Chapter Summaries

Roland’s group used Caldo to provoke the Balrog of Moria into a fight, and the ancient creature retaliated with a pillar of magma. The battle continued in the depths of the Great Mine, with Omsk scolding Smurf for wasting her attacks.

• The Balrog roared from the Great Mine, provoking Caldo and Smurf, while Caslo prepared the soldiers for battle.
• Omsk told Caslo to make Caldo attack the Balrog and lure it out.
• Caldo blasted the depths of the mine twice with Extreme Breath, and the second strike wounded the Balrog.
• The Balrog retaliated with a pillar of magma that nearly struck Caldo, and Roland urged the dragons to attack.
• Smurf fired breaths of several elements, but Omsk told her to stop wasting attacks as only Caldo and the Balrog were landing effective blows.

Roland and his allies prepared to reclaim Moria, but the Balrog overwhelmed their forces and brutally crushed the Dragon of the Elves, Smurf. As Caldo’s forbidden spell wounded the Balrog, Moria’s fate remained uncertain.

• Roland ordered the soldiers and dwarves to assemble and rallied them to fight for Moria.
• The Balrog climbed into the plaza, where Caldo, the Dragon of the Elves, and Omsk attacked it.
• The Balrog battered Caldo and the Dragon of the Elves, prompting Caslo to order the soldiers to retreat.
• Caldo, Caslo, and Omsk fought the Balrog while the Dragon of the Elves charged back into battle.
• The Balrog crushed Smurf beneath its foot, and Roland rushed toward it before the Royal Guard restrained him.
• Caldo struck the Balrog’s back with Annihilation Edge Domain, leaving Moria’s survival dependent on the battle.

Smurf, Caldo, Omsk, and the Lagrange soldiers fought the Balrog as it advanced through the ruins. Roland ordered the troops to retreat while directing Caldo and Omsk to attack the Balrog’s lower body, leaving the battle still raging.

• The Balrog burned and battered Smurf, while Caldo and Omsk attacked it together and wounded it with Wingbeat Assault and a strike at its ankle.
• Roland healed Smurf, ordered the soldiers back, and had them shoot arrows and raise shields, but the Balrog’s flames forced the troops to withdraw.
• Smurf attacked the Balrog again, and Caldo grabbed it by the tail, slammed it down, and struck its torso wound with Dragon Breath.
• The Balrog sent fiery meteors toward the retreating soldiers and lashed at Roland, but Caslo blocked the whip and escorted Roland into the hall ruins.
• Roland told Omsk and Caldo to target the Balrog’s lower body, and Caldo pinned it down as both combatants traded wounds and flames.

Roland’s forces struggled to defeat the Balrog, whose defenses and regeneration blunted their attacks. Omsk sent Roland and Balin to search for the dwarves’ Black Arrows while he stayed behind to hold the Balrog off.

• Omsk withdrew from the fight after failing to threaten the Balrog, and Roland acknowledged that his forces were exhausted or badly wounded.
• The Balrog slammed Caldo into a mountain wall, but Caldo recovered and fought back while Royal Guards struck the Balrog with throwing spears.
• Caldo and Caslo realized the Balrog’s Stone Skin Armor and Molten Armor made it difficult to wound, so they continued trying to wear it down.
• Roland’s rangers could not safely attack the creatures, and Balin suggested retreating as the dwarves proved unable to challenge the Balrog directly.
• Omsk proposed searching for the dwarves’ Black Arrows to create an opening, then asked Roland and Balin to find them while he held off the Balrog.

Roland and Balin led the dwarves in clearing a collapsed passage while Omsk, Caslo, and Caldo fought to hold back the Balrog. As the Balrog healed itself with magma, Caldo revealed his own recovery skill, Born of the Wind.

• Roland found the passage blocked by rubble and stopped his guards from blasting it open after Balin warned that the underground structures might collapse.
• Balin inspected the rubble, judged it safe to move carefully, and rallied the dwarves to clear the path while Roland’s men carried away the stones.
• Caslo and Omsk continued battling the Balrog alongside Caldo, buying time for Roland and the others to search for the Black Arrow.
• Caldo explained that the cautious Balrog was avoiding Omsk because it sensed his power to kill it, while Smurf was too badly injured to help trap the creature.
• The Balrog drew magma from the abyss to restore its wounds, but Caldo disrupted it and transformed with his Born of the Wind skill.

