#written by Glflegolas
#title:{name:dwarf_male}'s Guide to Crossing the Misty Mountains
#types:blue_mountains,durins_folk
To {name:dwarf_male},
Recently you told me that you expressed interest in crossing the Misty Mountains. As a seasoned traveller, I have crossed these mountains myself, and have a few words of advice to offer you.
Firstly, don't try crossing the mountains in the winter. These mountains are the tallest in Middle-earth, and snows come early -- if you don't start crossing by late September, you probably won't make it across. Go around them through the gap of Rohan and up the Vales of Anduin instead.
Because these mountains are so tall, there are only two ways to get over them. The recommended route is to cross them over the High Pass. If you take this route, you'll pass by Rivendell, and have a chance to pick up supplies, either before or after you make it across, depending on which direction you're crossing from.
Be on your guard though; when my grandfather {name:dwarf_male} tried crossing these mountains in the year T.A. {num:2700:2900}, he was slain by an Orc wielding a {choose:great/terrible/mighty/hulking} {choose:spear/scimitar/warhammer/battleaxe/spear/cleaver}. Rumour has it that the Orcs that took Mount Gundabad from us have a great settlement under the High Pass, but we haven't confirmed this yet.
The other route to get over them is to go via the Redhorn Gate, just below Caradhras. This route is not without danger, though, as Caradhras is known to have a mind of his own, sending terrible blizzards and avalanches to trap unwary travellers.
If you can't get over the Mountains, there is third route for getting through the Mountains by going through Moria, but no Dwarf who has entered the Gates of Moria has survived for very long, and none have managed to travel from gate to gate in many an age.
Whatever route you choose, take care, may luck be on your side, and keep your axe sharp!
So, what do you think of the story?
12:27, November 4, 2018 (UTC)