# Middle Earth FA63 D&D Game, the Game itself **URL:** \ **Category:** Thread Games\ **Tags:** middle-earth-game\ **Created:** [March 3, 2008, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917 "2008-03-03T04:52:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 25
**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:** [March 20, 2008, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917/481 "2008-03-20T17:56:23Z")
Gimli says, “Okay, we march, grab every arrow you see, us dwarves with carry them and we’ll sort them out on the way down.” He ties the orcs hands and feet saying, “You’ll be able to cut the ropes on the weapons or rocks around here, but this will slow you down at least, if we ever see your ugly face again, it will be worse than death for you!” Merry, “Deor, to the front and direct us as you said you can see what Folca sees. First we must overtake the trackers and then we must pursue as fast as possible.” The three dwarves start grab arrows and tossing blades off the path to make it tougher on the orc. ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2008, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917/482 "2008-03-20T18:13:31Z")
[QUOTE=appleciders] I agree- he cooperated and there’s no need to kill him now. Disarm him before letting him go, however. I’d also like to put in a particular request to try to take Gash’s spellbook- lightning and 10 foot invisibility are spells I don’t have. [/QUOTE] It’s a tricky balance with the orc - but we don’t want everyone to fight us to the death… The spellbook will have several spells for you 🙂 - but bear in mind Lightning Bolt and 10 foot Invisibility are both 3rd level spells, which require a 5th level caster. [QUOTE=NAF1138] So we don’t kill him or hurt him, but I don’t know that we can trust him running free. … catching Gash quickly is a higher priority than keeping an eye on the orc. [/QUOTE] [QUOTE=Elendil’s Heir] Thoroncir could, if there’s a consensus among the party or if Prince Caramir orders it, follow the orc - does he have a name? - to be sure he really goes away, but I’d rather my Sea-Knight stay with the party. [/QUOTE] Well that’s why Ghân bluffed the orc by mentioning surveillance. The orc cannot be sure that any bird in the sky is not watching him and reporting back to us. The orc may well have heard of Crebain (Craban)… In fact, if there are any normal birds around, Ghân can speak to them and tell them to first stare at the orc, then fly around well above the orc, looking alert. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![CatInASuit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3be4f8/32.png) [@CatInASuit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatInASuit)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2008, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917/483 "2008-03-20T19:37:39Z")
[QUOTE=D\_Odds] Brin will try to learn from the Ranger. A pathfinder from Dale could learn much from a Ranger from Ithilien. [/QUOTE] Mulligan is just listening out and looking around. I’ll let the Rangers follow the tracks, I’ll see who is watching us. ---
**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:** [March 20, 2008, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917/484 "2008-03-20T20:24:04Z")
[QUOTE=glee] Well that’s why Ghân bluffed the orc by mentioning surveillance. The orc cannot be sure that any bird in the sky is not watching him and reporting back to us. The orc may well have heard of Crebain (Craban)… [/QUOTE] I understand, but I just didn’t feel like a bluff was good enough. I think that Gimli’s solution was a good one. (Though if you can get some birds to do a bit of watching, that couldn’t hurt either, even if that is just a bluff.) ---
**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:** [March 20, 2008, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917/485 "2008-03-20T20:29:09Z")
[QUOTE=glee] In fact, if there are any normal birds around, Ghân can speak to them and tell them to first stare at the orc, then fly around well above the orc, looking alert. 🙂 [/QUOTE] There are some crows around already and a few vultures waiting nearby, when you ask them, the crows say they will be happy assist and thank you for the meals. The vultures indicate they would be happy to scare the orc if he follows you. They are hoping you will provide another excellent meal for the future. Please just leave the bodies and we’ll take care of them. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2008, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917/486 "2008-03-20T20:42:17Z")
Ah, yes. Orcs make excellent fodder for carrion beasts. Assuming we can locate this lair, Mulligan and I could consider infiltration, especially if it’s possible to organise the prisoners for a quick escape when the fighting starts. For that matter some of the more able-bodied might like to attack their captors. I’ll collect any small portable weapons we might be able to smuggle in. Be warned though, Mulligan, what I’m proposing could be highly dangerous. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![CatInASuit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3be4f8/32.png) [@CatInASuit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatInASuit)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2008, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917/487 "2008-03-20T20:47:30Z")
[QUOTE=Malacandra] Ah, yes. Orcs make excellent fodder for carrion beasts. Assuming we can locate this lair, Mulligan and I could consider infiltration, especially if it’s possible to organise the prisoners for a quick escape when the fighting starts. For that matter some of the more able-bodied might like to attack their captors. I’ll collect any small portable weapons we might be able to smuggle in. Be warned though, Mulligan, what I’m proposing could be highly dangerous. 🙂 [/QUOTE] As long as Uncle Merry finds out AFTER we infiltrate the camp 😉 Seriously, I think it is a good idea, if only to provide a certain amount of protection in case they decide to start taking hostages, killing captives etc. The alternative is to barricade the way in before the fight, so they can’t get to the captives. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2008, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917/488 "2008-03-20T21:22:21Z")
That’s the spirit. As long as we time our move right we should survive long enough for help to arrive. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2008, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917/489 "2008-03-20T22:40:26Z")
