I was thinking through Flight from Moria one day (back in 2012), and a crazy idea hit me: would Dunhere's ability ("Dunhere can target enemies in the staging area. When doing so he gets +1 Attack") allow attacks on The Nameless Fear (Immune to player card effects. The Nameless Fear cannot engage or be engaged.). Ultimately, the answer was "no." Nate French, the games designer, answered my email regarding the ability:
Dunhere's effect allows him to "target" enemies in the staging area; the Nameless Fear's immunity prevents him from being targeted by this effect.
But let's play "What if?" and have some fun. Thus, the following session was born.
My massive mistake for this session? Realizing I had been mishandling undefended attacks wrong the entire time I had been playing the game and putting them on allies (before there were any allies that could take undefended damage). More than just a minor glitch, it helped me play the game that much more correctly from then on. Still, despite it's flaws, enjoy!
A “Flight From Moria” Session Report
Rumors are stirring of a forgotten evil awakened in the heart of Moria. A team of heroes from across Middle Earth have banded together to vanquish this ancient foe. After careful planning, they decide to split into two groups, each with a dwarf to lead them through familiar halls. And something new will be tried: taking horses into Moria!
Thalin, Boromir, and Dunhere band together (Team 1), as do Gimil, Legolas, and Theodred (Team 2). Their hope is to pour all of their energy into supporting Dunhere (the fastest rider of them) as he attacks their common enemy.
At the start of their quest, team 1 feel they have some assets on their side. Dunhere has heard rumors of two ancient mathoms stored in the twisting halls of Moria. Boromir feels he can enlist the support of Landroval in a pinch and Thalin heard that Bofur was on his way to aid the heroes. And there is always the skill of a quick strike at the team’s disposal.
Team 2 begins talking about their strategy and is quickly dissatisfied. They decide to start the conversation from scratch. It turns out the heroes have ties to many allies they can call upon for help: a winged guardian, a watcher of the Bruinen, a veteran axhand and a winged guardian. They know the location of a grave cairn and have the skill of blade mastery on their side.
Round 1 (0 damage on Nameless Fear)
As the teams start to walk the halls of Moria, they are reminded about the foe said to be beyond their power. But it is far way now and no harm befalls them. Still, new devilry is afoot. As their presence becomes more noticeable to the denizens of Moria, a stray goblin wanders out of a tunnel. As the team proceeds through Moria, they can tell that their foe has become stronger. Team 1 realizes they too can call upon a veteran axehand. Team 2 is given the privilege of appointing someone the new Steward of Gonor. Both teams decide to call upon veteran axehands for assistance.
Thalin and the Vetran decide to explore the tunnels, as do Theodred and Gimli. Theodred decides to help Dunhere with a resource to use as he sees fit. But it looks like the heroes have taken a wrong turn. A goblin archer springs out, but is instantly killed by Thalin. An orc spearman jumps out next and is wounded. The heros come upon a dreadful gap, which immediately blocks their travel. Thirsty, they take a drink from a fouled well. This hinders Team 1’s ability to launch a quick strike and Team 2’s ability to call upon a winged guardian (which would be hard to do in a mine as it is). Realizing they need all the help they can get, Team 1 calls upon Bofur who jumps to the aid. His aid is still not enough and the group is made more noticeable to the swarms of goblins.
Team 1 decides to fight the stray goblin while Team 2 takes on the goblin spearman. Boromir jumps in the path of the stray goblin. They tread upon previously undisturbed bones, which do not phase Boromir. The goblin is not able to damage him. Vetran axehand defends against the goblin spearman, who draws strength from the mountain roots and quickly dispatches the dwarf. Boromir springs back into action, increasing the presence of the heroes, and strikes out at the stray goblin, wounding it. Dunhere takes his first stab at the Nameless Fear lurking in the shadows, doing only a little damage. Legolas kills the spearman and his victory allows the heroes to find a narrower place in the dreadful gap. They decide to back track and work around the wrong turn. With a pause in the action, the heroes prepare for more battle.
Round 2 (1 damage on Nameless Fear)
Team 2 figures out a way to bear one of their allies aloft, while Team 1 works on a plan to call Gandalf. Team 2 declares Legolas to be the Steward of Gondor. A Watcher of the Bruinen comes to their aid. Team 1 spots the two ancient mathoms on the other side of the dreadful gap.
