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Leading down from the lofty heights of the Blue Mountains, where lies the gate to Thorin’s Hall, is a long and wide valley known as the Vale of Thráin. Many Elves and Dwarves will become quickly familiar with the Vale as they begin their adventures in Eriador!
Read about the Vale of Thráin, then post your comments below!
I remember trying to find those stealthy cats there on my Elf champion... I seriously began to wonder if those damned Dwarves had just made them up to trick stupid Elven adventurers.
It's possible some may be wondering ... and the writeup doesn't mention it ... who was Thrain, anyway?
He was Thorin Oakenshield's father, who escaped with his father Thror, the last King Under the Mountain before the dragon came, via the side-door into the Lonely Mountain. He received from his father the map and key to the secret passage, and also the last of the seven Dwarf-rings. He was later captured and tormented by the Necromancer (Sauron in a clever plastic disguise), who took the last ring, but managed to overlook the map and key, which Gandalf received from him and later passed on to Thorin.
I really like the Vale of Thrain. I ought to, most of my gimpy Characters have yet to venture MUCH terribly farther! And those stealthy cats, man they ARE stealthy!
Fun with typing!
I love the vale! I just got one of my (very lowbie) characters to 13, at which point everything on the well travelled paths tend not to attack you, so I've been exploring all the hidden nooks and crannies. It's such an awesome place to explore in, I just wish there were a few more explanations for some of the ruins, bit annoying coming across a stone house in the middle of nowhere and not being able to find out anything about it.
e.h.b
I do like the Vale of Thrain as well. The first time I saw it, I was scared to leave the road but quickly discovered that the risk is worth it. I saw the stone house, placed percariously on the edge of a ledge (fell off it, btw), and the frozen hunter (I stole his coins), and the snowman. :) If I wasn't so burnt out on Erad Luin, I'd explore some more, but that's the great thing about the game, you can go back when you feel the need. :)
Thank you for posting a bit of history about who it's named after. That was interesting to read.
My first character I ever created entered the Vale for the first time at night. I didn't really know my way around and was really low level (I think level 6). Anyway, there I was, running along bravely jumping at every passing hare, when suddenly I get attacked, lag up, and die from a Blue-Crag Novice. The Vale can be a very scary place, even on the paths, if you don't know what you're doing.
e.h.b