> Our party is big enough that I doubt we’ll be able to move underneath all those holes without getting something dropped on, or shot at, us. If you want to wait to see what Mulligan finds up ahead and then try to sidle past, we could certainly do that. I thought, by your offering Stone Shape, that you were proposing to use it.

(It was the DM who suggested he be ‘lifted’. :eek: That scared Ghân!)

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**Author:** ![CatInASuit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3be4f8/32.png) [@CatInASuit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatInASuit)\
**Post date:** [April 1, 2009, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1467 "2009-04-01T11:47:27Z")

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I’ll be down the end of the passageway. If something slimy falls out of the hole, set light to it.

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**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:** [April 1, 2009, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1468 "2009-04-01T13:06:33Z")

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Mulligan goes another 100’ and finds a door to the right. She found 3 more sets of peepholes but may have missed a few. She also saw at least one odd part of the rock wall about 50’ out and noted it for the Dwarves and Elves to check. The passage goes at least another 60’ beyond the door.

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**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\
**Post date:** [April 1, 2009, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1469 "2009-04-01T13:41:25Z")

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> [@appleciders](#):
>
> I don’t think it’s really necessary to inspect what’s up there- I strongly suspect that it’s simply goblins watching us, sizing us up and deciding the best way to attack us. While bursting up there would certainly be unexpected, I don’t think it’s required. We’re probably better off sticking with our usual strategy- letting the hobbits scout ahead, then using overwhelming force and a choke point to increase the advantage held by our excellent archers and well-armored fighters.

But if they know exactly where we are, why would they let us get to a choke point?

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**Author:** ![CatInASuit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3be4f8/32.png) [@CatInASuit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatInASuit)\
**Post date:** [April 2, 2009, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1470 "2009-04-02T08:04:27Z")

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> [@What\_Exit](#):
>
> Mulligan goes another 100’ and finds a door to the right. She found 3 more sets of peepholes but may have missed a few. She also saw at least one odd part of the rock wall about 50’ out and noted it for the Dwarves and Elves to check. The passage goes at least another 60’ beyond the door.

Right, lets get a couple of the dwarves and Elves to check the odd part of the rock. I’ll check the door out, listening, checking for traps and locks.

I know this is a dumb question, but has anyone just tried shining a light up one of the holes to see what is there?

Elfstan and Brin check further down the corridor past the door and see what is there.

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**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:** [April 2, 2009, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1471 "2009-04-02T13:37:54Z")

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Mulligan checks the door and finds no traps but it is locked and barred in a way that will require it to be broken down. Listening she hears nothing.

Elfstan and Brin find the passage takes a sharp bend left 80’ past the door. In another 10’ is an iron gate built into the wall. Elfstan determines it is an emergency gate and would need to be destroyed or perhaps released from above.

Does anyone shine a light up into the holes?

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**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:** [April 2, 2009, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1472 "2009-04-02T14:09:31Z")

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Thoroncir will light his Dwarven lantern and carefully take a peek.

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**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:** [April 2, 2009, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1473 "2009-04-02T14:25:39Z")

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Thoroncir does not see much but it appears a space exists with a low ceiling above the tunnel.

As Thoroncir does this Mulligan suddenly hears, “Whass that light?”

Thoroncir then sees a shadow and pass over his hole and something block the holes.

There is a pause and Mulligan hears, “A Man, what else?”

Gil-Gandel hears scuffling over head and the faint cry of , “Elves and Dwarves too.”

Mulligan hears, “Crap, release the gas and gates and get over here to help hold the door.”

A grinding sound is heard back the way the party came from.

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**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:** [April 2, 2009, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1474 "2009-04-02T15:12:35Z")

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So, at least two goblins or orcs above, and a gate probably closing behind us to trap us. I suggest we all go up to where Mulligan is and the Dwarves bash the door down before any gas is released.

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**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:** [April 2, 2009, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1475 "2009-04-02T15:49:29Z")

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Bitur agrees with Thoroncir’s suggestion. The last thing he wants is to be trapped in a gas chamber.

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**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:** [April 2, 2009, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1476 "2009-04-02T16:06:48Z")

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Gwaelur thirds the suggestion.

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**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:** [April 2, 2009, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1477 "2009-04-02T16:09:55Z")

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> [@NAF1138](#):
>
> Gwaelur thirds the suggestion.

Hraedsig is already running, readying his shoulder for door bashing…

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<div class="post-metadata">

**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:** [April 2, 2009, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1478 "2009-04-02T16:22:53Z")

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The fighters begin charging to the door. Gilraen and Miron fall in behind. What does everyone else do?

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**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\
**Post date:** [April 2, 2009, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1479 "2009-04-02T16:47:11Z")

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Ghân, hurry to the gate behind us and see if you can Stone Shape its surroundings so it can be forced, or jam it before it fully closes if possible.

Dwarves with axes on the door if our strongmen don’t push in straight away.

Gil-Gandel is quite calm

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**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:** [April 2, 2009, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1480 "2009-04-02T18:08:13Z")

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I’m going to wait for Deor, I just want to know where everyone is. Speaking of which, where does Gil-Gandel go?

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