Gimli and Theodred decide to explore the area. Theodred tosses a resource over the Legolas. Thalin, Boromir , and Bofur explore around as well. They find they are heading up! In a chance encounter, the Goblin Spearman returns and faces off against Team 1. (NOTE: error here; the spearman should have engaged Team 2. Don’t feel it would have affected the outcome). A cheftan of the pit runs at the heroes. Legolas decides to use his ability as steward to prepare for future needs. Our heroes are well-matched against the assembled threat, but do not find any progress in clearing the dreadful gap. Team 2 decides to take on the chieftain.
The Watcher of the Bruinen defends against the chieftain, who unsuccessfully tries to create a shadow of fear. Despite this, the Watcher is still vanquished. The veteran axhand defends against the stray goblin, who draws strength from the mountain roots to destroy the axehand. Boromir jumps to the read, increasing the presence of the group, to defend against the goblin spearman. The spearman throws water from a fouled well, which does little to our hero. Legolas shoots an arrow over at the stray goblin, destroying it. A possible shortcut across the dreadful gap is found. Dunhere strikes out against the Nameless Fear again, once again doing only slight damage. The heroes prepare for their next round of battle.
Round 3 (2 damage on Nameless Fear)
Team 1 begins practicing their skills at blade mastery. Team 2 begins devising a plan for a sneak attack. Team 1 calls upon Gandalf and asks his aid in providing more options for them. They realize it would be possible to call upon his help in the future. They receive a reminder on how to feint as well as the secret to calling a Westfold Horsebreaker to their aide. Team 2 is able to call upon the help of Beorn, filling him in on the secret of taking him aloft if needed.
Thalin, Boromir , Gandalf, and Bofur begin exploring the area, as well as Theodred (who decides to keep his resources to himself this time). They stumble upon some abandoned tools, guarded by a stray goblin who is damaged by Thalin. A goblin spearman appears and is also the recipient of damage from Thalin. Once again, the heroes are able to meet the threat presented to them but not progress any further. Team 1 decides to fight the stray goblin. The goblin spearman also joins the battle against Team 1.
The stray goblin sneaks past undefended. He tries to gain aid from a great cave troll, but to no avail. Still, he is able to wound Gandalf, who is distracted by his search. Boromir jumps into the flight, increasing the presence of the heroes once again. He defends against the goblin spearman, who finds no aid from the power of the shadows and is not able to wound Boromir . But a second goblin spearman runs past he line of defense and appears to destroy Gandalf. Beorn, allied with Team 2, defends against the Chieftain of the Pit. The Chieftain tries to call down a cave in, but it does not work. Still, he is full of vigor and severely wounds (but does not destroy) Beorn. Beorn transforms into a beast right before his eyes and the, in the blink of an eye, is picked up by an eagle. Theodred takes time to pause and erect a grave cairn in Beorn’s memory. Dunhere, seeing the cairn, is fueled with rage.
Boromir jumps to the ready again, continuing to draw attention to his party. He attacks the healthiest of the two goblin spearman, wounding it. Boromir jumps to the ready again and destroys the other spearman. Dunhere strikes out with his rage and damages the Nameless Fear in way that would destroy most enemies, but still the foe stands strong. Legolas and Gimli both take this opportunity to attack the Chieftain of the pit. With the aid of their skills in blade mastery, they destroy the Chieftain. As they do, a way across the dreadful gap begins looking more possible. The heroes prepare themselves.
Round 4 (11 damage on Nameless Fear)
Team 2 feels it might be time to start keeping count of their kills. Team 1 is considering calling upon the aid of Arwen in the future. Legolas uses his benefits as Steward to make preparations for the future. Team 2 decides it would be best to keep track of Legolas’ kills.
Gimili and Theodred begin exploring around (Theodred gifts Thalin with a resource help out). Thalin and Bofur also join the search. In another chance encounter, the Chieftain of the Pit returns from apparent defeat to engage the heroes of Team 2. As our heroes eye their path across the dreadful gap, a sudden cave in blocks their path and forces them to re-think a way around. Fortunately, they had enough people exploring the area and a likely way is found.
