...final comments...

Because it matters to me, I kept all the comments people wrote on my old blog. And because it matters to me, I am reprinting them here before starting a new chapter in my adventure. You are always welcome to leave comments on any of these posts. It makes me think you care. :)

from In a beginning hole far far away...

Syllina 2011-10-19 15:04

As the first comment I feel i have a certain responisbility to make it a worth while comment.
000000000000000 000000000000000 000000000000000 000000000000000 00
00111111111000011100000111111110000000011111110001111111111100
00111000000000011100000111001111000000111000000000000111000000
00111000000000011100000111001110000000111000000000000111000000
00111111100000011100000111111111000000011111100000000111000000
00111000000000011100000111000011100000000001110000000111000000
00111000000000011100000111000001110000000001110000000111000000
00111000000000011100000111000001110000111111100000000111000000
000000000000000 000000000000000 000000000000000 000000000000000 00

Danania 2011-10-20 11:50

Yay! A binary coded message!

For being first, you have the honor of "being first".

Thanks! I love it.
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Berda 2011-10-22 20:08

WooHoo The Superblog!!

Good stuff Dana girl keep it coming!!

Danania 2011-10-24 10:00

Yay for being 2nd blog commenter!

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from Journey toward Dunland

Berda 2011-10-22 20:12

I sadly haven't made it to the coveted 75 but looking forward to it. Hope my journey is as spectacular as Dana's.

On a side note I'd like to send out a random shout out to all the random dudes of Middle-Earth, Thanks for all you do Dudes! 

Danania 2011-10-24 09:59

Yay Berda! Soon enough you will be 75, and you will be even more super-uber-awesome!

Sadly, my journey there happened so fast. No matter how much feet-dragging I did, I kept being forced to accept more levels. All I wanted to do was do every quest, and deed, and explore everything, and see everything, and do everything. I have to get levels also?

I hit 75 shortly after I made it through the Gap of Rohan (while doing Heathfells quests, before I saw any Isengard quests).

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Menelchol 2011-10-27 22:00

Excellent call on the unimaginative names for the population of Galtrev. Makes me dislike the Dunlandings even more now.

Danania 2011-11-01 11:43

Hehe... yeah, it's hard to feel very friendly toward them when they won't even tell me their names. I guess... just take my order, do your job, and I won't trouble you further, Some-dude.

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from Best laid plans of elves and rune-keepers

Byrane 2011-10-22 14:02

Wannabe? I am Byrane Davin, BATHED IN FIRE!!!!! Nice article, Dana. Keep it up!

Danania 2011-10-24 09:47

Lol!
Well yeah... NOW you are taking firey baths, but I knew you when. :)
I'm still a wannabe.

Danania 2011-10-26 10:20

If you see Byrane.. you may call him
"Sir Byrane, the Red".

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Berda 2011-10-22 20:22

Go Dana!! We look to you to be the model RK. Heaven forbid we leave that in the hands of Dandur 

Danania 2011-10-24 09:48

Oh my... the pressure of being the model for an entire class...

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Terrentius 2011-10-24 00:43

GREAT post! I'd definitely be interested in watching you run the 12k morale build in the Moors. I can't wait  for Helvannen to make it up there!! I shall be invincible and swift... like bunnies.
Also, Helvannen is very pleased with his spear. Thanks to Dana, he's able to employ stabbity-death upon unsuspecting goblins. What elf doesn't enjoy that as a past-time?

Danania 2011-10-24 09:52

You know... that seemed pie-in-the-sky... but given time to gather the pieces, becoming cherry-lite isn't that far-featched.
Thanks! I'll put it on my to-do list. :)
...and enjoy your stabby spear; let me know when you need another one.

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Menelchol 2011-10-27 22:03

I think now that a full Riders raid has taken Draigoch down, it's time to break out the pics!

Danania 2011-11-01 11:45

As you wish... I'll make a column with some shots of the adventure within the week.

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from Cremello Szand

Terrentius 2011-10-24 21:53

I didn't realize that Cremello was able to levitate! What an amazing talent!!
Also, Helvannen is VERY pleased with his Cremello and feels ever-indebted to Szar and her amazing awesomeness. Just like Po from Kung-Fu Panda... there is no charge for awesomeness... or attractiveness.