[QUOTE=What Exit?] There are some crows around already and a few vultures waiting nearby, when you ask them, the crows say they will be happy assist and thank you for the meals. The vultures indicate they would be happy to scare the orc if he follows you. They are hoping you will provide another excellent meal for the future. Please just leave the bodies and we’ll take care of them. [/QUOTE] Excellent. (It’s what we Woses call a ‘I not lose and you don’t either’ situation.) ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2008, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917/490 "2008-03-20T22:45:50Z")
[QUOTE=CatInASuit] Seriously, I think it is a good idea, if only to provide a certain amount of protection in case they decide to start taking hostages, killing captives etc. The alternative is to barricade the way in before the fight, so they can’t get to the captives. [/QUOTE] Ghân appreciates your bravery. Assuming we attack the camp before reloading spells (because we don’t want Gash to do so), Ghân can offer a couple of Entangle and Summon Insects spells. ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2008, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917/491 "2008-03-20T23:00:51Z")
I can offer cantrips and that’s about it. I’ll try to keep Gash coughing, then bug out. ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2008, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917/492 "2008-03-20T23:08:34Z")
And on second thought, cantrips are too weak for Gash, so I’ll use them on Uruk-Hai instead. ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2008, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917/493 "2008-03-20T23:39:53Z")
[QUOTE=appleciders] I can offer cantrips and that’s about it. I’ll try to keep Gash coughing, then bug out. [/QUOTE] It’s always tricky to help once your spells are used up. Here are some ideas: - distract with Cantrips (as you have planned) - bandage our fallen fighters (hopefully this won’t happen, but if it does, you could save a life) - distract Gash by pretending to cast (this is both risky and not necessarily going to work!) - distract the orc-kind by shouting a phrase in orc … “the Eagles\* are coming!” “Surrender and be paid!” “Behind you!” \*or, due to a mispronounciation “The Eagles are cooing!” ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2008, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917/494 "2008-03-20T23:46:29Z")
[QUOTE=glee] It’s always tricky to help once your spells are used up. Here are some ideas: - distract with Cantrips (as you have planned) - bandage our fallen fighters (hopefully this won’t happen, but if it does, you could save a life) - distract Gash by pretending to cast (this is both risky and not necessarily going to work!) - distract the orc-kind by shouting a phrase in orc … “the Eagles\* are coming!” “Surrender and be paid!” “Behind you!” \*or, due to a mispronounciation “The Eagles are cooing!” [/QUOTE] Thanks. Got any herbs or spare bandages I can borrow? ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2008, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917/495 "2008-03-20T23:56:20Z")
[QUOTE=appleciders] Thanks. Got any herbs or spare bandages I can borrow? [/QUOTE] I am very happy to let you have 5 herbal cures (each does 2hp, but only one per person). Unfortunately I’m out of Goodberries at present. What Exit?, can Deor use these? Can any character bandage / stop the bleeding, or do you need some first aid 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:** [March 21, 2008, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917/496 "2008-03-21T01:23:04Z")
[QUOTE=glee] I am very happy to let you have 5 herbal cures (each does 2hp, but only one per person). Unfortunately I’m out of Goodberries at present. What Exit?, can Deor use these? Can any character bandage / stop the bleeding, or do you need some first aid training? [/QUOTE] Deor can do some basic first aid and I believe he is an alchemy student, so you could probably start teaching him to do what you do, but only the Rangers could currently have a chance to 2hp herbal cures. Gimli says, “Good idea Gil-Gandel, my lads will gather up the smaller weapons also, we may not be quick, but we can carry large burdens with ease on this terrain. You too Gwaelur, grab any arrows, bolts, daggers, knives, short swords or short spears you can find and bring them along.” The Vultures realizing you won’t mind there early feeding start on the first orc Gil-Gandel & Mulligan killed. Merry asks, “Ghân, please ask the vultures and crows to not disturb the cairn and not let others disturb it until we get back.” ---
**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:** [March 21, 2008, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917/497 "2008-03-21T03:40:02Z")
“Let us be off, then,” Thoroncir says, with the impatience of youth. “With each passing moment the enemy may regroup and lay fell plans for our arrival. To arms!” ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917/498 "2008-03-21T03:54:51Z")
[QUOTE=What Exit?] Deor can do some basic first aid and I believe he is an alchemy student, so you could probably start teaching him to do what you do, but only the Rangers could currently have a chance to 2hp herbal cures. [/QUOTE] As Deor and Ghân are usually travelling together, Ghân will happily pass on his knowledge. It would be useful to have a second caster (standing behind the fighters) able to use the herbal cures. [QUOTE=What Exit?] The Vultures realizing you won’t mind their early feeding start on the first orc Gil-Gandel & Mulligan killed. Merry asks, “Ghân, please ask the vultures and crows to not disturb the cairn and not let others disturb it until we get back.” [/QUOTE] “Of course, Lord Meriadoc”. (Ghân duly does so) ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917/499 "2008-03-21T03:59:14Z")
Excellent! Always glad to pick up another bit of knowledge. Wouldn’t mind seeing which plants those came from, too, if we pass any more of them. So I’m officially back from vacation. Thanks for bearing with my absence, and special thanks to Glee for covering where necessary! ---
**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:** [March 21, 2008, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917/500 "2008-03-21T04:01:32Z")
So the pursuit begins in earnest. Let me know what changes you need to the marching order as we go. Folca is flying high, keeping an eye out for movement. Caramir Brin Mulligan Gil-Gandel Deor Theogrim Thoroncir Gwaelur Gimli Merry (on Pony) Moose & Ghân Nanthor Jari \*Last Pony \* Brúni Víli [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917.md?page=24) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-earth-fa63-d-d-game-the-game-itself/439917.md?page=26)