# 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:** 84
**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 15, 2009, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1661 "2009-04-15T18:45:29Z")
The Mage makes the Hobbits and several other Hobbits and Elves invisible including himself. He is human and looks to be particularly scrawny specimen. He stands but 5’4” and has thin arms and legs but a small pot belly. He has a scraggly beard going to grey and his hair has receded very high. He also has a longish nose and large ears. He could be anywhere from 35 to 55 in age. His magic appears to be similar to your own. He studied in Minas Tirith and at faraway Rhûn in the land of wine. He is interested in trading spells. I really need two firm marching orders please. ---
**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 15, 2009, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1662 "2009-04-15T19:15:02Z")
> [@Malacandra](#): > > Yes, people who can’t be bothered to get a simple name right can be quite a trial of the spirit, wouldn’t you agree, Gwaelur? 😃 “I couldn’t agree with you more, Elf.” Gwaelur really does think that he is hysterically funny, and is fairly certain that in this non-life or death situation Gil-Gandel will be amused. He wanders off to gear up, chuckling to himself at his joke. ETA: Mulligan (scout) Rüdan Gwaelur and Bitur Jari and Víli Nolí & Karfi Thoroncir and Hraedsig Ghan & Deor Gil-Gandel and Rorimac Based on what you just said, is this what you were thinking for a primary marching order Gil-Gandel? ---
**Author:** ![CatInASuit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3be4f8/32.png) [@CatInASuit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatInASuit)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1663 "2009-04-15T19:44:49Z")
Time to teach Rorimac the set of whistles and calls that were worked out for invisible scouts. It’s not like we haven’t done this before. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1664 "2009-04-15T20:49:34Z")
That will do fine, Gwaelur. Bear in mind, everyone, that I will (Valar permitting!) be taking a short sabbatical soon - possibly after this business in Goblin Gate is over - and you will need someone else to lead you, especially since Ghân is likely to be absent at the same time. ---
**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 15, 2009, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1665 "2009-04-15T21:02:17Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > Rüdan says, “I am perfectly happy to let either Hobbit scout ahead, though not too far ahead. I would desire strongly some protection in the read of this group in the form of missiles or extra strong arms to support the Dwarves.” He then turns to Ghân, “Sorry for messing up your name Ghân.” Assuming he said “rear”, Hraedsig is happy to move toward the back if so desired. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1666 "2009-04-15T21:52:15Z")
Yes, Hraedsig - indeed, in case of a sudden attack from the rear, your aura of protection would be invaluable to the Dwarves forming our rearguard, and your own strong right arm as well. ---
**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 15, 2009, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1667 "2009-04-15T21:55:40Z")
Thoroncir would prefer not to be preceded by quite so many Dwarves, but he will go where he is asked, for the common good. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1668 "2009-04-15T22:50:39Z")
Well, you took a ballista bolt through the vitals last time - I think you can let someone else have a turn just for once. Experience to date suggests that there will be enough goblins to go around before the day is done. 🙂 _starts up another round of “Cleansing the Mountains”._ ---
**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 16, 2009, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1669 "2009-04-16T02:25:12Z")
> [@Malacandra](#): > > Yes, Hraedsig - indeed, in case of a sudden attack from the rear, your aura of protection would be invaluable to the Dwarves forming our rearguard, and your own strong right arm as well. Consider it done. ---
**Author:** ![CatInASuit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3be4f8/32.png) [@CatInASuit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatInASuit)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2009, 10:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1670 "2009-04-16T10:05:58Z")
Rorimac, are you interested in scouting out front with me, depending on how stealthy you feel, or are you going to stay in the pack? And when are we off? ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2009, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1671 "2009-04-16T13:31:11Z")
“I think I will scout with you. Might as well take advantage of the invisibility. That way if there is trouble, I don’t have to worry about trying to shoot over someone’s head. Watching goblins being shot by invisible arrows should be…interesting. .” ---
**Author:** ![CatInASuit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3be4f8/32.png) [@CatInASuit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatInASuit)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2009, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1672 "2009-04-16T13:34:49Z")
Right until the first arrow hits and then your invisibility vanishes 😛 Then we get the fun of watching you be chased by multiple angry arrow ridden goblins. ---