Danania 2011-10-25 08:59

Yay for Helvannen's horse!
Oh my! Many of my horses levitate. Mebbe it helps being light-headed. Also, don't eat too many of the festival breads and pies... they will weigh you down.
It dawned on me that the color of this horse isn't greyish-tan... it is more of a szand-y color.

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Terrentius 2011-10-25 09:50

It's true. Horses are capable of flying. Pigs? Not likely... but horses, yes!
I shall keep that in mind concerning festival goodies. Both Helvannen and Asherr need to keep up their physique. Helvannen for his orc-slaughtering self, and Asherr for Ameera's sake (no sense ticking off a Champion you're betrothed to. She hates laziness).
I believe more things should be szand-y. It's quite a beautiful colour, mixed with happiness and joy. I'd say the Cremello Steed is Szandilicious.

Danania 2011-10-25 16:16

Szandilicious. I need to use that one in conversation more.
Tis your pre-warning for Yule festival... pies and breads are bad... berries and safe mushrooms are good...
For the Fall haunted house, be careful what you eat in any case since the Mystery Barrel will make you /heave anyway. lol

Terrentius 2011-10-25 19:20

I shall keep that in mind! Although I'm afraid Asherr is quite a fan of his pies and breads. Bree ruined him. Helvannen, on the other hand, is fit as a fiddle (by the way... who ever came up with that term?).
Mystery barrel, huh? Helv prefers to avoid mysteries. I heard many a folk have had interesting trips from said barrel.

Danania 2011-10-26 14:10

You know I can't leave seemingly rhetorical questions alone...
phrases.org.uk/.../40250.html
Thomas Dekker - 1603: "Then comes downe mistresse Nurse as fine as a farthing fiddle, in her petticoate and kertle."

Terrentius 2011-10-26 14:49

Intriguing! I have been enlightened!

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penglad 2011-10-25 20:28

Whee! A comment!
Was all like, "How do you gift a horse?" Went and looked. Missed page 2 and asked for one.
So uh...how does this subscription thing work? Where do we sign up?

Danania 2011-10-26 14:06

Close enough. :) I accept blog comments, rorweb PMs and chat, in-game tells and mail, nervous twitches, etc. I'll be looking into the best way to setup a notification and you will know soon. :)
Others feel free to jump on the bandwagon, or you might miss things like... the next post concerning everything you want to know about T7 Tailor craft.

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Szand 2011-10-26 14:33

My expression in that screenie looks like I'm channeling Sapience. Freaky!

Danania 2011-10-27 10:03

Lol. I don't see it. Of course, we were in the heart of Barad Gularan. You look solemn and focused on the task at hand!

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from Welcome to my Tailor shoppe!

.......Dana note...... the Tailor shoppe and Draigoch were some very high trafficky posts! I think ultimately, they garnered half of all my blog hits on those first ten posts. :D

Berda 2011-10-27 17:23

As a crafter all I can say is NICE...oh and THANK YOU THANK YOU. Great guide for the tailors of middle-earth. Terrific job Dana!! 

Danania 2011-10-29 11:01

Thanks Berda! That means a lot!
Hopefully, other tailors can find it as useful as the free people will.

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Menelchol 2011-10-27 22:07

Sadly, all those burglar signals provide the exact same bonuses as their level 55 counterparts. I'd hope to see  Turbine correct that oversight in an update, but am not holding my breath.

Terrentius 2011-10-29 10:24

Don't these add some form of bonus from adding a buff when Exploit Opening is used?
Also, the Lv. 45's also give 15%. Weird.

Danania 2011-10-29 11:02

How about that... 
Well Burgs, you will know best. If you want T6 signals instead, we have those in shoppe as well.

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Dainger 2011-10-29 18:51

Danania,I have to say that my burglar tools are the best I could ask for, and many creeps will understand why. Thank you again =)

Danania 2011-10-30 20:56

Wonderful. It is a pleasure to be of service.

