Vampires

[celban]

Hello
I've been lurking for a while, been playing with a small group for about a year and we are working the system out with good success. Up until now we have been pretty much Orc bashing, experimenting with "Normal" creatures and playing some of the scenarios from Tales from the Wilderland

I would like to start a discussion about the TOR Vampires I have been studying for possible use, in particular the "Secret Shadows".

The creatures as shown in the LMB describe something very different to the Vampires as presented in other game systems. I am intrigued by them, but I'm not sure if I understand them well enough.
I don't know if I am missing something, but they don't seem very terrifying other than they can fly and would present a problem for ground pounders with poor archery.

So my question is about their overall power and threat to the fellowship as given.

Please illuminate me about their abilities, ideas for use, or what their supernatural effects (if any) might be, house rules etc. so I can further contemplate their use.

Thanks!

[DavetheLost]

The vampires of Middle Earth are not the Count Dracula inspired vampires of other games. They are essentially very large, very nasty bats. Some of which can briefly change into the shape of beautiful women.

You aren't missing much. In days past they were servants of the a Shadow and were of greater power than today. Like many servants of the Enemy they are now much reduced in power.

[Otaku-sempai]

The best-known of the Middle-earth Vampires was Thuringwethil. She was a messenger of Sauron's when he dwelt in Tol-in-Gaurhoth in the First Age. Thuringwethil was either a corrupted Maiar or an Air Spirit in Sauron's service; she could assume the form of a huge vampire bat with iron claws on each joint of her wings.

Luthien used Thuringwethil's wings to disguise herself as a Vampire in order to rescue Beren. In early versions of the legend, the hound Huan slew Thuringwethil and Luthien used her skin to effect the transformation. In the final version, Thuringwethil possessed a magical cloak that allowed her to transform; it was this cloak that was used by Luthien.

[Corvo]

Speaking from a tactical point of view, Vampirs are fairly weak opponents when alone.
They really come into their own when combined with other creatures.

When we played the Battle of the Five Armies, the PCs were attacked by Orcs, while the Vampires harassed them with their "bewilder" ability. In the end the Fellowship leader realized they had to get rid of the Vampires to have a fighting chance against the Orcs...