Roland and the dwarves searched the Halls of Mandos for a Black Arrow to use against the Balrog while the battle outside turned against Caldo. They found one arrow and a damaged Dwarven Spear Thrower, leaving Roland to repair the weapon as the search continued.

• Balin urged the dwarves to dig faster while Roland helped clear rubble, and Caslo and Omsk watched Caldo lose ground against the Balrog.
• Balin led Roland and the troops through the low tunnel into the Halls of Mandos, where they fought Orcs and goblins while searching the side halls.
• A Lothlórien Ranger found a single Black Arrow, and Balin ordered the search to continue for more.
• Roland found a Dwarven Spear Thrower near the entrance, discovered its string was unusable, and prepared to repair it.

Roland and Balin’s group recovered Black Arrows and struggled to repair a Dwarven Spear Thrower while the Balrog wore down Caldo. Roland returned in time for the Black Arrows and Caldo’s wind magic to trap the Balrog.

• Roland and the Rangers repaired one Spear Thrower, while Balin’s attempt to fix a second ended when it fell apart upon winding.
• Caslo and Omsk watched Caldo weaken as he fought the Balrog, and Caldo urged his Knight to escape if he could not survive.
• Caldo burned his life force and began casting Empty Jade Still Sky to seal the Balrog, but Roland’s Black Arrow struck the demon and interrupted him.
• Roland fired another Black Arrow into the Balrog’s knee, and Caldo bound the injured demon with chains of wind.

Roland and the allied army used Black Arrows and coordinated attacks to overcome the Balrog in Moria. Caldo delivered the killing blow, and the army prepared to turn its attention north.

• Roland revealed the Black Arrow and explained how the allied army had worn down the Balrog with the Storm Dragon and earlier strikes.
• The Black Arrow wounded the Balrog, and Omsk used Light Shadow Judgment to sever one of its horns before running out of Battle Qi.
• Caldo restrained the Balrog with Wind Element chains as Roland ordered the final Black Arrow fired.
• Caldo pulled a Black Arrow from the Balrog's leg and drove it into its chest, killing it.
• Caldo roared over the Balrog's corpse as the army prepared to leave Moria and focus on the north.

After defeating the Balrog, Roland and his companions rested and shared a meal while discussing how to leave Moria. They chose to consider the eastward route, and Roland’s army prepared to overcome any obstacles on the road home.

• Roland and Balin celebrated the Balrog’s defeat, and Roland learned that Balin planned to reclaim all of Moria.
• Roland checked on the badly injured Smurf and accepted the Balrog Heart from Caslo.
• Roland had Omsk organize a hot meal, supplied the Rangers with ingredients and cooking equipment, and made sure Caslo was woken for dinner.
• Roland spread out a map and asked Balin and Caslo whether the company should leave Moria through the west or east gate.
• Caslo favored the east gate, and Omsk declared that Lagrange’s army would overcome anyone who stood in its way.

Roland and Balin led their forces toward the Bridge of Durin, hoping to cross it and reclaim Moria’s Throne Hall. Orcs gathered on the far side, and the chapter ended as Roland ordered his Royal Guard to stop the Giant Ogres threatening the fragile bridge.

• Roland encouraged Balin by promising to witness his coronation as King of Moria and warned him not to seek the Seven Dwarf Rings.
• Roland’s party reached the Halls of Mandos and prepared to cross the Bridge of Durin toward the Throne Hall and east gate.
• Omsk reported that Orcs were massing beyond the bridge and that cracks made it vulnerable to collapse.
• Roland sent the Lothlórien Rangers to intercept the Orcs while Balin urged everyone to cross before the bridge was destroyed.
• Lagrange City Guards fired hand crossbows as dwarves fought the Orcs and cleared corpses from the bridge approach.
• Roland ordered a squad of Royal Guard across the bridge to stop the Giant Ogres attacking the dwarves.

