The One Ring- Against the Shadow

Game Master CircadianRythms

"The world is changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air. Much that once was is lost, for none now live who remember it."

I have decided to try my hand at GMing online! I plan on running a LONG campaign, going through the adventures in both Tales From Wilderland and The Darkening of Mirkwood. We will be using The One Ring. More information in spoilers!

Recruitment will last for two weeks. I will close recruitment on April 4. If you have any questions, let me know!

Two possibilities for The One Ring in a week? Is it my birthday?

Super hard dot. I think I will submit a Ranger.

Dotting for now. Love middle-earth.
Love Tolkien's dwarves, so may look into that one.
I only own the german books, but with some help should be able to translate everything, or maybe look online for an English version somewhere.

PM me, Swordwhale.

I would be interested, but I'd have to gather copies of the books and look into it. I may submit something if I can find the materials. Either way, good gaming!

Definitely interested as the ElegantlyWasted one said, two at one once is something of an embarassment of riches.
This looks like a more traditional campaign than the other. Maybe a woodsman. Or maybe a Rider, but I'll have to look at that book.

I've never been able to play the One Ring and a more "standard" campaign than the other interest thread may be more up my alley.

I would consider a Woodman or Man of the Lake, maybe. I'll look into getting the PDF rules and cook something up.

The One Ring's rules are sort of strange at first but once you get used to them I find them very intuitive and very thematically appropriate. I'm happy to help if anyone has a question. Circadian, I sent a copy of my homebrew travel rules to someone else considering running a game. Want to take a look?

Hit me with it Wasted :)

Okay! I like those, I think I'll use them. I'll put them up in Discussion when it's time.

Other house rules;

Rangers and Elves of Rivendell will use the Experience Point cost of all other cultures to advance. Otherwise they can lag 5-10 sessions behind other characters (they're not THAT much more powerful...)

Also, Rangers may recover one point of Hope from the Fellowship Pool per session.

Time to build an index...

I would like to put forth a Wood Elf from the court of Thranduil.

You could certainly play an Elf of Mirkwood!

The game is going to start in the Spring of T.A. 2946, by the way; not quite five years after the Battle of Five Armies.

Started work on Anariel. Making some tweaks and will be adding more background.

Conceptually, he's a Dunedain that's coming to gather companions to actively defend Eriador against the dark forces that threaten it. I think he might slide into the new calling of Leader, so I have to change that. I also have to list the effects of all my Traits and expand background, but that's a starting point.

Working up The Shepherd, a Woodman Warden. A fell wind from Dol Goldur stole his health when he was a baby and the only reason that he didn't perish in his cradle is because of Radagast the Brown's ministrations. He grew up sickly and still lacks in hardiness compared to his brothers but his long days in the Great Hall listening to the Chief's war council left him with an appreciation for strategy and cleverness. He's learned a great deal of leechcraft and song in addition to the art of warfare and has been entrusted with a song to staunch wounds.

The Shepherd longs to have a leadership position in Woodland Hall but he knows that it isn't in the cards- instead, he tries to provide good advice wherever possible. He adventures to gain new information about the Shadow and to encourage the fragile peace.

I was hoping someone would roll a Woodman!

This character kinda jumped out at me, though a failed scholar Man of the Lake treasure hunter is also an appealing concept.

Hope we get some more interest!

It's early yet.

I'd like to try it, I do however not own any books or have any idea how the system works.

Dotting for interest. I've been reading the character creation rules because of the other possible game. Still need a little time to wrap my head around it, and what I might like to play. Edit: I do know she will be female. which is making it a bit hard because we all know in Tolkien's world female characters aren't big on the adventuring.

Well... Hm. I'll express interest. I'll either apply to this thread or the other one (both are good ideas for The One Ring, IMO). I'll need to brush up on the rules though.

What are your thoughts on someone playing a hobbit warrior type? I also heard that there are rules for playing a Dunlander, and that interests me a lot - would you allow a Dunlander application?

The rules for a Dunlending are in the Adventurer's Companion. That book also has Wild Hobbits of the Anduin Vale, and they're pretty neat.

The rules for a Dunlending are in the Adventurer's Companion. That book also has Wild Hobbits of the Anduin Vale, and they're pretty neat.

Oh. I bought the Horse-Lords of Rohan, which said it included the Dunlendings in it. Will that work?

I'd like to try it, I do however not own any books or have any idea how the system works.

The die for the system are a lot less complicated than many tabletops. You will only ever roll d6's and a d12. You roll against a target number (TN) that is usually 14.

The 12 is the Feat die. You always roll that. The 6's are Success die, representing your skill.

