Hobbits need more love and attention.

**nepereta** · January 04, 2010, 06:21 PM

I was looking at the eriador line up and I was a little disappointed with the hobbits.

a) why don't they have improved stealth of some sort? 'hide anywhere' would be good, improved hiding in forests would nearly be acceptable.
b) why aren't they present in Bree(Fellowship of the Ring certainly mentions Hobbits here) and Staddle ( possibly )?
c) why aren't they carrying axes? (Battle of Bywater ONLY mentions hewing of hobbit axes)

Is (a)impossible due to game mechanics problem? It just doesn't strike me as they get no bonus hiding skills as per 'Concerning Hobbits'. The various hobbits appearing enmasse in the battles of 'Scouring of the Shire'. These guys didn't even spring out of the woods as per the Ithilien Rangers did in book 2. The simply materialized around a bunch of carts. These guys are tiny average 3 feet tall , amazing at hiding, naturally shy and have an affinity for nature. Furthermore why can't hobbits be produced in some of the other locations they are stated to be in the books? Bree and Staddle for example? One more point aren't they axe users as per Scouring of the Shire?

I am not talking about 1337ing this unit as they will explode when cavalry or trolls hit em. I am just talking about a straight honest representation. I think they have been undersold.

http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Battle_of_Bywater

**Twist of Cain** · January 04, 2010, 06:36 PM

Hobbit units were neither common in the war, nor were they "elite" units. Naturally skilled archers and woodsmen, perhaps, but there's a difference between that and professional soldiers. I could definitely see giving them improved ambush capabilities of some sort, however. As far as recruitment goes, they're already more recruitable than I think they ought to be.

**nepereta** · January 04, 2010, 07:00 PM

well the recruitabilty thing can be slowed down vs adding them to Bree and Staddle? Hobbits only ever amassed some number over 300 soldiers vs the greatest threat they ever faced (Saruman) however this was ad-hoc, they also historically gave a company of archers to one of the Northern Kings. However I suspect their populations are fairly small. (perhaps like the failing elves) I understand that these people are rustic farmers who by an large like to stay out of the affairs of others. They are ok at bow I think however their stature must counterbalance their markmanship. However their stealthness is something they are naturally 'elite' at and taking that away from them just seems plain wrong.

**MasterBigAb** · January 04, 2010, 07:17 PM

Hobbits need more love and attention.

Perhaps try it with some red roses and a candle light dinner ?

Or you surprise them with a nice massage

**Disastras** · January 04, 2010, 11:17 PM

Disgruntled Goat was previously reworking Eriador, and now King Kong has taken the charge.... go to the "Previews" section to learn more.

**HarneY** · January 05, 2010, 07:22 AM

Aren't they getting 3 whole units dedicated to them in the eriador rework?

**Jean=A=Luc** · January 05, 2010, 07:25 AM

Originally Posted by HarneY

Aren't they getting 3 whole units dedicated to them in the eriador rework?

Yes unless KK gets a different idea now that Eriador has fallen into his lap.

**HarneY** · January 05, 2010, 07:34 AM

Hmm I don't mind if he changes things but I like the idea of Eriador turning back into Arnor if certain requirements are met. But if you turn into arnor will the old eriador units still be avaliable or at least the best ones alongside the arnor units do you think?