As mentioned in a previous review, “The One Ring” RPG is for those who are willing to learn and embrace the nuances of the game. It is not for the jump in and just give it a whirl type player or DM – or Loremaster as it is called in “The One Ring”. It requires much preparation by all involved in the game. In addition. It 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.
The Heroic Cultures align pretty well with what you would expect from Character Classes in other RPG’s – 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.
Shadow Path? There is the opportunity, given the shadow’s influence on the world, for you to succumb to that influence. That can have some unhealthy and unwanted repercussions. So, you must be careful what you choose and what you do as the story unfolds.
In order to bring all of this to life, the Loremaster must be fully committed to develop the back story, the locations, the NPC’s, etc. -much more so than in other RPG’s. Fortunately, Free League Publishing (the game’s creators), has developed supplements to help flesh out and provide inspiration for adventures that can be played and experienced. The Lord of the Rings™ Roleplaying 5E Shire Adventures and The Lord of the Rings™ Roleplaying 5E Rivendell Compendium are a few of those. In addition, they have recently released “Realms of the Three Rings”.
Let me start by saying that whether you intend to play the game or not, “Realms of the Three Rings” is a must have for all LOTR fans. The three rings refers, of course, to the Elven Rings crafted by the Elf Lord Celebrimbor. The compendium provides detailed information about the three realms where the rings originally resided – Lindon, Rivendell, and Lothlorien, and the Elves that call those havens home.
The very detailed information concerning locations, landmarks, and key characters included provides all you need to develop great story lines and motivations for those playing the games. Indeed, there is enough content to provide an endless progression of related adventures if so desired.
In addition, the book provides comprehensive rules and guidelines for players interested in creating Elven Player-heroes from Rivendell or Lórien. Additionally, the final section offers special rules for creating Elf-lords — powerful characters particularly suited for epic solo play, as their capabilities allow them to handle challenges that would otherwise be too difficult for a single character.
For those who play “The One Ring” this is a must add for your collection! Just like Sam Gamgee, who would not love to see the Elves?
Paper Phoenix ink 