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Barbarian Warrior Book
Barbarian Warrior Book
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Introduction: Above Men of Other Crafts
[We] hold that a warrior should have more skills . . . than only the craft of weapons . . .
we esteem a warrior, nonetheless, above men of other crafts.
Faramir, The Two Towers
Middle-earth is a land of danger and battleof strife between a Great Enemy and Free
Peoples with the firm resolve to match his minions blow for blow. Standing solidly at the
forefront of these conflicts are martial characters, trained and experienced in the craft of
dealing death by force of arms. Whether they are the representatives of storied, civilised
cultures or descendants of tribal groups, in the dangerous days of Middle-earths history,
martial characters of all types must truly be esteemed above men of other crafts.
How to Use This Book
Fields of Battle: The Guide to Barbarians and Warriors will enrich your chronicle
whether you are the player of a barbarian, warrior, or other martial character or a Narrator
seeking ways to challenge martial players in your adventures and chronicles.
Chapter One: Martial Middle-earth examines the roles of martial characters through
cultures from the Northern Waste to Far Harad. It includes six zero-advancement
barbarian and warrior characters who, in addition to serving as examples throughout the
text of this book, can be used in the chronicle as NPCs or modified with the addition of
skill specialties to serve as player characters when time is lacking to create PCs from
scratch. It also gives a wealth of advice to players of martial characters, whether their
characters are just being created or have many advancements under their belts.
Chapter Two: Expanding the Orders provides a wealth of new options for martial PCs
and NPCs. New order abilities are introduced for barbarian and warrior characters, new
traits are presented that may be chosen by any characters at all, and the existing-but-
unnamed skill trigger is expanded and clarified. Ten new martial elite orders round out
the chapter.
Chapter Three: Fell Deeds Awake! provides a plethora of new combat options. Each
one presents a new rule or rules to alter the combat process. Some make things faster,
some increase the games realism, some increase the cinematic effect of armed conflict,
and others improve the game in other ways. The largest combat option is a tactical
combat system that allows you to use counters or miniatures in the game to improve your
mental picture of the action of fighting. Most combat options are completely independent
of the others so they can be adopted wholesale or piecemeal, depending on the Narrators
desires and sensibilities.
Chapter Four: Tools of the Trade adds a number of new weapons to the
gamefamiliar tools from our history that are not mentioned in the novels or films but
which make sense given Middle-earths technology. It also includes rules for categorizing
just about any improvised item for use as a weapon. Finally, it presents a completely
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revised system for brewing poisons that gives barbarians with that order ability access to
many new and potent effects.
Chapter Five: Combat and Storycraft is for the Narrators eyes. It gives advice on
structuring stories for martial characters, as well as suggesting ways that potent martial
villains can be created and controlled to give martial heroes a run for their money. A
number of adventure and chronicle seeds round out this chapters offerings.
Finally a section of Player Aids and References completes the book. In addition to a
selection of maps and counters for use with the tactical combat options introduced in
Chapter Three, a number of helpful tables summarise combat statistics from throughout
this book and the core rulebook, drawing them together to one place for ease of reference
in play.
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Chapter One: Martial Middle-earth
Foes and fires are before you. . . . Yet, though you fight upon an alien field, the glory
that you reap there shall be your own forever.
Thoden, The Return of the King
Middle-earth is a land of struggle and its stories are those in which the Free Peoples must
come to grips with the forces of an Enemy that would subjugate them. Though many
battles must be won by might of intellect and proficiency at stealth, the martial talents of
Middle-earths barbarians and warriors are more frequently necessary to settle matters by
brutally direct means.
The first section of this chapter provides an overview of martial characters across
Middle-earth, whether most appropriate for player characters or a chronicles antagonists.
Later the text turns to a discussion of barbarians and warriors in The Lord of the Rings
Roleplaying Game, providing much advice to players both creating and playing those of
warlike bent.
Cultural Elements
[A]rise, Riders of Thoden! Fell deeds awake: fire and slaughter! . . . A sword-day, a
red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!
Thoden, The Return of the King
[[Playtesters: Im considering including mass combat statistics for the types of
warriors included Thoughts?]]
Justice in Middle-earth frequently extends only so far as ones swordor that of ones
liegemenmight reach. Those dedicated to the fighting arts, warriors and barbarians
among them, are therefore highly valued members of their societies, be they primitive
barbarians of Druadan Forest or elegant Eldar soldiers of Lindon. The sections that
follow survey cultures and settings where warriors and barbarians thrive, and from
whence they might come in your chronicle, as PCs or NPCs.
