Will we have no official battles, LMP? I'd rather fancied the concept of the group getting caught up in an all out war between teenagers and parents, with strife amongst the group (go tension!) as a result to be dealt with. Perhaps an obligatory bit of deus ex machina to get the group back on with the journey... obviously not eagles, but perhaps... skwerls. Telling them that if they don't get back on task, they'll be forced to remain in Mordor. Or something equally fun.
Thoughts?