How to describe Strider's combat on Weathertop

[Lord Vangarel]

I've just watched LotR on Dvd and was able to take in alot more details than at the cinema. One question that occured to me was how would you describe Strider's combat against the Ringwraiths on Weathertop?

To briefly summarize the Ringwraiths are about to take Frodo when Strider leaps into the midst of them knocking one away from Frodo. He then swings his sword and torch around alot without really hitting anything and then actually scores some hits. None of the Ringwraiths appear to hit Strider and he sets most of them on fire. Finally one Ringwraith remains and Strider throws his torch about 20 feet setting that one on fire as it flees.

So the question is how could this be translated into combat actions and still have the flow of the scene? D&D has no swing your weapons wildly forcing everyone back action but in the movie it plays out very well.

 

[pennywiz]

I've just watched LotR on Dvd and was able to take in alot more details than at the cinema. One question that occured to me was how would you describe Strider's combat against the Ringwraiths on Weathertop?

To briefly summarize the Ringwraiths are about to take Frodo when Strider leaps into the midst of them knocking one away from Frodo. He then swings his sword and torch around alot without really hitting anything and then actually scores some hits. None of the Ringwraiths appear to hit Strider and he sets most of them on fire. Finally one Ringwraith remains and Strider throws his torch about 20 feet setting that one on fire as it flees.

So the question is how could this be translated into combat actions and still have the flow of the scene? D&D has no swing your weapons wildly forcing everyone back action but in the movie it plays out very well.

Your links don't work.

In your sig or your post...

 

[Lord Vangarel]

Whoops!

There was me thinking I had a .com when all I have is a .co.uk

I've altered it now thankyou.

 

[Maldur]

Bluff and/or Intimidation checks?

Turning undead?

Full defensive fighting?


My question: Ringwraiths are suppose to be utter Badasses. Why are they scared off by a ranger with a sword and a torch?

 

[Dougal DeKree]

My question: Ringwraiths are suppose to be utter Badasses. Why are they scared off by a ranger with a sword and a torch?

because that's the way it is written in the movie-script, silly!

I'd say it is defensive fighting and Aragorns sword is an undead-bane, that's why the wraiths are so reluctant to come into his reach...

Dougal

 

[Lord Vangarel]

What about the number of actions he has? The Ringwraiths don't seem to do that much but get out of his way. While it makes a nice movie scene in D&D Strider would bull rush the first one ending his action. Then they'd all advance on him drawing weapons and cut him to pieces.

Is it that Strider is alot more powerful than the Ringwraiths or he has surprised them and it says in their monster description that when unexpected actions occur they tend to retreat to consider their approach?

 

[Sarellion]

I think it has something to do that he is Isildurs heir. If I recall correctly, Aragorn was seen as a powerful force of good in the realm of shadows. His sword would most probably be a numenorian weapon (he is the leader of the rangers) which is quite good against them.

 

[Lord Vangarel]

So the fact the Ringwraiths flee is down to his magic weapon and his race. Both rely heavily on the 'campaign' background. Makes me think my campaigns shouldn't take the races purely as written in the future. But what about his combat actions? Why don't they just attack him after his initial bull rush? Perhaps he has surprise and then wins initiative and starts swinging his sword around wildly driving them back from the hobbits. Should there, or is there, a rule for a wreckless attack where the intention is not necessarily to hit but to drive creatures backwards?

 

[Wulf Ratbane]

How about "Kickass!"

 

[Lord Vangarel]

How about "Kickass!"

LOL. Yeah that sums it up!!