[Movie Still 3]
Dwarves
[Movie Still 4]
Hood and cloak were gone; [the Dwarves] were in shining armour, and red light leapt
from their eyes.
The Hobbit
The seven Dwarven housesthose of Durin, ri, Linnar, Sindri, Thulin, Var, and
Vigdsare scattered throughout Middle-earth. Though ever seeking holds and mansions
where they might work stone and metals in peace, the Dwarven folk are constantly beset
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by their enemies, especially Orcs, and must always train new generations of warriors and
champions to protect their people.
In times of peace most Dwarven warriors pursue trades as craftsmen, miners, labourers,
or traders. Dwarven soldiers who wish to devote themselves to their orders all the time,
however, often seek positions as house guards or in mercenary companies. In time of
war, of course, all male Dwarves of healthy body forsake hearth and forge to wield axe
and sword in battle.
Dwarven dragonslayers were once common among the clans of the north; now only the
Sons of Thulin follow this path. For more information, see page XX of Dwarves: The
Seven Houses of the Khazad, in the Moria boxed set.
Most Dwarf-holds contain a wealth of riches and are themselves strategic assets worth
taking. Thus, every Dwarf-settlement, no matter how poor, maintains a house guarda
standing defensive forceto protect a holds assets and denizens. The members of these
bodies man the great doors of the hold, guard its treasuries and mines, and escort
caravans travelling to other mansions. They also stand ready to go to other holds aid; in
this way, allied Dwarves from nearby colonies can quickly mount a credible army even
before a holds Dwarves are mustered. Most guards spend their careers at one hold, but
exceptional members serve as messengers, spies, scouts and pathfinders, and in such
capacities may travel far afield.
In addition to a holds house guards, every Dwarf-lord able to afford it maintains a
personal retinue. These trusted warriors form a bodyguard when attending their lord and
serve as his emissaries when sent from his side. The older members of the circle also
serve as military counsellors and captains; younger ones are his most elite warriors.
Finally, some Dwarves abandon ties with their houses to ally with whatever Dwarf -lord
will pay or promise glory. Some do so to flee disgrace while others simply seek fortune
and glory. Still others, such as the sons of ri, become free axes when their lines fail. No
matter the estrangement, free axes always return to fight under the banners of their
fathers when a Union of the Khazd is evoked. For more information on free axes, see
pages XX [Uris folk] and XX [Vars Axes of Nargubraz] of Dwarves: The Seven Houses
of the Khazad, in the Moria boxed set.
[[BEGIN BOX]]
<3>Aukrad
Race: Dwarf (Son of Sindri)
Racial Abilities: Animal Aversion, Craftsmanship, Firestarting, Hardness of Body,
Hardness of Mind, Healthy, Stout
Attributes: Bearing 6 (0), Nimbleness 10 (+2), Perception 8 (+1), Strength 11 (+2)*,
Vitality 12 (+3)*, Wits 7 (0)
Reactions: Stamina +3, Swiftness +3*, Willpower +0, Wisdom +1
Defence: 12
Order: Barbarian
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Order Abilities: Stealthy Strike
Advancements: 0
Skills: Armed Combat: Axes (Battleaxe) +6, Climb +3, Language: Easterling +3,
Language: Khudzul +6, Language: Westron +2, Lore/Race: Dwarves (Sons of Sindri) +4,
Lore/Race: Men (Easterlings) +1, Lore/Realm: Rhn +3, Lore/Wilderness: Survival +2,
Observe +3, Ranged Combat +2, Stealth +4, Stonecraft +3, Survival (Mountains) +4,
Track +2
Edges: Furtive, Hardy, Warwise, Wary
Flaws: Proud, Stiff-necked
Health: 14
Courage: 3
Renown: 0
Gear: Battleaxe, spear, scale mail, cloak with hood
Aukrad is a headstrong young member of one of the lost clans of Sindri that found refuge
in the rough steppes of Rhn. Aukrad grew up listening to the greybeards tales of glory
days long past, and grew disillusioned with the meagre life his clan eked out among the
unpleasant Easterling tribes. He committed himself to finding the hope of better days for
his people and set out to seek other clans of his kind. His travels have brought him to the
West, where he has taken to lurking behind his cloak and hood, listening for clues as to
the whereabouts of his brethren. When forced into battle, Aukrad prefers stealth and
subtlety over open assault.