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from Skelehorse and Mounted Rear Up

Terrentius 2011-11-01 13:57

I really really really hope you get it!!! I wish I could give Asherr's to you, since I still love Butterscotch, the Cremello Horse!!

Danania 2011-11-02 10:39

Yay! I love my Cremello horse too.
It is the idea that the skelehorse is hiding from me though...
Besides, I have lots of equinely love to give. 
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Berda 2011-11-01 17:15

I feel your pain Dana...so many attempts..soooo many failures. I wish both of us and all the others trying the  best of luck. We deserve skele horses for perseverance if nothing else! The emotes would be an added bonus for sure; they are just too cool!

Danania 2011-11-02 10:32

Yeah... too bad it isn't building up good karma with the Hidden chest...
"Hey chest! I visit you every day... we are homies, like kin rep... please stop giving me Haunted Trees; I already have a haunted forest."
BTW... if anyone wants a Haunted Tree, let me know. We were up to around 42 trees a few days ago, and started throwing them away.
UPDATE: I was so excited that one of the lil danas won a lottery! It was the trick or treat lottery... she won a lump of coal. I was very disappointed. Mebbe sometimes it is better to win nothing.

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penglad 2011-11-02 06:26

Is the emote a drop or how do you get it...?

Danania 2011-11-02 10:27

Right now, the emote is from the lottery.
Word on the wind is that it will be for sale in the store... but free is better.

Menelchol 2011-11-02 17:16

Lotteries for the emotes are over. Look to the store. :(

Danania 2011-11-02 17:28

Stright from the horse-master's mouth. To the store!

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from Draigoch, Draigoch spoilers, pictures of Draigoch

...Dana note... Yep. lots of traffic. :) I enjoyed that one.

Majesticmyst 2011-11-03 18:13

Very nice Dana!!!!

Danania 2011-11-05 16:03

Yay for being first to comment on the Draigoch post!

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Terrentius 2011-11-03 20:13

WOW!!! I can't wait to put my Captain skills to the test and take on such a fierce enemy. I've heard legends  of "dragons", but the drakes I usually face never seem to challenge me. Perhaps Draigoch is more of a match for my hard work and training?

Danania 2011-11-05 16:04

You will be ready sooner than you think. When you are, it would be my pleasure to go with you.

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Lynrieth 2011-11-04 00:21

Great pics!

Danania 2011-11-05 16:05

Thanks Lyn! I didn't even mention your belt buckle! Cowgirls rule!

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Belile 2011-11-04 04:43

You showed him just who is the mightiest in the land!
 

Danania 2011-11-05 16:06

Testify! RoR is the mightiest! (happy dance)

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Macswife 2011-11-04 06:07

Beautiful Dana :)
I love the pictures of him flying.
Honest to God, he looks like my kitten Allie when she is angry with me.
I think Dana's blog is awesome (as is she)

Danania 2011-11-05 16:08

Thanks MW! High praise! With minstrels like you singing the advertisements, I am the one who is honored.

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penglad 2011-11-04 06:23

I now have a can't-raid regret. I should be 75 this weekend, though, so that's good. I'll start by building a new LI! Whee! (then just have t figure out what freakin armor to grind...)

Danania 2011-11-05 16:10

Hehe. Yay for your progress toward leveling!
A good crafter can get you a long way toward your armor goals.  (You read my "Best laid plans..." column...)

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Ilras 2011-11-04 08:42

I like the post. Can't wait until I make it to 75 in like 5 years 
Congratulations !

Danania 2011-11-05 16:12

Aww... I'm sure Draigoch will still be cool when you get there. I still visit Udunion in Barad Gularan (level 50) once a month; good adventures with good friends is always fun regardless of the timing!

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Menelchol 2011-11-04 20:10

Great action shots! Best blog entry yet, and that's saying something. Please keep it up.

Danania 2011-11-05 16:12

Wow! No pressure. lol
Glad you enjoyed it; that makes it worth it!

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Nidrad 2011-11-05 18:02

very nice pictures Dana.

Danania 2011-11-06 21:59

Yay! Thanks Nidrod! You were a good model for the pictures.

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Szand 2011-11-20 14:13

I'd love to see this fight some day. But given my RL schedule your pictures are about as close as I'm likely to get so thanks for sharing!

