- The Lord of the Rings™ Roleplaying 5E
- The Lord of the Rings™ Roleplaying 5E Shire Adventures
- The Lord of the Rings™ Roleplaying 5E Rivendell Compendium
Free League Publishing has come out with a new version of their game, as well as supplements, targeted at all of us who have played D&D 5E for years and are comfortable with its mechanics. Back in February of 2023 I reviewed “The One Ring” roleplaying game system. I am not going to rehash all of what I said there. If you have not read that review you can use this link to do so: The One Ring – Review – Paper Phoenix Ink
The 5E adaptation of the Compendium (basic rulebook) retains all of the things that I loved about the original version. “The One Ring’ provides avenues to truly encourage role-playing and to allow players to create characters that have many different roles that are not all combat related.
Character creation is much simpler in this adaptation for those of us who have created uncounted numbers of characters in 5E. The Heroic Cultures replace Character Classes – Elves, Dwarves, Hobbits, Men, Rangers, etc. Where you really get to diversify is when you get to choose from 6 Callings – Captain, Champion, Messenger, Scholar, Treasure Hunter, and Warden. Each of those will affect how you approach situations, and your motivations. Each calling gives you certain skills, distinctive features, and a shadow path, as well. But again this is fitted into the 5E parameters.
The combat phase is much simpler, as well. The compendium just refers you to the D&D 5E rulebook. No need to worry about which Stance to select, severity of the wound (if aampaignpplicable), or the huge penalties for being wounded a second time.
So, for all of you that would love a LOTR experience and adventure, but prefer to do that in the framework of your trusted and time tested 5E experience, here is your golden opportunity! After you dip your toe in the water and get acclimated to the One Ring’s approach, you will probably find yourself weening over to the full original version in no time.
The Shire Adventures and Rivendell Compendium are both supplements for the 5E adaptation of the game. They are similar in types of content, although the Shire Adventures is longer and has much more in the way of available “adventures”. These supplements provide in depth background and insight into the land, culture, history and characters. This information will interest both players and the Loremaster. They can be the basis for a more detailed and richer stop during an adventure/campaign or as a basis for an adventure on its own. Pick them up. You won’t be sorry!