[[END BOX]]
Elves
[Movie Still 5]
We live now upon an island amid many perils, and our hands are more often upon the
bowstring than upon the harp.
Haldir, The Fellowship of the Ring
The Elves have never forgotten their legacy as children of the Undying Lands. Aided by
the great rings they crafted long ago, they are the guardians of much that is civilized and
beautiful in Middle-earth.
Few Elven warriors remain in Middle-earth at the end of the Third Age; most who fought
in the Last Alliance have returned to the Undying Lands. Of those who remain,
manyespecially among the Noldor and Sindartake little interest in the troubles of
Men. And yet, as the Shadow gathers, there remain some Elves willing to take up bow
and sword to support the Free Peoples. Most active of these are the Eldar dwelling in
Rivendell and the Silvan Elves of Mirkwood.
The Silvan Elves of Lothrien, surrounded by the beauty of the mighty mellyrn, dwell in
isolation and go abroad but seldom. Few, indeed, speak Westron. These Galadrim
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warriors are skilled in the use of bow, spear, and sword, and are dauntless trackers.
Trespassers into the Golden Wood do not get far thanks to their tireless watches in the
flets that ring the borders. Warriors from Lothrien are rarely seen abroad, except perhaps
as messengers to Imladris or the Grey Havens. Even then, few detect their passing.
In times of peace Rivendell is a place of refuge and counsel; in times of war it stands as
an unassailable fortress. The Eldar of Rivendell, led by Elrond, keep a watch on the
surrounding lands, including the passes of the Misty Mountains to the east, the
Ettenmoors to the north, and Hollin to the south. Some, under the leadership of Elronds
sons Elladan and Elrohir, support the Dnedain Rangers patrolling the wild lands of
Arnor. Others set out on errands for Elrond or scout the surrounding mountains.
Rivendells warriors dress in muted greys and greens when afield, and fight with
longbow and sword. When girding for battle they don elegant Elf-mail.
Lindon, sole remnant of lost Bereriand, has always been held by the Elves as the most
beloved of all lands in Middle-earth. Under the guidance of Crdan, the Elves of Lindon
build beautiful ships that bear their brethren back to the Undying Lands. Most of
Lindons warriors fought in the army of the Last Alliance, and are formidable.
Historically, they have aided the Dnedain of Arnor in their wars against Sauron and his
proxies. By the end of the Third Age, however, they have distanced themselves from the
cares of Middle-earth, save Crdan himself and a small number who continue to support
the Rangers.
The Silvan Elves of Mirkwood, though seldom welcoming of guests, are active traders in
Rhovanion, and deal regularly with the Beornings, Woodmen, and Dalelanders. Their
warriors are experts in woodcraft, and are deadly with bow, long knife, and sword alike.
They guard the approaches to King Thranduils lands, ever watchful for the Orcs, great
spiders, and other fell creatures that slink through Mirkwoods shadows. Many are
veterans of the Battle of the Five Armies and bear fine Erebor swords liberated from
Smaugs hoard.
Finally, though not associated with the Elves of a particular location, the Company of the
Council is a network of Elves throughout Middle-earth who can be called upon by the
Wise at need. They serve because it is clear that, while they are wise and powerful, the
members of the White CouncilSaruman, Gandalf, Elrond, Crdan, Galadriel, and
otherscannot be everywhere at once. The members of the Company may thus be
dispatched on a variety of missions: spying on Dol Guldur, watching Easterling
movements along the River Carnen, or carrying messages between members of the White
Council, for example. They may also be assigned to assist allies of Council members
such as the Woodmen of Mirkwood on behalf of Radagast, the Rohirrim for Saruman, or
small bands assembled by Elrond or Gandalf for important missions.