Danania 2011-11-21 11:48

Thanks Szand! You know... there may come a day when factions align that you will get a break and be in that place in that moment... and you shall become Szand the Red. 
All in its own time. (btw... assuming the group doesn't wipeout and has some good leadership, it seems the fight itself is about 45 minutes plus some prep/gather/discuss time.)

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from Fun Fall Festival, Friends!

penglad 2011-11-10 07:32

Sounds like you had a right blast! I hate that I missed the consumables-groups most of the time, but I didn't have all that many anyway. I won a couple of the Token Stash lotteries, though, so I have a few Black Silk Gloves...
I find they're the definitive retort for random slappers--in fact, I caught someone in Galtrev slapping Lyn and then trying to run off (WHACK! down on the ground! Mid-stride, even!) and laid out some Justice--then ducked off to make it seem as though I were a ninja.

Danania 2011-11-10 08:50

Go you! Oh... the satisfaction of laying out the glove on the deserving party. That one has to be my favorite consumable emote. I had a head start on it since I had gotten 100 of them last year and used them as necessary throughout the year... I still had 30-something left when this festival arrived. 

penglad 2011-11-10 16:17

Did you get the deed? I'm still not clear what the reward is...

Danania 2011-11-10 17:44

Yes. 
The deed completed once the 300th consumable was used. The reward was having it as a skill. Now I can slap people down without carrying around black gloves... worth it? I suppose. Satisfaction of completing a deed? That was the real win, right?

penglad 2011-11-10 21:25

So hard to say. 
You have it bound to a hotkey...?

Danania 2011-11-11 12:40

Good question. I did have them setup along one of my toolbars, but now after 2 festivals (summer, fall) with 13 skills my toolbar runneth over.
I'll probably do like I did with my ports and steed corral and make a TonicBar (plugin Tonicbar) out of them so I can see them only when I want.

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Menelchol 2011-11-12 15:11

Best post yet - so many Riders out enjoying the festival. Keep it up!

Danania 2011-11-14 11:33

Glad it lived up to the hype! Thanks Menelchol!  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ilras 2011-11-12 15:33

Who is that handsome guy with the disappearing facial hair? Oh...it's me  
I found out why my facial hair was disappearing - I had on one of the festival masks, set to hidden, so it made all of the facial hair disappear as well. So be careful of this all of you guys with facial hair! If you put on a face mask with a hood your hair will disappear until you take of the mask. At least I no longer have to shave :)
Great post! I am disappointed that there was no mention about my "unwise" title!!! That was a great wise crack moment :)
I'll see you guys back in game Monday or Tuesday. I've got a 1300 mile drive home starting tomorrow morning! Keep up the fight in Middle Earth.

Danania 2011-11-14 11:47

Hahahaha. The unwise Ilras... someone has been eating the rotten fromage. The question is, did it kill you? 

Ilras 2011-11-14 15:13

Bien sûr, je suis morte de le manger.

Danania 2011-11-14 16:52

Je suis vraiment desole. J'etais au un avantage etant un guerisseur. Je n'ai pas mourir. 

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Assmunahi 2011-11-12 21:45

Great recap of the Festival. I was able to get 4 of the Consumable deeds done this time around. Those skirmishes help out a lot. 
Alas I did not find a Skeleton horse either. Better luck next year.

Danania 2011-11-14 11:50

Yay for 4 consumable deed completions! Might ask around; there are still others with consumables...
3rd year is the charm for skelehorses. After so many fails, I will be completely shocked to finally get the quest item (or whatever it is...)

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from Lil Danas

Menelchol 2011-12-08 19:19

So many good pictures - not sure which is my favorite, but I'll choose Danadalyn looking mischievous and Danadelion waving from horseback for my favorites _today_!

Danania 2011-12-09 01:46

Thanks Menelchol!
Danadalyn makes me smile. :) Very photogenic. The bear one and the story-telling one in the Prancing Pony are some of my favs. Interesting that you were drawn to Delion given your "lion history"...

<Dana note... Menelchol's previous name was Prenthelion, which made that comment very funny to me.>

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Terrentius 2011-12-08 20:00

That totally tickled my RP fancy!

