Well as alternative to all the unfortunate and disconcerting news coming from Decipher and its LOTR RPG, I'd like to direct those interested to my new effort.
It is an unofficial Middle-Earth Roleplaying game that I have decided to write. At this point it is still in its infancy, yet is growing every day. The game came about because I was not satisfied with the CODA adaptation to the setting. At first, I chose to just convert over to the cinematic version of Unisystem found in Buffy. And well the campaign played out very successfully, I wanted something designed specific for Middle-Earth. A system that would add some sort of spiritual attributes like Pendragon or Riddle of Steel and one that would stay as close to Tolkien's image of magic. I needed a system that would allow for a under-powered character like Samwise Gamgee to defeat a powerful Shelob in battle. Yet, for the most part, remain unbalanced in terms of the power of individual races (Noldor are vastly superior to Hobbits for instance). I wanted a system that would have very fast combat that could be both gritty and heroic. I wanted a system that was rules-lite that would be as transparent as it could be (not one that dominates the setting), yet still has some substance. Well I hope that Hither Lands: Roleplaying in Middle-Earth will be it for myself and others.
Now that my 4-month old triplets are sleeping through the night and I've finished my third novel which has gone out to the publisher, I have a bit of time to spend on this project. It is not something I've done for profit or personal gain. I'd just like to share a possible solution to those who want to rpg in the greatest setting ever created.
In the last week or so, I have sent out nearly 300 emails with a 10 page teaser version of the quickstart rules. Finally (being the complete html idiot) I have the website www.hither-lands.com up and running with this same pdf file. Actually I just finished the first page of the magic section, so its up to 11 pages now. The quickstart rules will be finished with 30-50 pages and a character sheet. I am writting about a page a day (give or take) so the beta version should be complete within a month. The website will also grow to include more downloads, a developer log, and forums dedicated to the game and all things Middle-Earth.
So, if you are interested, head out to the site and take a look at the pdf. Feel free to PM or email me feedback, suggestions, comments about Hither Lands. It is my goal to have the most in-depth, enjoyable and true to the spirit of Tolkien RPG for anyone to enjoy.
I do not want to make this seem like an ad/promo or something so maybe I should clarify the post.
How is it different than LOTR?
1. No classes or orders
2. Does not use 2d6 for resolution
3. There are fewer (broadly defined) skills
4. Combat is quicker and deadlier
5. Magic is more limited (however can be stronger) than in LOTR RPG.
6. Hroa (body) and Fea (spirit) statistics as well as the standard set of attributes.
Just some of the things right off the top of my head!
I like it too vgunn. The sample ruleset pdf I reviewed definitely seems to have the spirit of Middle Earth running through it. I think it will allow fluid story based play so I can promise that I will be using it with my players once it is complete.
Originally posted by Jesse_Lowe At first, hasty glance, the thread title was "*Hitler* Lands: Roleplaying in Middle-Earth" which, I tell you, sparked some interesting campaign ideas.
Just give the Rohirrim German WW2 helmets, and go
*the Ent runs back to Fangorn and hides*
__________________
"May the Fisk be with you." Purpura, Ent's Tangency-Sister
"I went out last night...don't really remember wich beautyful co-worker I seduced, because I think I had a bit too much to drink...anyway, isn't Eliza the hawtest actress EVAR?"-Graywolf imitating me
"The Ent's Norway's answer to Son of Kirk"-JonA
"The Ent's Norway's answer to CAPTAIN Kirk"-Eilonwy
Originally posted by Jesse_Lowe At first, hasty glance, the thread title was "*Hitler* Lands: Roleplaying in Middle-Earth" which, I tell you, sparked some interesting campaign ideas.
Whew, glad I didn't back accident throw that L in there. Yeah I think the thread would have taken a whole other direction!
I'll have to give it another read or two to get a handle on the rules (mechanics and I don't get along, what can I say?), but the feel of it all is perfect for Middle-earth. The final product should be wicked awesome.
Linear Mode