[[BEGIN BOX]]
<3>Narufindelin
Race: Elf (Sinda)
Racial Abilities: The Art, Beast-Skill, Comfort, Elven-form, Elven-sense, Elven-sleep,
Farsightedness, Ghost-scorn, Lightfootedness, Musical Gifts, Swift Healing
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Attributes: Bearing 10 (+2)*, Nimbleness 12 (+3)*, Perception 10 (+2), Strength 8 (+1),
Vitality 8 (+1), Wits 8 (+1)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +3*, Willpower +2, Wisdom +2
Defence: 13
Order: Warrior
Order Abilities: Evasion
Advancements: 0
Skills: Armed Combat: Blades (Long Knife) +3, Healing +2, Language: Silvan +3,
Language: Sindarin +6, Language: Westron +2, Lore/History: Elves +3, Lore/Race: Elves
+3, Lore/Realm: Mirkwood +4, Lore/Wilderness: Survival (Forest) +3, Observe +4,
Perform +3, Ranged Combat: Bows (Longbow) +6, Run +1, Stealth +4, Survival (Forest)
+4, Track +4
Edges: Accurate, Armour of Heroes, Fair, Keen-eyed, Swift Recovery, Woodcrafty 2
Flaws: Enemy (all Orcs), Fealty (to King Thranduil)
Health: 9
Courage: 3
Renown: 0
Gear: Long knife, longbow, 20 arrows, Elf-cloak
Narufindelin, a forest-scout of Mirkwood, helps to defend her homeland from Orc-
advances and any fell beast that strays into the forest. She knows little of the world
beyond the borders of the forest, and so rarely ventures beyond itshe would do so
without hesitation if her king so desired, though. Her preferred weapon is the bow, and
her ability with it is formidable, even for an Elf so young. She would like to one day
serve as a member of the kings personal guard, but is content to serve as a scout and
learn all she can about the forest and her peoples history in the meantime.
[[END BOX]]
Hobbits
[Movie Still 6]
[T]hough you may have taken me for a soft, stranger-lad and easy prey, let me warn
you; I am not, I am a halfling, hard, bold, and wicked!
Pippin, The Return of the King
Those who know them at all know Hobbits best as peaceable folk with little taste for
adventure and none at all for battle. The arms of the Shire, thus, are largely trophies hung
above hearths or displayed in the Michel Delving museum as mathoms. Generally
speaking, Hobbits who express undue interest in combat or weaponry beyond the hunting
bow are regarded by their peers as strange at best, if not outright mad. This outlook,
however, overlooks the resiliency that lies just below most Hobbits softand often
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ampleexteriors. Though most Hobbits prefer simply to be left alone, they are
surprisingly resourceful and fierce when threatened.
The Shire has few martial orders, and few resident warriors as a result. Most Hobbits are
skilful bowmen, however, and at great need may be assembled in a Shire-muster
captained by the Thain. The Muster is more a formality than reality, but has nevertheless
on several occasions marched into battle. In TA 1974, for example, a company of
bowmen supported the Dundain of Arnor in the Battle of Fornost. More recently, the
Muster defeated an Orc-invasion of the Northfarthing in TA 2747, and a decade later
fended off marauding wolves that crossed the frozen Brandywine during the Long
Winter. At the end of the Third Age, the Muster repelled a more insidious
threatSharkey and his Half-orcs.
A small police force called the Watch maintains order within the Shires four farthings.
There are only three Shirriffs assigned to each farthing, all of whom report to the First
Shirriff, the Mayor of Michel Delving. Since Hobbit-conflicts never culminate in
violence, its Shirriffs seldom have need of any weapon larger than a dagger. The Watch
wears neither uniform nor armour; a Shirriffs sole badge of office is the rakish feather
perched in his cap. Because Shirriffs never leave the Shire, and are more renowned for
their political skills than martial prowess, they typically maintain reputations as
respectable Hobbits.
In addition to the Watch, a small but dedicated band of Hobbit-warriors known as the
Boundersthose who beat the boundsguard the borders of the Shire, turning away
undesirable outsiders and driving off dangerous animals. The number of Bounders varies
from generation to generation according to need. At the end of the Third Age its numbers
are greatly increased, as troubling reports of strange folk and fearsome creatures moving
abroad grow. Tooks, by heritage and temperament, are most likely to be recruited by the
Bounders.
Bounders wear leather armour and are skilled in woodland pursuits, as well as the use of
sword and bow. They patrol all of the Shires borders, but are most concentrated along
the north-east frontier. Bounders seldom travel outside the Shire, but are certain to be
among those dispatched on any official errand requiring Hobbits to travel beyond its
borders.
Finally, the Hornbucks of Bree are a clan of Fallowhides who have for several centuries
provided escort services for Hobbit merchants travelling between the Shire and Bree.
Regarded as eccentric by other Hobbits, the Hornbucks are nonetheless considered a
reliable investment for Hobbit travellers unsure about the safety of a highway shared by
Dwarves, Men, and other unsavoury types. Hornbuck escorts favour leather armour and
handle both dirk and bow with equal skill. Most ride ponies and some can even swim.
Some of the more daring young Hornbucks, particularly those interested in assuming
leadership roles later in life, travel with Mannish merchant trains for a time, ranging into
the scattered Dundain settlements to the north and as far south as the Dunlands. Some
rare few have wandered even further afield.
