"wlh" wrote in message news: ... Bag End Preparations and Departures (wlh - 12/22/01) A front-end variant for the LotR: Friends & Foes Expansion. Adds a little more "historical chrome". oo Contents Bag End Departure Choices Assumptions The Choices Other Consequences Gandalf's Letter Merry and Fatty oo Bag End Departure Choices "Historically", even though Gandalf advised an earlier departure, Frodo chose to delay his leaving the Shire until autumn (September). But what if the Hobbits chose to leave earlier ? o Assumptions - Most of the six cards received by each Hobbit in the Gandalf Activity reflects the basic nature/constitution/talents/etc of each Hobbit and is not part of any additional preparations. - The Ringbearer Roll in the Preparations Activity reflects temptations endured during the delay period between Gandalf's heart-to-heart with Frodo (April) and Frodo's departure (September) - The need to consider Hiding in the Nazgul Appears Activity is also a direct consequence of the delayed departure (the Nazgul did not reach the Shire until September) - There is a possibility that Butterbur does forward Gandalf's letter, as requested, to the Shire or that events were such that Gandalf never did write the letter (the letter does not exist). o The Choices - If take Gandalf's advice and leave straight away (in May): Hobbits each receive 5 cards No Preparations (no Ringbearer Roll and no cards) No Nazgul (no need to Hide) Travel to Rivendell uneventful, skip Bree Scenario board All Hobbits reach Rivendell without incident - If decided to delay departure, check to see if receive a letter from Gandalf. Shuffle the Bree Feature cards face down and draw one card. If Gandalf's letter card then letter was received, add it to Frodo's hand. - If did receive Gandalf's letter (in July) may elect to leave post-haste. Hobbits each receive 6 cards (as normal) Preparations (Ringbearer may Roll to draw/distribute 2 cards) No Nazgul (no need to Hide) Travel to Rivendell uneventful, skip Bree Scenario board All Hobbits reach Rivendell without incident Discard the Gandalf's letter card - If departure as originally decided (in September) then normal play. Hobbits each receive 6 cards Preparations (Ringbearer may Roll to draw/distribute 4 cards) Nazgul Appears (one player discard 2 Hide or Sauron advances 1) Travel to Rivendell via Bree Scenario board oo Other Consequences o Gandalf's Letter - If possess Gandalf's letter (received at Bag End) Ignore (but don't skip) the 2nd Event box on the Bree Scenario board - If do not posses Gandalf's letter (was not received at Bag End) When reach Bree 2nd Event box, first check to see if the letter exists Shuffle any remaining Bree Feature cards face down and draw one card If Gandalf's letter card then letter not available, discard it and ignore the Event - Unless have read Gandalf's letter there is no reason to trust Butterbur or Strider. As long as do not possess the letter then treat Butterbur and Strider cards at half value (i.e. Butterbur - Fight, Strider - Travel) o Merry and Fatty "Historically" Merry joined Frodo at the Brandywine Ferry and Fatty was at Crickhollow when Frodo started his journey from Bag End. So .... - If do not depart until September then cards in the Merry or Fatty hands are not available to meet the Hide from Nazgul need at bag End. - If Fatty not a player he still provides assistance to party when they reach Crickhollow. When reach the 2nd Travel space on the Bree Scenario board, draw/distribute 2 Hobbit cards. wlh - Comments welcome (wlhmlh02@earthlink.net)