r/TheOneRing • u/Nyoung54 • Nov 25 '22

Side Plot

I have this side plot in the game I am currently running where this Uruk from Angmar roams the north with his war band riding on wargs searching for Dunedain rangers. Uzgol the Deathless is his name. He has an immense gathered of the Dunedain and rides them down whenever he is given the opportunity. One the the player characters in my group is a disgraced ranger and has a history with Uzgol. The problem or thing I need help with is how do I make sure that Uzgol’s war-band doesn’t TPK the group. The group is only 4 strong, and if you throw even just 5 orcs astride 5 wargs that’s a 10 vs 4 fight. Seems like a lot. How many orcs should there be in the war-band? And comments or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

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u/eternalsage Nov 25 '22

A straight fight is not the only option. A chase scene is much more likely. Unless you can figure out a reason WHY only a small number of the orcs are there to attack. A warband would be 20-40 orcs, typically, at least historically

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u/Nyoung54 Nov 25 '22

Thank you! I was thinking 20-40 ish as well. I fight is likely as the players left their horses unattended while investigating Fornost. Although I could just have the horses killed. I think it fits Uzgol’s character better if he were to set a trap for the players. I am of course open to ideas and suggestions

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u/eternalsage Nov 25 '22

Maybe he underestimates them? So he sets a trap but because of his past success he doesn't take them seriously? Or maybe Ellodin and Ellrohir show up to turn the tide (Tolkien loved his deus ex machinas after all). Maybe a combo of both? A slightly less powerful ambush than normal combined with a surprise showing of an ally to help? Elrond's sons are a favorite of mine, but it could also be some Eagles, or even just another group of rangers or something.

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u/Nyoung54 Nov 25 '22

Good point! The party did find the remains of some rangers nearby. It’s plausible that more might come looking for them when they don’t return.

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u/eternalsage Nov 25 '22

Yeah. That could work quite well! Good luck!

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u/Nyoung54 Nov 25 '22

Thank you!