The scenes from the Mines of Moria in the first Lord of the Rings film, The Fellowship of the Ring, provide plenty of material for scenarios. One of the most exiting is the flight down the treacherous staircase.
Hollin Gate
The entrance to Moria on the western side of the Misty Mountains is via the Hollin Gate. In the deep pool in front of the gate lives a fearsome tentacled beast known as the Watcher in the Water. The gate is secured by magic, which requires a password to open.
The Watcher in the Water scenario is one of the most unique and intriguing for Lord of the Rings. The Hobbits start separated from the other members of the Fellowship. The non-Hobbits start within the open gates and have to fight their way back to rescue the Hobbits.
The tentacles of the Watcher in the Water move separately to the main body. They attempt to grab members of the Fellowship, with Frodo being the main target. If a tentacle is able to capture and drag a victim to the mouth, then the victim will be unlikely to survive the vicious bite.
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Treacherous Staircase
After the encounter with the Cave Troll, the Fellowship fled from Balin’s Tomb. Chased by hordes of Goblins, the Fellowship were surrounded. But as the Goblins were about to close in, heavy footsteps echoed thorughout the great hall. The Goblins moved back in fear from Durin’s Bane – the Balrog. The Fellowship used the opportunity to run. As they fled from the great hall they had to descend the crumbling and broken staircase.
Goblin archery adds to the difficulty of leaping the gaps in the crumbling staircase. This scenario is a fun and quick one. The Hobbits and Gimli have a chance of falling because of the difficulty of jumping such wide gaps. Aragorn and Legolas can help them across the gaps, to reduce their risk of falling. But if this happens, then Aragorn and Legolas cannot reduce the number of Goblins shooting at the Fellowship. Also their time is limited before the stairs crumble and the Balrog arrives. Interesting choices for the player!
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Flight from Moria
After Gandalf fell at the Bridge of Khazad-dum, the rest of the Fellowship fled out the east gate of Moria. They had to keep running to keep ahead of the Goblins swarming from Moria. In this scenario, the remaining Fellowship have to wind their way down the pathways while the Goblins leap and jump across the rocky slope. The fighters such as Aragorn and Boromir have to form a rearguard. But they must be careful that they do not get too entangled, otherwise they will be cut off and the Hobbits will be attacked.
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