The Chieftain is eager to attack Team 2 anew, when Beorn sneakily appears out of nowhere to defend the attack. The Chieftain no longer has his same vigor, but some useful knowledge gives him an added advantage. He is once again able to greatly wound Beorn. The stray goblin decides to attack Boromir , seeking help from an orc drummer but finding none. Boromir is uninjured and decides to take on another attack from the goblin spearman. Water from a fouled well is spit at Boromir , but does nothing to him. Legolas shoots an arrow in to the heart of the spearman, stopping future insults as the spearman falls over. He puts a notch down for a kill and points out a shorter path across the dreadful gap. Dunhere attacks the Nameless Fear, slightly adding to the damage it has already taken. Beorn, wounded but standing, disappears for the time being. The heroes prepare for the next assault.
Round 5 (12 damage on Nameless Fear)
Team 1 discusses a possible quick strike for the future. Team 2 discusses enlisting the help of a Gondorian spearman. Legolas continues to save up for the future, using his benefits as Steward. Team 1 finally calls upon the help of Arwen. And what’s this? Gandalf is not destroyed! He rejoins the battle and sends a deadly blast towards the Chieftain of the Pit, destroying him. Team 2 asks the now-healed Beorn to join the fight again, as well as the Gondorian spearman.
Thalin, Gandalf, Bofur,, and Arwen decide to look around. Arwen gives Beorn the blessing of extra defensive power and the privilege of defending attacks for any team. Gimli and Theodred also look around, with Theodred assisting Boromir in preparing for future need. But new devilry is afoot! Instead of heading up, the heroes now find themselves heading down. A goblin spearman approaches and is damaged by Thalin. Great progress is made across the dreadful gap, but the heroes are still unable to cross it.
Team 1 decides to face off against this new goblin spearman. Boromir first defends against the stray goblin, who calls another goblin spearman out of the shadows to lie in wait. The Gondorian spearman prepares to defend against the goblin spearman and the spear of Gondor fatally wounds the goblin. Dunhere now lashes out against the Nameless Fear, once again wounding it in a very minor way. Legolas shoots at the stray goblin, destroying it, and quickly points out that the team has almost crossed the dreadful gap. He marks a second kill on his record.
Gandalf decides to withdraw for now. As he does, the heroes finally find their way across the dreadful gap! Team 1 makes it to the two ancient mathoms first. They find a Dunedain mark there, a tip on blade mastery, a way to keep count of their kills, and the secret to allying with a watcher of the Bruinen and the ability to call Gandalf to their aid several times. But what is this! The Nameless Fear, while heavily wounded, now seems much more capable of fending of Dunhere’s attacks. The heroes prepare for more battle.
Round 6 (13 damage on Nameless Fear)
Team 2 realizes that winged guardian could fit in these airy tunnels. Team 1 debates feinting a future attack. Legolas continues preparing for the future, using his connections as Steward.
Team 2 decides it is time for Dunhere to start a healthy competition by keeping count with Legolas. Dunhere also draws strength from the Dunain mark. Gandalf makes a new appearance, giving Team 2 the secret of calling a veteran axehand, utilizing a dwarven axe, and feinting yet again. Team 1 decides to hold off on any actions for now.
Gimili, Gandalf, and Theodred begin exploring the area, with Theodred helping Legolas prepare even more. Thalin, Bofur, and Arwen assist in exploring the area (Arwen passing on her blessing of strength and new defensive abilities to Beorn again). The mountains roots begin posing a threat to the party. And there is signs of a massing in the deep. The party’s presence is made more noticeable. They stumble across a crumbling ruin. Beorn jumps aside and is saved by his remembrance of a campfire tale. Boromir jumps to the other side and takes elrod’s council to save his life. A goblin swordsman comes at the party again and, like many goblins before him, is wounded by Thalin. The heroes make small progress in their journey downwards. They decide to travel to the very roots of the mountains.
