[Rohan Spoilers] The <<Blank>> of Nan Mordeleb

[Terisonen]

And yes, we can absolutly imagine a lesser Balrog somewhere in Middle-Earth...

[Arthadan]

For me the problem is not if it's "accurated" to introduce more balrogs, I'm fine with that. The problem is where, so they won't impact the main storyline.

[Glorelendil]

For me the problem is not if it's "accurated" to introduce more balrogs, I'm fine with that. The problem is where, so they won't impact the main storyline.

Oh, we've answered that: it's sitting at a computer somewhere in Russia, spamming honest websites.

[T.S. Luikart]

For me the problem is not if it's "accurated" to introduce more balrogs, I'm fine with that. The problem is where, so they won't impact the main storyline.

Oh, we've answered that: it's sitting at a computer somewhere in Russia, spamming honest websites.

Truly, the evil of Morgoth's fiends knows no limit.

[bluejay]

Just explaining the whole "Gandalf vs Balrog' scene to my daughter and thinking about whether Tolkien was being metaphorical or literal regarding the Balrog having wings.

All this time I realise I'd missed a really relevant line. Gandalf's last words to the Fellowship before he falls is "Fly, you fools!" I'm guessing that definitely wasn't to be taken literally.

[DavetheLost]

Was it Gandalf the Grey or Gandalf the White who said that? The latter had considerably fewer constraints on displaying his power within Middle Earth.

The White. But the point still stands.

Is it Balrog the Black? Or Balrog the Charcoal-Grey?

Yes, the point stands, but Gandalf seems to have changed after he was sent back. The returned Gandalf the White may have been less vulnerable to the concerns of the flesh than he was before as Gandalf the Grey. The same spirit but in a more powerful vessel, or at least a less vulnerable one.

Saruman at the Cleansing of the Shire was likewise considerably diminished in power as compared to when he was lord of Isengard.

As for te question of lesser Balrogs existing in Middle Earth in the late Third Age, it is a possibility I am open to. I am not sure it is my prefered answer to Nan Mordeleb. It may cheapen the one in Moria. The Balrog, the Watcher in the Water, the flying mounts of the Nazgul, and the nameless things gnawing at the roots of the world, as well as Old Man Willow offer hints that there are many things only hinted at in the chronicles we have. Any of which could be responsible for Nan Modeleb.

But I am pretty sure we will see official stats for a Balrog of some sort sooner or later. It is just too iconic to leave out.

[Glorelendil]

I am not sure it is my prefered answer to Nan Mordeleb. It may cheapen the one in Moria.

I actually agree with this. I personally wouldn't put one in Nan Mordeleb, although I'm looking forward to looting Zedturtle's. I'm not arguing in this thread for it's presence; I'm arguing against the presumption that there "can't be" one.

I'd put a spawn of Ungoliant in there myself.

[DavetheLost]

Oh, now that is a nasty thought... And one that I think fits the character of the place better than a Balrog.

[Glorelendil]

"Spawn of Ungoliant" (I suck at Tolkien names...suggestions welcome)

Attribute Level: 10
Hate: 12
Endurance: 99
Parry: 5
Protection: 4D

Personality: 3
Movement: 4
Perception: 4
Survival: 5
Custom: 3
Vocation: 4

Weapons:
Ensnare: 3
Sting: 4 (AL, 10, 18, Called Shot: Poison*)
A Poisoned victim falls to the ground paralyzed after a number of rounds equal to their Body or Heart, whichever is higher.

Special Abilities:
Craven
Denizen of the Dark
Hate Sunlight
Foul Reek
Great Size
Hideous Toughness
Seize Victim
Thick Hide
Thing of Terror
Wicked Cunning
Darker than Darkness (TN: 16)

[T.S. Luikart]

"Spawn of Ungoliant" (I suck at Tolkien names...suggestions welcome)

"Einior Saew" - "Elder Poison"