Danania 2011-12-09 01:48

Thanks Asherr. :) I feel and empathize with each and it took some thought as to how to present them in 3rd person. lol

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Throklin 2011-12-08 22:34

There must be a lot of lil' Dana stories running around in your head to produce these. Very nice. Thanks for taking to the time to share. :)

Danania 2011-12-09 01:52

Thanks Throklin! The lil danas existed far before I discovered them in Middle Earth. The link to where Danaish got her name sparked most of their origins. It was a year or so before some of them ever set out on their first adventures. :)

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Assmunahi 2011-12-08 23:27

Haha, love it. I've been waiting for your next installment. That is definitely a lot of personalities to deal with.
In a way I wish I had had a naming convention like yours but I really like and chose each of my characters names for their own reasons. (so I guess it is up to everyone else to know that Threanody is Asma and Velcrojones is Asma and Kipton.....) hehe, sorry guys.
Have fun with the crafting savvy Angels. 

Danania 2011-12-09 02:03

Yay! thanks Asma.
An Asma by any other name would still be As... well could actually be Asma (or Assmunahi, or Brytwen, or Crocosmia, or Kipton, or Liriodendron, or Nidia, or Threanody, or Velcrojones, or Ytanya, or Zahrah... did I miss anyone??? I can also recite the 7 dwarves and the 8 reindeer too. lol)

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Syllina 2011-12-09 14:08

What wonderful pictures! Nice to see the full line-up of Dana Inc. Love the back story on the characters as well.

Danania 2011-12-09 16:30

Thanks Lean! It was fun to tell! :)

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Asciel 2011-12-11 18:58

This is super! I, like Asma, wish I had considered a naming convention when I started making characters. Oh well :)

Danania 2011-12-12 13:53

Yay! Thanks dana-Asciel.

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Berda 2011-12-13 09:44

Simply fantastic! Such wonderful and detailed pictures. I particularly loved Danadalyn and the sheep. That one makes me laugh. Never realized just how tiny hobbits were till just then.
You must keep us posted on the progress of the Angels and the lil' Dana's adventures.
 

Danania 2011-12-13 10:32

Thanks Berda!
That was the day Dalyn was trying to teach herself to ride by practicing on a sheep! The idea was that getting bucked by a sheep might be like holding onto a big wool pillow and not hurt as much. After she was tossed on her rear she had a few words for the sheep. Sigh... hobbits.

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from Fun of Yule past...

Bossman 2012-01-24 16:08

I LOVE the synchronized jump in the first picture - well done ;)

Danania 2012-01-24 16:44

Yay! Thanks!
It was synchronized line dancing. Hehe (Elf dance #1 mebbe?)
The two of them let me join in on the fun. Next time, I'll change my outfit so I don't stand out so much.

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penglad 2012-01-24 17:54

Sounds like you had a pretty good time this go-round. Goofy, BTW, is the Bumble Monster's well-meaning halfwit cousin who is REALLY good with cars.

Danania 2012-01-24 19:18

I always enjoy festival. :)
I'll tell you all about it next post.
I did not know that Goofy and Bumble were related! See the things people can learn from reading blog comments! Thanks Peng.

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Assmunahi 2012-01-25 12:53

I actually tried acting this year on Threanody and she kept getting Gandalf's part. I was beginning to wonder if that was the only character I could play. Then I was finally given Bilbo's part. I got some deeds done but definitely didn't spend as much time out there this year. Sounds like you had fun over the past few years.

Danania 2012-01-26 11:21

Oh my... Gandalf every time... he IS the Villain in the story...  hehe. silly hobbits.

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Saeiranos 2012-01-27 20:19

I laughed at the second picture, 'cause I remember standing in front of that and thinking myself, "It's my own  little army of snowmen!"
Love the blog Dana ;)

Danania 2012-01-28 03:18

Like minds, Sae... 
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Draigoch, Draigoch spoilers, pictures of Draigoch

(archived from November 3, 2011)

A column about Draigoch, you say? I don't want anyone to be surprised by the title and think I made you see pictures of Draigoch against your will. Don't scroll down this column if you are trying to avoid seeing him. I had been holding out by not posting pictures of Draigoch until more people got to see him, but now that he has been open for visitors for over a month, now is the time. We are all good then? Let's go!

