Post originally by James A Beggs at 2003-06-03 13:47:09
Converted from Phorums BB System

Hi there.

Well, LotR is very comparable to D&D; it uses a class system, of sorts.

It does have classes, which are called Orders; the one nice difference between Orders and D&D classes is when you "advance" (another word for leveling) you gain 5 advacement points.

With these, you can purchase items that have nothing to do with your Order; purchase Order Abilities; or purchase/improve order skills (and non order skills for a higher cost). You can also purchase access to a new order.

In this regard, you aren't advancing in all areas simultaneously, but rather picking and choosing - and you have options that have nothing to do with orders at all.

IF yuou want a good idea of LotR, think of D&D, and make it more skill based, and make combat have more meaning per hit.

There are some problems, and they didn't do the best job in Quality Control, etc. But frankly, I find the game a better alternative than D&D, and I'm surprised your friends were all vehemently against it.

However, if you are looking for a FANTASY game that isn't class based, let me suggest The Riddle of Steel. I just did a review that got posted a couple days ago. It uses a dice pool mechanics, which I don't like, but nevertheless was a very excellent game system - as long as the fact combat is deadly doesn't dissuade you.