So let's say you want to smack something with a sword. Your Long Sword skill is 3. So you roll 3d6+1d12.

Attack Roll: 3d6 + 1d12 ⇒ (4, 2, 3) + (9) = 18

If my TN was 14, that would be considered a hit; an ordinary success. I would then deal damage based on what my weapon's damage rating is.

There are some extra bits there; if you roll a 6 on one of your Success die, and succeed at your task, you are considered to have achieved a Great Success. Two 6's would be an Extraordinary Success.

In combat, that means I would be doing extra damage.

If you roll a 12 on your d12, it's considered an auto success.

A roll of 11 is actually bad; that's considered the lowest roll you can get and is marked on the TOR dice with an Eye of Sauron. The die counts as a 0. It can also have additional effects.

That's the basic die mechanic. Character creation is pretty straightforward as well. Happy to help if you've got more questions!

ElegantlyWasted wrote:

The rules for a Dunlending are in the Adventurer's Companion. That book also has Wild Hobbits of the Anduin Vale, and they're pretty neat.

Oh. I bought the Horse-Lords of Rohan, which said it included the Dunlendings in it. Will that work?

Yeah, the rules are the same. Adventurer's Companion is basically a compendium of all the stuff printed so far (Dunedain and High Elves, for example). But it doesn't alter the mechanics at all so they still work the same.

Working up The Shepherd, a Woodman Warden. A fell wind from Dol Goldur stole his health when he was a baby and the only reason that he didn't perish in his cradle is because of Radagast the Brown's ministrations. He grew up sickly and still lacks in hardiness compared to his brothers but his long days in the Great Hall listening to the Chief's war council left him with an appreciation for strategy and cleverness. He's learned a great deal of leechcraft and song in addition to the art of warfare and has been entrusted with a song to staunch wounds.

The Shepherd longs to have a leadership position in Woodland Hall but he knows that it isn't in the cards- instead, he tries to provide good advice wherever possible. He adventures to gain new information about the Shadow and to encourage the fragile peace.

So on board with you having Staunching Song :D

Do you want to maybe have some character links? I think Anariel would be rather interested in The Shepherd and see his true worth, thinking him a worthy Woodman. I see Anariel as sort of a kingmaker, trying to get worthwhile people into leadership positions to stand against the Shadow.

Dotting for interest. I've been reading the character creation rules because of the other possible game. Still need a little time to wrap my head around it, and what I might like to play. Edit: I do know she will be female. which is making it a bit hard because we all know in Tolkien's world female characters aren't big on the adventuring.

I'm of the opinion that it's easiest to have a Tolkien-world female be non-human, just as existing canon stands. However, we're doing our own thing here, so if you want to be a fierce Beorning lady be my guest!

I actually kind of love the idea of a lady Dwarf.

Well... Hm. I'll express interest. I'll either apply to this thread or the other one (both are good ideas for The One Ring, IMO). I'll need to brush up on the rules though.

What are your thoughts on someone playing a hobbit warrior type? I also heard that there are rules for playing a Dunlander, and that interests me a lot - would you allow a Dunlander application?

Either are good!

Pick what appeals to you. I'm not saying no to any printed material.

I actually kind of love the idea of a lady Dwarf.

I was thinking of lady dwarf myself, but wasn't' sure it would be pushing the bounds too far.

I found this One Ring Character Generator. Do you think that would work for assisting with character creation?

Wow great find!

The only thing is characters will have 4 more starting experience with which to customize their character but that's a great find!

I'd love it if you rolled a lady dwarf.

Hey! A lot of familiar faces here! :-)

Consider me signed up, CR! I'm the other guy talking about starting a TOR game.

If EW is doing a ranger, I'll do an elf of Rivendell.

Awesome, Tarondor! Can't wait :D

Always good to see fellow Tolkien nerds :3

Also, @Cari, do you have the Erebor book? It contains some dwarf goodness.

Okay, I think I'm going to make a Hobbit Treasure Seeker (who'd've thunk?) specializing in archery.

You said we start with 4 extra Experience Points, yes? Not Advancement Points? if so, I'll spend those on increasing my valor from 1 to 2 so I can grab a Bow of the North Downs. For my Virtue I'll choose Fair Shot.

I'll post my sheet soon.

ACTUAL FINAL EDIT: Actually, I'm not sure what Calling I'll choose. I don't want to overlap with anyone else, so it'll be one of the following: Treasure-Seeker, Wanderer, Scholar, or Slayer.

Also, @Cari, do you have the Erebor book? It contains some dwarf goodness.

I don't but I don't mind picking it up. I'll take a look at DrivetrhuRPG tonight.

Edit: @Inlaa I was thinking Slayer for my Calling.