[[BEGIN BOX]]
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<3>Tolman Longhole
Race: Hobbit (Stoor)
Racial Abilities: Six Meals a Day, Small Folk, Soft-Footed, Sure at the Mark, Tough as
Old Tree-roots
Attributes: Bearing 8 (+1)*, Nimbleness 8 (+1), Perception 11 (+2)*, Strength 7 (0),
Vitality 10 (+2), Wits 7 (0)
Reactions: Stamina +2, Swiftness +2, Willpower +1*, Wisdom +2
Defence: 11
Order: Warrior
Order Abilities: Tough as Stone
Advancements: 0
Skills: Armed Combat: Blades (Short Sword) +4, Craft: Cooking +3, Games +2, Healing
+1, Inspire +4, Intimidate +2, Language: Late Adnaic +3, Language: Westron +6,
Lore/Race: Hobbits +4, Lore/Race: Men +3, Lore/Realm: Bree-land +4, Lore/Realm:
Shire +2, Ranged Combat: Bows (Shortbow) +6, Observe +4, Run +2, Stealth +4
Edges: Accurate, Eloquent, Hoard 1, Honey-tongued
Flaws: Rival (Gorbo Mugwort)
Health: 11
Courage: 3
Renown: 0
Gear: Short sword, short bow, 20 arrows, leather corselet
Tolman Longhole is from Staddle, a small town in Bree-land. Most of his family lives
nearby, though he does have relations in the Shire. Tolman serves as sergeant of a
caravan guard, protecting goods transported from farm to market and back again.
Tolman prefers to reason his way out of fights whenever possible, but many a
highwayman have been fatally surprised at his martial abilities when he does resort to
using them. He is happy with his position, though he has often contemplated moving to
the Shire and becoming a Shirriff. Tolman and a fellow sergeant, Gorbo Mugwort,
compete bitterly over both caravan safety margins and consumption of beer.
[[END BOX]]
Descendants of Nmenor
[Movie Still 7]
Here was one with an air of high nobility . . . one of the Kings of Men born into a later
time, but touched with the wisdom and sadness of the Elder Race.
The Return of the King
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The descendants of the Nmenreans are those who, through culture or bloodline, can
trace their heritage back to the Nmenreans who settled in Middle-earth in the Second
Age. (Black Nmenreans, because they lack a cohesive culture, are treated as members
of their respective societies. See Men of Darkness on page XX.) Those who settled in
the North, the Dnedain, have been bereft of their kingdom since the fall of Arnor. Most
live in isolated and well-fortified communities in Arnor far from travelled paths, farming
and trading with their Middle Man and Halfling neighbours.
The Rangers of Eriador, the remnants of the noble families of fallen Arnor, dedicate their
lives to protecting their communities and those of their allies. To this end, they
ceaselessly patrol Eriador to fend off Orcs, dangerous beasts, and fell creatures. They
keep a special watch on the Shire and travellers along the roads. Grim in aspect, Rangers
clothe themselves in grey or dark green cloaks and wear long leather boots. They favour
shaggy, sturdy horses and arm themselves with spears, bows, and swords.
Before joining the ranks of this elite order, recruits spend many years as warriors,
learning the lay of the land and the arts of war. Before being raised to the rank of Ranger,
some recruits embark on years of solitary errantry, travelling abroad, gaining knowledge
and wisdomwhich might include instruction at Rivendellor even serving under a
foreign lord. When accepted as a full-fledged Ranger, a recruit is presented with his sole
badge of rank, a cloak clasp in the shape of a six-pointed star.
The Men of Gondor are not as pure in bloodline as the northern Dnedain, though their
culture and blood yet run strong and they remain legitimate descendents of Nmenor.
The Guard of the Tower are soldiers of Minas Tirith charged with protecting the great
city and serving the Steward of Gondor. Clad in the black and silver livery of the
Towera hauberk of blackened steel, a high-crowned silver helm, and a surcoat of black
with the token of the Tree in silverthey man its gates and guard its walls and
courtyards. The Guard is organized in companies, each with its own officers, who report
to the lords of Gondor. Guardsmen wield sword and longbow in battle, and spear and
pike when repelling attackers along the wall. Guardsmen seldom leave their city unless
escorting a captain or courier dispatched to another Anrien stronghold.