The first thing to know is you don’t just waltz into Draigoch’s lair with no preparation. There is a chain of quests. It is nothing difficult, but you wouldn’t want to be in Raid about to enter and realize that you are magically barred from entry, because you didn’t do the intro quests. If I am recalling correctly, the chain starts at Nar’s Peak with the quest, “There is gold in the hills”. It ends with the deed completion of finding the cave entrance. EDIT: I've been told I am not remembering the start correctly! The into quest begins in Galtrev, and directs you to Nar's Peak! 

 One thing for sure, the cave is a bit dark. The pictures didn’t turn out as well as I hoped so I am adjusting some of them to show you better what "I spy with my elven eye".

INTRO: After you do the Intro quests, you have found Draigoch's lair. Now, you can go in.

Got your friends with you?? Draigoch is awake...


In my group of Riders, we had Nidrod ~ minstrel,   Norinrad ~ guardian,   Omegaseraph ~ hunter,   Taradanag ~ hunter,   Lynrial ~ hunter,   Dainger ~ burglar,   Menelchol ~ LM,   Macmerkin ~ champion,   Byrane ~ champion,   Beorhir ~ captain,   Dandur ~ RK healer, and   myself ~ RK dps. 

Captains don't get scared do they Beorhir? Oh, I'm terrified. That will definitely keep me more alert, and hopefully, more alive. I'm not sure that Draigoch wants us to go in and take his stuff. Bilbo once told me about the time he ended up in Smaug's lair. I wonder if he still has that ring of invisibility...

PHASE 1: The Gauntlet. Ok, now you made it into the lair. Undoubtedly, Draigoch isn’t very happy about his home being invaded by a bunch of upstarts. There are 3 phases. For phase 1, just making it safely through the tunnels to where you can taunt Draigoch has proven to be a battle of will for some wannabes. He is looking to kill you before you start.  The fight actually reminds me a lot of the turtle of Filikul. If you have good leadership and good teamwork, it can be easy. If not, well… it will be a long night and a likely loss.


Oh boy. Mid-way through the gauntlet... Nidrod and I are hiding from Draigoch's view, looking down on him. Nidrod has been here once before... I'll stick close so I don't get lost.

Oh geez. Don't look over here... Draigoch can smell the intruders and is looking for someone to burn to a crisp!

After 2 visits to Draigoch, one with an unsuccessful pug and one with a full 12-person corps of Riders, I am by no means an expert of any sort. I just like to take pictures. Actually, I am not even going to pretend to advise you on the details of the fight; I’ll leave that to the experts.


Here is a shot from the pug I went on. It was one of the first shots I had of just how big Draigoch is. I didn't get the full effect of it though until I enhanced the image and pulled out some of the shadows. Lynrial was teaching others how not to become dragon-food; she is the brunette in front of me with a skull over her head.

Haha. Just sit here quietly... he is way over there looking in the tunnels for victims. I'm just glad to be here and not over there. 

When I saw him launch up and blow fire during the fight, all I could really see was the jet of flames. I stripped the shadows out of this shot to show the ferociousness that is Draigoch. He was none too happy that he hadn't decimated us all. 

Interlude... No one touched Draigoch's loot chest, right? I think he might want to parlay with us... Undoubtedly, he believes that we will be easy to dispatch. The poor thing... he must not know the power of the Riders of Rohan. He soon shall.

Helloooo, Mister Dragonnnn! We are already safely nestled into your lair... Ready to turn around and see what we have brought for you?

Hi there! A big dragon! Now for a profile shot...

Wow! You are a handsome dragon aren't you! Smile for the picture!

Danania: "Would you like to give me some of your treasure, or you want us to take it from you forcefully?"


Draigoch: "Bold words from such a pip of an elf. You want to fly up here and say that again?


Danania: "Soon enough mighty dragon. But I think it is nearly time for game-on."