Roland, Balin, and their allies drove the Orcs and Ogres back across the Bridge of Durin, though the dwarves suffered heavy losses. After the battle, Roland and Balin saw the Throne of Durin glowing in Moria’s Throne Hall.

• Balin rallied the dwarves to reclaim the Bridge of Durin while Roland slowed their advance to protect the cracked bridge.
• Roland sent Omsk after the Giant Ogres as the Royal Guard, Lothlórien Rangers, Lagrange City Guards, and dwarves attacked the Orcs.
• Balin led the dwarves forward and drove the Orcs back through repeated waves of fighting.
• Roland was injured blocking a Giant Ogre’s warhammer, and Balin mourned the thirty-three dwarves who had died.
• Roland and Balin entered the Throne Hall and saw the glowing Throne of Durin.

Roland encouraged Balin to accept his claim to Moria and prepare for his coronation while their combined forces cleared the remaining enemies. He told Caslo that Lagrange’s troops would leave after the ceremony and a day of rest, then anticipated the reward promised in their contract.

• Roland assured Balin that he deserved to rule Moria and urged him to be crowned on May 21st.
• Balin reported that the troops were clearing the remaining Orcs and goblins without further casualties, and promised to finish before his coronation.
• Roland daydreamed about the Dragon Knight he expected to receive and ate food brought by Caslo.
• Caslo asked when the soldiers could return home, and Roland said they would leave after Balin’s coronation and one day of rest.
• Roland looked forward to receiving one-fifth of Moria’s wealth under his contract with Balin.

Roland received a Dragon Knight as his mission reward, and Ajax arrived at Lagrange with her Blazing Wing Fire Dragon, Renoil. After nearly clashing with the city guards, she met Roland and Caslo, discovering that other Dragon Knights had survived, while Roland clarified that their nation was still a kingdom, not an empire.

• Roland received the reward message announcing that a Dragon Knight would join him at an appropriate time.
• Lagrange City Guards hunting near the Misty Mountains mistook Ajax and Renoil's arrival for a dragon attack and prepared to defend themselves.
• Ajax recognized the guards and was surprised to find the Lagrange troops, while the guards recognized her dragon saddle and armor as signs of a Dragon Knight.
• Roland welcomed Ajax, and she introduced her Blazing Wing Fire Dragon, Renoil, to him and Storm Dragon Dragon Knight Caslo.
• Ajax said she had traveled north after hearing that someone had seen the Empire's national flag, and Roland explained that they were now a kingdom rather than an empire.

Roland welcomed Ajax, a Dragon Knight from House of Antony, and brought her to Moria as Balin prepared for his coronation as king of the dwarves. The chapter ended with Balin discovering that Roland’s kingdom had two Dragon Knights and reacting in shock.

• Roland clarified that he and his people lived in Flowing City, then learned Ajax belonged to the Dragon Knight Family House of Antony and had a younger brother named Dos seeking a dragon on Dragon Island.
• Roland invited Ajax to witness the birth of a great Dwarf king and led her toward Moria’s eastern gate.
• Ajax introduced herself to Omsk, and Roland told him and Caslo that she would be their colleague.
• Balin showed Roland the armor he planned to wear at the ceremony, then noticed Ajax and asked about her.
• Roland identified Ajax as a Dragon Knight, and Balin was astonished that Roland had two Dragon Knights.

Roland prepared Balin for his coronation as King of Moria after the Dwarves reclaimed the underground city. He considered Moria’s strategic role in the coming war and possible plans to confront the Eastern Yi, then watched Balin begin his procession to the throne.

• Roland told Balin that he would be crowned King of Moria the next day, and Balin thanked him for Lagrange’s help reclaiming the city.
• Roland assessed Moria’s importance as a route for moving allied forces and worried about the Eastern Yi’s future assault on the northern lands.
• Roland considered invading Rhûn to subdue the Eastern Yi and avenge Nyx, though he recognized that their mobile cavalry would be difficult to fight.
• At the morning bell, Balin entered Moria’s eastern gate in new armor with Froy, Ori, and Oin as Roland urged him to claim his rightful throne.