Outside Minas Tirith, Gondors many lords outfit their knights as well as the wealth of
their fiefs permit. At need, most of these lords can field a small contingent of such
mounted knights as well as several hundred footmen. In general, knights are provided full
harness and their choice of weapons, while common footmen are outfitted in leather
armour or mail and armed with spear and dagger. Archers, however, typically provide
their own bows.
The rich farmlands of Anrien also boast several well-off holds; their warriors are
equipped in similar fashion to the Guard of the Tower in Minas Tirith. The warriors who
man the beacon-tower hills and those of the mountainous Lossernach region are hardy
warriors well suited to fighting on the wooded slopes of their fiefs. They favour black
helms and mail, and fight with the bow and the great axe.
The great coastal towns of Pelargir in Lebennin and Dol Amroth in Belfalas, long subject
to raids by the Corsairs of Umbar, maintain a bevy of knights and many footmen, some of
whom are assigned to Gondors navy as marines. The fief of Belfalas is particularly
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wealthy, and the Prince of Dol Amroth maintains a full company of mounted knights,
outfitted with plate armour, lances, and longswords.
Other fiefs east of Ered Nimrais are less well off, but can also field hundreds of soldiers
at need. Lamedon and Morthond are both known for their sharp-eyed bowmen. Pinnath
Gelin is known for its nimble pathfinders, scouts, and footmen clad in forest green.
Perhaps one fifth of the warriors these fiefs can field are professionals; the rest devote
themselves to other trades in peacetime. Anfalas and Ethir are poorer fiefs and do not
maintain standing armies at all save for warriors attached to the households of their lords;
their soldiers are in peacetime hunters, herders, and fisherfolk
The Rangers of Ithilien were formed as a brotherhood of knights to safeguard Ithilien and
defy all foes who enter. At last driven from their homeland in TA 2954, they now dwell
in the ruins of Osgiliath and Gondor proper, stealing across the Anduin to harry the hosts
and creatures of Sauron. By tradition, the Rangers recruit only men of pure Dnedain
blood, the first of which is their captain, always a highborn son of Gondor.
The Rangers wear uniforms of brown and green, with matching gloves and masks. Elite
woodsmen, they are masters of the spear, great bow, and sword. They maintain numerous
secret base camps, the greatest of which is the refuge of Henneth Annn. A noble band
driven to ruthlessness by necessity, they are pledged to slay all outsiders who discover
their secret places.
Northmen
But the white fury of the North-men burned the hotter, and more skilled was their
knighthood with long spears and bitter. . . .
The Return of the King
The Northmen are descendants of the Edain who remained in Middle-earth. Originally
denizens of northern Rhovanion, they migrated to various parts south, diverging into
distinct cultures over the centuries.
The Beornings are great black-bearded men who live in the Anduin vale, guarding the
Ford of Carrock and the High Pass of the Misty Mountains. Fierce men who fearlessly
hunt Orc and Warg alike, most Beornings are warriors as well as farmers or craftsmen.
They dress in coarse wool garments, eschewing armour, relying on stealth and their great
strength to defeat their foes. They favour the mighty woodmans axe as a primary
weapon, and are also adept at throwing spears.
Beorning fighters drive themselves into a berserk rage in battle, and some, it is said,
assume the shapes of bears like their namesake Beorn. While Beornings are civilised
Men, many belong to the barbarian order due to their nature. Some are accounted great
horsemen, but do not saddle their mounts or use tack of any kind. Full-time warriors
among the Beornings spend much of their time roaming the wild lands along the Anduin
and in the mountains, often alone but occasionally in the company of Woodmen or Elves
from either Rivendell or Mirkwood.
The Dalelanders consist of the Bardings, Lakemen, and other Northmen who dwell
northeast of Mirkwood, all of whom banded together after the fall of Smaug to present a
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unified front to ever-increasing Easterling encroachments. Their culture has much in
common with that of their cousins the othod, who migrated south to populate Rohan.
The Dalelands have no standing army, but the king of Dale fields the Daleland Guard, a
great company of cavalry that patrols the borders of the Dalelands and garrisons the
watchtowers along the eastern frontier west of the River Carnen. Armed with Erebor steel
and skilled with the longbow, the Guardsmen are on a permanent wartime standing.
Dorwinion is a land traditionally claimed by the Easterlings, but after the fall of Dale
many Northmen settled in its mild river valleys. At the end of the Third Age most who
dwell here are a mingling of both peoples, but the dominant culture has more in common
with the North than the East. Warriors of Dorwinion spend much of their time guarding
the many vineyards of the land and escorting great shipments of wine that pass both east
and westsome travel as far as Dale, Gondor, or even Umbar. Others patrol Dorwinions
borders, wary of Dalemen and Easterling incursions alike. Some Dorwinions take service
in Easterling armies, while others seek their fortune in the West.
