The Bovo Popuo

[Havard]

Well, I think the Freds World Balrogs are pretty close to how the beasties were seen in early Blackmoor and OD&D. The OD&D Balrog is listed as a sub variety of dragon, perhaps very similar to "half Dragons" and related creatures from Wotc D&D. So, taken together, I wouldn't have any qualms about seeing them as an ancient "race" and not necessarily as "demons" whatever exactly demons may be.

My understanding is that the connection to dragons is a game mechanical one rather than anything to do with their origins. As to their power level, all of these people had read Lord of the Rings so how powerful a Balrog is depends on how powerful you see Gandalf as being.

Personally I think they should be possible to defeat only by the most powerful mortals. In a 36 level setup such as in BECMI D&D, you'd have to be in your 30s to have a chance IMO.

-Havard