Team 2 squares off against the goblin swordsman, while Team 1 faces the goblin spearman. The watcher of the Bruinen defends against the goblin swordsman, who uses the power of undisturbed bones to remove the watcher from the battle (note: forgot to re-assign the damage. Let’s say Beorn, who was currently undamaged, took it). Boromir turns aside from his explorations to defend against the spearman. The spearman’s attempt at new devilry does little to phase Boromir . Legolas strikes out and destroys the wounded swordsman, pointing out a quick way around the mountains roots. He takes the time to record a third kill. Boromir again comes back into the action and decides to damage the spearman. Dunhere, now driven by his competition with Legolas and the knowledge the Dunedain mark gave him, strikes out against the Nameless Fear again, still only wounding it slightly but more than before. The heroes prepare for yet more battle as Gandalf withdraw for the time
Round 7 (13 Damage on Nameless Fear)
Team 1 begin rehearsing a battle song, while Team 2 works out a new strategy for having eagles bear someone out of the heat of battle. Legolas continues storing up in preparation.
Team 1 asks the lowly Westfield horsebreaker to join with them, realizing that even the smallest bit of help matters. Dunhere belts out the song of battle the team has learned and call upon the support of the eagles, who are currently nowhere to be found. Team 2 asks for more assistance from Gandalf, who reminds them about their strong allies: the veteran axehand and Beorn. He also reminds them about the rallying power Gondor can have on heroes, even ones from Rohan.
Bofur, Thalin, and Arwen begin looking around. Arwen blesses the Gondorian Spearman as he prepares to defend the heroes. Gimli, Beorn, and Theodred also join the exploration, with Theodred helping Borimir prepare for future events. Something dark and dreadful damages all of the explorers. A shadow of fear spreads, engulfing Boromir . Still, slight progress is made on the journey down.
The Gondorian spearman defends on behalf of Team 1, taking on the goblin spearman. His spear pierces the goblin, destroying it. Dunhere, still keeping count with Legolas and remembering what he learned from the Dunedain mark, strikes out at the Namless Fear again and does more damage. Still, their foe is strong. The heroes prepare for what might be a valiant push to the end, while Gandalf withdraws to help from the sidelines.
Round 8 (17 damage on the Nameless Fear)
Team 2 realizes they, too, can feint an attack if needed. Team 1 recognizes how powerful of an ally Arwen has been to them and vows to call upon her aid again if she needs to leave the battle. Gimli, on team 2, decides to lend a dwarven axe to Dunhere. Team 2 takes Gandalf’s advice and enlists the help of a veteran axehand. Team 1 is overjoyed to see Landroval fly down the tunnels to their aid.
Beorn and Theodred begin exploring around. Theodred gives Thalin assistance to help in a time of future need. Thalin, Bofur, and Arwen begin exploring around. This time Arwen blesses Gimli’s ability as a defender. Out of the shadows come a cave troll and a goblin archer. The goblin is swiftly taken down by Thalin. The enemies push back our heroes, who are suddenly much more noticeable to the goblins of Moria. Team 1 realizes they are in danger of becoming far too noticeable to survive.
Team 2 decides to fight the cave troll. The veteran axehand jumps in to defend. The cave troll calls out to a goblin spearman, who jumps out and lies in wait, while the troll smashes the dwarven defender. Team 1 lets the goblin spearman breeze by undefended, now more powerful through a chance encounter, and watch as he seems to strike down Arwen. Team 2 is stunned by this attack and pauses to collect their breath. Gathering their senses, they shout out the secret of blade mastery to Dunhere and rally with a cry of: “For Gondor!”
Dunhere draws strength from their efforts. He still continues to keep count against Legolas and keeps in mind the advice etched in the Dunedain mark. Turning to Landroval, he asks for support before running full speed at the Nameless Fear and striking hard.
Great damage is done.
But it is not quite enough.
(25 damage on Nameless Fear)
Dunhere put everything into this attack. While the heroes and their allies still seem fairly strong, he being wondering if they will be able to survive long enough to deliver the last crushing blow to their enemy.
Suddenly, aid comes from an unlikely source. The Westfold horsebreaker runs up and points Dunhere’s steed back at the Nameless Fear. Dunhere’s companions remind him of the quick strike they had discussed.
Dunhere takes the opportunity. He strikes out at the Nameless Fear one last time.
And his attack is powerful enough! That Nameless Fear, the Balrog, goes down in a shout of pain. Moria, while still crawling with goblins and the occasional troll, is much safer now.
(total damage on the Nameless Fear: 33)
Now if they could only find their way back out of this mine…
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