Rangers and High Elves in Mirkwood

[Angelalex242]

I've been playing a high elf for some time now in elfhelm's game.

I know a High Elf's weakness is that getting rid of shadow is an epically painful pain in the ass. Other then the Lesser Ring Reward, I've been avoiding taking shadow like the plague, even though I'm only 3 heart (6/3/8+1=9)

The next reward I took was books and maps, as I was primarily looking towards long term longevity of the character, and anything that reduces the chance of Shadow is a good buy. I've also been dumping XP straight into Valor and Wisdom to minimize my Shadow chances, and I always hope a possible shadow causing roll if possible, since High Elves fear shadow, not hope loss. I'm currently working towards buying wisdom 4, which should be a pretty good buffer against corruption, particularly against blighted zones, where maps kicks in.

I've been effective enough at this that I've yet to check a skill off.

[Glorelendil]

Nimrodel, are you listening?

[Angelalex242]

Just saying.

A high elf's first priority is to make himself as shadow resistant as is possible. That's what keeps him from having to retire.

[Glorelendil]

Just saying.

A high elf's first priority is to make himself as shadow resistant as is possible. That's what keeps him from having to retire.

No, a power-metagamer's first priority is to shadow proof his toon.

A high elf's first priority is to get the Silmarils back.

[Rich H]

A high elf's first priority is to make himself as shadow resistant as is possible. That's what keeps him from having to retire.

Nope, that's a very specific viewpoint and a very specific way of playing the game. The high-elf would likely not know the meta-game mechanics that the player does so would likely vocalise such mechanics as "do not involve oneself with the affairs of men", "beware the Shadow - stay at home!" or some such/similar attitude. Personally I'd embrace the rule design and idea of a high-elf eventually choosing to remain in Rivendell and becoming more insular - it's the natural evolution of such a character and one that can make for some intense RPing moments.

Or, what Glorelendil said.

[Deadmanwalking]

While I agree that avoiding Shadow is probably not the character's priority per se, I do think it's probably gonna be a high priority for most players who go High Elf and have any system understanding whatsoever.

After all, almost all players are either concerned with mechanics, or rather invested in their character in a personality/story sense (or both)...and either of those facts tends to strongly incline one to want to minimize Shadow gains on a High Elf in order to keep the character around.

[Angelalex242]

Unless you're really, really good at using the system. Then your High Elf can stick around a long time.

Be assured, I can and have been pulling this off.

[Glorelendil]

Every player who want to play a high elf should accept to see his character leave faster than other party member. It is part of the game.

As AngelAlex points out, that's only true if you want to get into the spirit of the game. If you're willing to min max to avoid it, and your LM is gentle with Shadow...which ours is not...it's pretty easy. But please keep playing Nimrodel the way you have been. It's more true to the fiction.

[zedturtle]

what are you talking about? I'm super easy going on the shadow. Of course, it is the darkening of Mirkwood, so I am trying to be a little harder.

Miscalculate some stuff one time… and they Never let you live it down.

[Angelalex242]

And even I wasn't perfectly optimized for Shadow Resistance, else I'd have used a heart 5 build. I'm actually using a 6/3/8(+1 lesser)