It was a long descent into the bowels of the mountain. First the vent had led into a narrow stone corridor leading farther and farther down. Then there were the almost unscalable walls and finally the maze of confusing and intersecting chambers and caverns. And the heat! It had become hotter and hotter! There looked to be even more chambers. And the doors were so small. Almost as if they had been built by Dwarves. Perhaps treasure could be found as well? Suddenly, all thoughts of treasure leapt from his mind as a giant black fiery being strode into view carrying a burning whip and a sword of red fire. The Balrog of Moria!! Should he...
Character Encounter
Durin's Bane is one of the two known Balrogs in the game. Durin's Bane is most often round in the Misty Mountains or northwestern portion of Mirkwood.
| Options | Free People | Neutral | Dark Servants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mention SAURON's name and use it to get the Balrog's obedience | ? | ? | ? |
| APOLOGIZE for the intrusion and try to leave | ? | ? | ? |
| ATTACK the Balrog and take whatever treasure he can find | ? | ? | ? |
| Tell a STORY about how he got lost and how it won't ever happen again | ? | ? | ? |
| OFFER the Balrog money or artifacts to let him go | ? | ? | ? |
| BOW down before the Balrog and acknowledge his awesome presence | ? | ? | Injured |
| FLEE | Escape | Escape | Escape |
BOW: Dark Servants, Mage/Emissary bowed and was attacked by Balrog being reduced to 1 health. (Stephen Corcoran)
Balrogs will affect pop centers like dragons, positively for Dark Servants, negatively for Free Peoples, and randomly for Neutrals, though such changes are usually minor (a few points at most).
Rumors have this beast with artifacts 165 (Cuiviegurth) and 166 (Calris).