Balin was crowned King of Khazad-dûm in Moria after reflecting on his long journey and the sacrifices that brought the Dwarves home. Roland placed the crown on him, and Balin began his reign as the First King of Moria.

• Balin walked through Moria’s gathered Dwarves and Men, remembering his family’s exile, the failed attempts to reclaim Erebor, and the events of the Battle of Five Armies.
• Balin recalled Roland’s forces helping defeat the Orcs and the allies’ successful campaign to reclaim Khazad-dûm, though many Dwarves had died along the way.
• Roland welcomed Balin before the throne and assured him that their actions had changed Middle-earth’s future.
• Roland praised Balin’s lineage and deeds, then crowned him King of Khazad-dûm and Lord of Moria.
• Balin thanked Roland as the Dwarves welcomed their new king.

Roland congratulated Balin on becoming the first ruler of Moria and discussed using Renoil's Dragon Flame to reignite the central furnace. During the feast, Roland embarrassed himself by saying he wanted to sit at the children's table, then asked Ajax whether she would help the dwarves.

• Roland congratulated Balin on becoming Balin the First and asked whether the central furnace had been restarted.
• Balin asked for Renoil's Dragon Flame to ignite the furnace, and Roland said Ajax would decide whether to help.
• Roland blurted out that he wanted to sit at the children's table, prompting the gathered company to laugh and tease him.
• Roland and the others feasted on food he had gathered, including supplies delivered from Bree by Caslo.
• Roland asked Ajax if she was willing to help ignite Moria's central furnace and told her he would not force her.

Roland expected a huge reward for helping Balin reclaim Moria, but found that Orcs had squandered most of its wealth. Before leaving, he warned Balin that Moria must hold as a vital lifeline while danger threatened the North.

• Balin praised Ajax and told Roland she had agreed to help.
• Roland asked Balin for money, and Balin offered him half of Moria's remaining wealth.
• Roland discovered the treasure was far smaller than expected because Orcs had consumed and wasted Moria's riches, earning him 400,000 wealth points.
• Balin thanked Ajax for Renoil's Dragon Flame, which had helped the dwarves restore Moria's industry and welcome scattered dwarves.
• Roland warned Balin to stock food, watch for Orc ambushes, and seek Galadriel's aid if necessary.
• Roland told Balin that the North could soon face a bitter war and urged him to defend Moria as a route for aid across the Misty Mountains.

Roland said goodbye to Balin after advising him on defending Moria and becoming a king. As Roland and his companions departed, he got lost and Caslo had to locate their position from the sky.

• Roland warned Balin to guard Moria against Orcs from Gundabad and watch for attacks by small elite Orc units.
• Balin asked Roland to teach him how to be a king, and Roland told him to follow his heart.
• Balin saw Roland off at Moria’s eastern gate, and Roland promised to visit again.
• Roland led his companions in the wrong direction until Caslo flew up to find their position.
• Ajax mocked Roland for getting lost and pointed the group toward the correct route.

Roland’s group chose to travel through the Glaton region while he reflected on his reluctance to wage war and his determination to protect Nyx. At Lulong Fortress, Reno prepared to face an approaching Orc army with a small garrison and declared that the fortress would stand against the darkness.

• Roland, Caslo, Omsk, and Ajax consulted their maps and decided to head for the Glaton region rather than take the river route.
• Roland recalled Baron Lance’s map of Glaton and discussed the human settlement there, while Ajax angrily demanded that its wrongdoing be punished.
• Roland warned Ajax that soldiers should not become politicians’ pawns and admitted he wanted a steady life, but resolved to keep fighting for Nyx.
• Roland ordered the group to continue toward Glaton and remain alert for Orcs.
• Reno learned that an Orc army was approaching Lulong Fortress and ordered riders to warn Flowing City and prepare its civilians.
• Reno rejected Apophis Breo’s request for reinforcements, declared he would hold the fortress, and proclaimed, “Lulong ahead, darkness forbidden!”