1. INTRODUCTION

1) Designer's Notes

This project started as an attempt to adapt Decipher Inc's LOTR game to use BRP mechanics. Over time it evolved and expanded.

The basic mechanics should be sound, as these are largely BRP-based with some additional rules from Stormbringer 3^rd Edition. This was the first BRP-based game I ran and, as such, is the version I feel most comfortable with. SB3's influence is seen in the Skills System (the Agility, Manipulation, Communication, and so on skills groups), the Magic System (the Rank-based organisation of the various Magical Arts) and Combat.

Some rules have been added for future expansion. Initiative in combat is one example. I elected to use 1D10 + DEX modifier to determine Initiative, where the DEX modifier is the number of DEX points over 12 or under 9 (again an SB3 influence). The reason for this is I want, eventually, to turn this system into a more generic rule-set and use it to run CyberPunk 2020, Shadowrun, and perhaps even Star Wars. With cyberware in this genre providing reflex boosts and initiative bonuses, I saw the D10 + DEX modifier as a way of keeping initiative values down to manageable levels. These rules are probably full of such little quirks.

One thing that is missing from this rule-set is any description of Middle-earth itself. Brighter minds than mine have done brilliant work in this respect and one can look for no better source of information than Tolkein's original works.

Colin Brett,

Cambridge, UK

September 2004

2) Notes for version 2.0

Following valuable feedback from members of the BRP mailing list (thanks guys) I have made a number of revisions to the original (version 1.8 rules). These include, but are not limited to

• Changes to Major Wounds, Fumbles and Mishaps in combat

• Lots of additional details on the Magical Arts

• Additional Advantages and Disadvantages, re-pointing of some existing traits and assigning limits to the numbers of traits which can be taken

• New rules for The Eye of Sauron and the chance that a character can be spotted by the Dark Lord himself

Colin Brett,

Cambridge, UK

November 2004

3) Sources

Many sources have been consulted both in books and on the Internet. Some reference sources include:

BRP Chaosium Basic Roleplaying System

SB Stormbringer

WW Stormbringer White Wolf Supplement

HM Hawkmoon

RQ RuneQuest

CC Call of Cthulhu

LOTR Decipher Inc's Lord of the Rings RPG

CP CyberPunk 2020

WFRP Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay

AD&D Advanced Dungeons and Dragons (probably 2^nd Edition)

The major sources have been BRP itself, Stormbringer 3^rd Edition, RuneQuest, Decipher Inc's Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game, and of, course the works of Tolkein himself.

4) Revision History

Date Version Contents

4.3.2003 1.0 Basic rules for character generation, orders, skills, magic, combat. Equipment lists. Basic Foes and monsters.

21.4.2003 1.1 Racial abilities, Courage, starting Languages and Lores. Tweaks to the Craft and Lore skills. Minor additions to the Noble Order. Changed Damage Bonus table to the RuneQuest version. Added Skill vs. Skill rolls, Skill Training and Increasing Attributes.

27.4.2003 1.2 Added third Initiative method. Additional Beasts: Dogs and Bears. Learning Lore skills. Corruption rules. Mods to Races regarding Corruption. Update to Werewolf stats as per CC. Added Pick Method of character generation and cleaned up the other methods. Negotiate / Fast Talk / Oratory skills.

19.6.2003 1.3 Added Healing Skill, “scientific” Lores and Siegecraft. Near Death rules. Revised Courage rules. Fear. Will Power. Skill vs. Skill Alternative system. Skill Affinities. Skill Modifiers. Combat Attack Modifiers. Renown. Injury & Healing. Two-weapon Fighting and Ambidexterity.

2.10.2003 1.4 Traits – Edges and Flaws basic effects. Order Abilities – basic effects. Tweaks to the Memorise skill. More Magic Rules. Spell Grimoire.

19.3.2004 1.5 Tweaks to the Magic System.

25.3.2004 1.6 Major revisions to Classes, Magic, Combat, Levels of Success and Failure.

20.8.2004 1.7 More work on the Magic System. Reputation. Fate Points.

10.9.2004 1.8 Formatting. (Yet) more work on the Magic System. Table of Contents

2.11.2004 1.9 Prerelease work for version 2.0. Magical Arts. Revised Combat charts.

12.11.2004 2.0 Posted to the Net

5) To Do List

The following tasks are outstanding.

• More Sorcery Spells

• Work on Dwarven Rune Magic and how it differs from the Art of Enchantment

• Converting from other game systems to BRP-LOTR

• Middle-earth nationalities

• Re-work the Pick Method of character creation

• More monsters, including Balrogs, Dragons, the Ringwraiths, Fell Beasts