[Movie Still 8]
The Rohirrim, the descendants of the othod who once lived in Framsburg and other
settlements under the shadow of Mount Gundabad, now dwell in the plains ceded to them
by Gondor in ages past. Surrounded by enemiesDunlendings and Orcs to the west and
Easterlings to the eastthe horse-lords are ever prepared for war. Warriors attached to a
lords household are quartered under arms in bands known as ored. The chief ored in
the Riddermark is the Kings Company, drawn from lords and veteran soldiers who serve
at Edoras, but others ride under the command of the Marshals of Rohan. Riders wear
silver corslets and gleaming mail, and silver helmets with flowing horsetail manes. They
carry green shields emblazoned with a golden sun, and for arms wield spears and
longswords, some of which are Dwarf-heirlooms recovered from great Scathas hoard,
others of which are local creations bearing equine motifs. In time of war, the Men of
Rohan are gathered into three great cavalry companies, the Muster of Edoras, the Eastern
Muster, and the Western Muster. Each of these falls under the command of a Marshal of
the Mark.
The Men of central western Mirkwood and the Vales of Anduin are known as the
Woodmen of Mirkwood. Taciturn and quiet folk, they distrust strangers but are loyal to
friends. Most dwell in stockade villages and herd sheep or hunt with dogs. Full-time
warriors are rare among the Woodmen, but all have some training in combat as many
evils creep forth from Dol Guldur and Orcs from the Misty Mountains occasionally raid
their communities in search of new slaves. Shepherds in particular are skilled in the use
of the great yew bows with which they protect their flocks from predators such as wolves,
Wargs, Orcs, andoccasionallyGreat Eagles.
[[BEGIN BOX]]
<3>Bronwyn
Race: Man (Middle Man: Rohirrim)
Racial Abilities: Adaptable (+2 to Stamina), Dominion of Man, Skilled
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Attributes: Bearing 10 (+2)*, Nimbleness 8 (+1), Perception 10 (+2), Strength 7 (0),
Vitality 8 (+1)*, Wits 8 (+1)
Reactions: Stamina +3, Swiftness +2*, Willpower +2, Wisdom +2
Defence: 11
Order: Warrior
Order Abilities: Favoured Weapon (longsword)
Advancements: 0
Skills: Armed Combat: Blades (Longsword) +6, Climb +2, Craft: Farming +4, Healing
+3, Inspire +4, Language: Late Adnaic (Rohirric) +6, Language: Westron +3,
Lore/History: Rohan +3, Lore/Other: Horses +2, Lore/Race: Men (Rohirrim) +4,
Lore/Realm: Rohan +4, Lore/Wilderness: Survival +2, Observe +3, Ranged Combat:
Bows +3, Ride +4, Run +2, Survival (Plains) +5
Edges: Armour of Heroes, Faithful (to family), Valiant, Warwise
Flaws: Duty (to protect family), Enemy (Chief Baran), Provincial Upbringing
Health: 8
Courage: 4
Renown: 0
Gear: Longsword, horse, fathers ring
Bronwyn is a farmers daughter turned shield-maiden of Rohan and head of her
household. A Dunlendish raiding party attacked her familys farm and put her father and
brothers to the sword. This left Bronwyn to care for her aged mother and younger sisters,
a task she took to with a will. She maintained the farm and taught her sisters to care for
it, all the while learning the warriors ways. She desires nothing more than to turn the
farm over to her sisters, freeing herself to seek vengeance on the raiding partys leader, a
chief named Baran. Bronwyn wears her fathers ring as a constant reminder of her
desire.
[[END BOX]]
The Wild Men
[Movie Still 9]
[W]e fight not. Hunt only. Kill gorgn in woods, hate orc-folk.
Ghn-buri-Ghn, The Return of the King
Most Mannish societies of Middle-earth bear the civilising influences of the
Nmenreans or the Elves. Some, however, eschew such trappings. These so-called wild
men, clad in the furs of beasts, live off the land and answer to no rulers save their own.
The descendants of a more civilised culture, the dark-haired Dunlendings live in a chaotic
assortment of tribes and clans constantly fractured by strife and competition over limited
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resources. Those of the lowlands farm and herd animals, but the wilder highland tribes
are rough in speech and comportment, and are hunters and woodsmen rather than
farmers.