**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 16, 2009, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1673 "2009-04-16T13:40:51Z")
Gilraen to the party, “Ghân is down to only **38 Goodberries**. Rorimac is the only other healer. So be careful and take no foolish chances. Please ensure all of you return safely and go with the blessings of Estë. I hope our friend will be conscious by the time you all return.” Many noticed that her eyes lingered on Thoroncir during most of her short speech. She quietly gives Thoroncir a quick chaste kiss before she returns to her patients. _Names in Silver = Invisible_ **Single File\_\_\_—\_\_Double File** Mulligan\_\_\_—\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Mulligan Rüdan **----_Rüdan Rorimac Rorimac—_** Bitur _Gwaelur_ _Gwaelur__ **----** _\_ Jari Víli Bitur\_\_\_\_—\_\_\_Thoroncir Gil-Gandel Jari \_\_\_---------\__**Ghân Deor Víli**_------------\_\_\_\_Múli Afi Thoroncir \_\_-\_\_\_**Óttarr Rafin Gil-Gandel**----\_\_\_\_\_Áki Tobbe Ghân \_\_\_------\_\_**Gedda Fridi Deor**-------\_\_\_\_\_Hvatar Vakr Múli \_--------\_\_\__**Sparr Gautor Afi**_-----------\_\_\_\_Sölvi Sörli Hvatar \_------\_\_\__**Karfi Kenton Vakr**_------\_\_\_\_Hraedsig Nolí Sparr Gautor Sölvi Sörli Karfi _Kenton_ Nolí Hraedsig _Kenton_ is excellent with his magical repeating Dwarven Crossbow. _Gwaelur_ can shoot over Rorimac’s head but should give warning. The rest of the Dwarves are Axe and Hammer users and most use War Shields. All have at least Chain Mail and Helms, most have Dwarven War Plate Armor. They are slow but very tough. Gil-Gandel is just tall enough to shoot over the Dwarves in front of him but with some penalties. The party takes until 11:00 am on **September 4[sup]th[/sup]** to get deep into the mines where the goblins are hiding. Many of the passages are low and the Dwarves identify many routes that are not safe and they stop to collapse these. They find with the help of the Hobbits and Elf many secret doors and exploring these lead to neither gain nor goblins. **Whenever the group leaves the main passage, Óttarr, Rafin, Áki, Tobbe, Gedda & Fridi remain to guard the passage.** I just completed the darn coding of the marching order when Rorimac made his choice, it is too much work to change it. He will mostly hang back. ---
**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 16, 2009, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1674 "2009-04-16T14:46:30Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > Gilraen to the party, “Ghân is down to only **38 Goodberries**. Rorimac is the only other healer. “While I do not wish to contradict the Lady, she forgot that I can Lay on Hands once today, so there is one more emergency heal available. Nevertheless, we should absolutely take her advice and be extra cautious, given how deep we are.” ---
**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 16, 2009, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1675 "2009-04-16T15:33:02Z")
Sir Thoroncir is mindful of Princess Gilraen’s words, and his cheek tingles delightfully from her kiss; he squeezes her warm hand as they part. Still aching a little from his ballista wound, he decides he is content to let the Dwarves take the lead for the day’s fighting after all. The knight-errant is also very pleased to be unaccustomedly shoulder-to-shoulder with Gil-Gandel. ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2009, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1676 "2009-04-16T15:34:04Z")
Sounds like a plan. Let’s go! ---
**Author:** ![CatInASuit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3be4f8/32.png) [@CatInASuit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatInASuit)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2009, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1677 "2009-04-16T15:35:06Z")
Thank you Gilraen and please take care of Elfstan. \Don’t worry about Thoroncir, I’ll keep an eye on him\ ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2009, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1678 "2009-04-16T15:38:14Z")
Ghân is happy being in the middle of the party with Deor. He has both Cure Light Wounds and Cure Serious Wounds (this last didn’t get much used last time as Ghân was casting Flame Spells on Mummies instead.) Ghân hopes that neither he nor Gil-Gandel will be absent for long when they go for their respective special training. ---
**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 16, 2009, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1679 "2009-04-16T18:28:40Z")
At close to Noon after mostly fruitless searches where only 5 goblins were located and some mining tools the party is marching single file tracking some footprints no more than 1 hour old. Rüdan & Rorimac\* are doing a fine job. The party has left two groups of 6 Dwarves behind. Óttarr, Rafin, Áki, Tobbe, Gedda & Fridi are about 1500’ back. Hvatar, Vakr, Sparr, Gautor, Sölvi & his brother Sörli are about 700’ back at a Y intersection. Each group has a horn and a series of basic horn calls have been set up. Mulligan\* is roughly 60’ ahead of the trackers and staying near the walls. She hears the marching Dwarves of course but she also hears whispering as she approaches a cross passage. “Ready boys, dem beardies are nearly on us. Time to make them pay in blood.” Mulligan peers around the corner and just makes out in the darkness a few shapes and perhaps a pair of loaded dart shooters. They are set only 12’ back. On the other side is a 5’ wooden barricade with pike holes. The cross passage is a major one and 12’ wide. She also sees a fine dust is spread on the floor. - still invisible ---
**Author:** ![CatInASuit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3be4f8/32.png) [@CatInASuit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatInASuit)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2009, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898/1680 "2009-04-16T19:21:44Z")
A few set of low whistles to stop the party and then report back on what I have found. They know we are coming anyway. Looks like they are going for the anti-invisibility tricks as well. This could be fun. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898.md?page=83) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-fifth-adventure-war-in-goblin-gate/475898.md?page=85)