Danania: Silly dragon. You are grinning now... sure, you burned my cape last time I was here pugging and left me to go home empty handed. This time I've brought a whole team of Riders. Lynrial? Byrane? Menelchol? Norinrad? Dandur? Seraph? Nidrod? Yeah... starting to remember them aren't you. So sly, thinking that only 12 will to be an easy challenge for you. You better bring it, because we will be.

Draigoch: You are all chatter, lil word-smith. You hold no power over me!


Danania: What you say is probably true. As one, I am no great threat. As a team, we will take you out. Besides, look to your left up on the ledge mighty dragon... Lynrial and Byrane, both Bathed in Fire by your blood, stand at the ready. From here on out, your moments are numbered.

PHASE 2: It is on. Our group is preparing for phase 2 assault, the fight against the dragon feet.


I think this is a nice group shot, focused on Menelchol the lore-master in the foreground. From left to right... Taradanag, Omegaseraph, Menelchol, Nidrod, Dainger, Dandur, Norinrad, Macmerkin, Lynrial.   Beorhir and Byrane were just out of shot, and I had the camera. 

Ok! Let's get to work! How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. How do you take down a dragon with 9 million morale? It starts with the first shot. Take out his feet; make him "easier" to hit.

Woohoo! Success! We stepped on his toes enough that he fell over! Let's go get him!

How big is he??? Yeah. He is that big.

Eep! He prefers being stabbed in the belly less than he prefers being stabbed in the foot. Run, before he tramples us all!

PHASE 3: Phase 3 involves being down in the lair, fighting under the great dragon. Don’t get stomped! Don’t get burned to a crisp! Show off your teamwork prowess!

Winning!
With that last round of strikes, Draigoch is gasping for air. He is going down! Run! Run! Do not let him fall on you or it is good night Mini!


To the tunnels... do what you do best! Dainger, hide!   Nidrod, bubble!   Me, time to fly!

Doing the victory stand! Rest now, dragon. If you just lay there, we will stop stabbing you, take a few pieces of loot, and get out of here.

Teamwork! We stand together atop the mighty dragon.

Teamwork! His head is so massive, I couldn't get an adequate shot of the team; so here is the other half of them.

Hehehe. This shot was one of my favorites.

Conclusion:
For beating the dragon, you are awarded lots of goodies!


First, if you beat Draigoch while using the 12 FMs (challenge) and on 12-person (tier 2), you take Draigoch's title "The Red", the deed completions, some Turbine points, and a Worn Symbol of Celebrimbor to make a level 75 2nd Age LI.

Woohoo! Here is most of our team from the night! Left to Right: Dandur, Thetaseraph, Macmerkin, Nidrod, Byrane, Beorhir, Menelchol, me, Norinrad, Lynrial.   Dainger and Taradanag must have been carrying the enormous housing item or something... what?? You don't see the housing item?? It is right behind us. Ok, ok... look up in the next shot! 

Yeah, it is a life-size stuffed dragon! It is hard to get a good shot of it because it is so large! To see it in person, visit the Riders of Rohan kin house near Thorin's Hall!

If you crane your neck just right, you can get a good view of just how large it is. Also, note that it is too big to fit in the Thorin's Hall homestead! The dwarves really must come expand out the top of the cavern to fit our trophies better. Dandur shoved the wings in between the stalactites, but it is a tight fit at best. Still, a beautiful trophy for the Riders of Rohan.


UPDATE 05/16/12: I got a much better shot of the statue of Draigoch at the lil danas house (draigoch-statue-lil-danas-moving-day)

And for the 12, there was nearly enough very good loot so that everyone got something really nice, from Worn symbols for 2nd age level 75 LIs, to special class gear tokens only dropped by Draigoch, to special raid-type gear, to ... what I got, scales for a Wyrmscale cloak. Certainly, it is the nicest thing I own. It is the first time I've considered permanently breaking out of my standard red Supergirl cape in years, and at least for the foreseeable future, I will be Supergirl the Red, at least in cape. Here is a shot of me riding my Cremello Szand steed up on the Hill, everything bright skies and rainbows. It is so lovely, and it even glows in the dark!

(The original posting of this story had the most active comment response of the first ten. saved and cherished @ final-comments)