Edit: @Inlaa I was thinking Slayer for my Calling.

Alright then. I'll choose Treasure Seeker. I have a good idea of my backstory.

Also, @GM, am I correct about the 4 extra XP thing? Because now that I'm going through the character creation process, I see they give you a sort of generic XP pool to draw from at character creation, but then later split it into Experience Points and Advancement Points, and that's where I'm getting confused. I'll build this character without spending the 4 XP until I know what you intended.

Y'know, I had intended it to be bonus to the generic pool, but I have decided;

Your characters will be starting fresh off of a victorious adventure. I will describe this adventure after characters are selected but it was one involving combat against Orcs.

Due to that, you all begin with 4 Experience and 6 Advancement points that you may spend or bank.

May I suggest we all take a gander at this guide. It's not just character optimization, but also how to build a good Fellowship: The One Ring: Character Creation.

Reading it now.

I also have to redo my math now...I assumed the bonus points were from the previous experience pool :p

EDIT: Actually, I'll focus on Awareness, I think. That's a lot easier since I have 2 ranks in it for being a Hobbit... I might be able to make it 4 ranks at the start, even, and that should be plenty.

Alright, I think I finished my sheet. Meet Brandoch Marigold, a Hobbit who probably should've stayed at his uncle's inn.

I went ahead and used my 6 advancement points to buy a rank in Insight (which I made a favored skill at character creation so I could do that). I plan on eventually turning Search into a favored skill as well via Virtue.

Brandoch has Awareness 2, Stealth 3, and Craft 2, so he should be able to take on the role of the party Look-Out Man and provide crafty, tricky solutions to problems (aided by traits like Clever, Adventurous, and Burglary). He's also got plenty to offer in the social department thanks to that Insight and to being a Hobbit (Persuade 2, Riddle 2, Courtesy 3, Song 2, Insight 2).

Finally, he should make an accurate archer with the Bow of the North, Fair Shot, and 3 ranks in Bow skill. I eventually hope to get the Fell quality for his bow. I slapped a leather corslet on for good measure, so he should be alright if something decides to come smack him around.

EDIT: I think I'll swap my +3 and +2 Favored bonuses around. Body will get a +2 and Wits will get a +3. I DO want to get Small Folk eventually.

Anariel will be focusing pretty heavily on action. He'll have several ranks in Battle and should start with 3 in Travel, so he'll make a handy guide. He'll also have 3 ranks in Long Sword. I picture him being a bit of a switch hitter, using a bow as well as a long sword and shield. He'll be something of an all-rounder, for sure. Going to look at choices for Virtues and Rewards and see what I like.

At the moment I can't read through the books, but I'll give it a look later today after work. But as I have an idea for what I normally like to play in new games I wouldn't mind some advise on what to read most into for my classical knight with sword and board, been some time since I last played one.

I might suggest you look at the Men of Minas Tirith culture. You can start with straight up damage reduction which is crazyballs good

Okay.

Anariel is pretty well updated. Conceptually, he's being sent by Elrond of Rivendell to become active in Wilderland (and eventually Anariel will want to take Elrond as a Patron).

Anariel has 3 ranks in Awareness, Travel and Long Swords, and 2 in a whole bunch of other skills. He'll be the Guide.

In combat he will fight with a long sword. He has a bow for opening volleys but he's not great with it, yet. He will probably generally be in an Open stance. He'll likely switch back and forth between two handed and a shield as the situation dictates.

Of the social skills, Anariel will probably bump up Persuade.

I might suggest you look at the Men of Minas Tirith culture. You can start with straight up damage reduction which is crazyballs good

I'll look into them, might need some help with the creation once I get around to sit and read the books through.

James Keegan wrote:

Working up The Shepherd, a Woodman Warden. A fell wind from Dol Goldur stole his health when he was a baby and the only reason that he didn't perish in his cradle is because of Radagast the Brown's ministrations. He grew up sickly and still lacks in hardiness compared to his brothers but his long days in the Great Hall listening to the Chief's war council left him with an appreciation for strategy and cleverness. He's learned a great deal of leechcraft and song in addition to the art of warfare and has been entrusted with a song to staunch wounds.

The Shepherd longs to have a leadership position in Woodland Hall but he knows that it isn't in the cards- instead, he tries to provide good advice wherever possible. He adventures to gain new information about the Shadow and to encourage the fragile peace.

So on board with you having Staunching Song :D

Do you want to maybe have some character links? I think Anariel would be rather interested in The Shepherd and see his true worth, thinking him a worthy Woodman. I see Anariel as sort of a kingmaker, trying to get worthwhile people into leadership positions to stand against the Shadow.

Yeah, that would be great.