Barbarians and warriors are seen in equal number in Dunlending societythe former are
more common in the highlands, while the latter are more common in the lowlands. In
times of greater conflict, many Dunlenders hire themselves out as mercenaries. They
have no steadfast alliesthough some clans are friendly with Durins Folkand in
choosing enemies they make no distinction between Orcs and the Men of Gondor and
Rohan. They despise the Rohirrim, who displaced them centuries ago and forced them
over the Isen; every few seasons they raid outlying villages of the Westfold.
Descended from the ancient Forodwaith, the snowmen of Forochel inhabit the coastal
regions of the frozen Northern Waste. They speak little Westron, favouring their own
Lossothren tongue. They are a peaceful folk who produce few warriors, but in such a
harsh climate many men and women alike are hunters skilled in the ways of the
barbarian, tracking elk and other game across the frozen landscape. Every few years a
great caravan departs Lossoth bearing furs, ivory, and other trade goods, which they give
the Men and Dwarves of Arnor in exchange for metal weapons, salt, and other items they
cannot provide for themselves. Many barbarians make the journey to ensure the caravans
safe passage, for rumours persist that they also traffic in gold recovered from secret
deposits even the Dwarves know nothing of.
In the shadow of Ered Nimrais dwells a race of squat, unlovely Men. These secretive
wild men of the woods, the Woses, haunt the thickets of Druadan Forest, clad only in fur
and woven grasses. They have no interest in the affairs of Man or Elf; few save the
headmen speak Westron or other tongues of civilised Men. The deep woods often echo
with the distant boom of drums, with which tribes speaks to one another.
The Woses have no warriors, but nearly all males follow the path of the barbarian to
some extent. Their woodcraft is second to none, and some say they use ancient magic
akin to that of the Pkel-men of old. They never lose their sense of direction and can
sense the movements of the sun even when hidden behind dark clouds. Though non-
aggressive, the Woses are sometimes hunted for sport by Orcs and the Rohirrim. They
hate Orcs and Wargs above all else, and ruthlessly run them to ground, using poisoned
arrows and blowpipes to slay them. There is no record of one of the Woses leaving his
forest, but their ancestors were closer to civilized Men, and it could be that one might
follow a Man or Elf out of friendship.
[[BEGIN BOX]]
<3>Thn-deri-Thn
Race: Man (Wild Man: Pkel-man)
Racial Abilities: Adaptable (+2 to Stamina), Dominion of Man, Skilled
Attributes: Bearing 7 (0), Nimbleness 7 (0), Perception 10 (+2)*, Strength 10 (+2)*,
Vitality 11 (+2), Wits 8 (+1)
Reactions: Stamina +4*, Swiftness +2, Willpower +1, Wisdom +2
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Defence: 10
Order: Barbarian
Order Abilities: Wilderness Warrior (Forest)
Advancements: 0
Skills: Armed Combat: Clubs (Mace) +6, Climb +2, Craft: Brewing +2, Healing (Herbal
Remedies) +3, Language: Druadan +5, Language: Rohirric +1, Lore/Group: Pkel-men
+4, Lore/History: Pkel-men +2, Lore/Other: Poisons +2, Lore/Realm: Druadan Forest
+5, Lore/Realm: Rohan +2, Lore/Wilderness: Herbs +3, Observe +5, Ranged Combat:
Spears (Spear) +3, Stealth +4, Survival (Forest) +4, Track +4
Edges: Curious, Keen-eyed, Night-eyed, Woodcrafty 2
Flaws: Battle-fury, Enemy (all Orcs)
Health: 13
Courage: 4
Renown: 0
Gear: Grass skirt, spear, mace
A member of the strange clan of Pkel-men, or Woses, Thn-deri-Thn protects the
borders of the Druadan Forest from the ravages of Orcs and other enemies of his people.
Thn-deri-Thn is a curiosity among his kind in that he is brave enough to venture
beyond the borders of the forest to explore the surrounding realm of Rohan. Thn-deri-
Thn has seen several Rohirrim up close and has even learned a little of their strange
tongue. Hes reluctant to stay out in the open for long, though, and is quick to retreat to
the safety of his forest-home. Like many of his kind, Thn-deri-Thn is a fearsome
fighter within the confines of his own realm.
[[END BOX]]
Men of Darkness
[T]he Southrons were bold men and grim, and fierce in despair; and the Easterlings were
strong and war-hardened and asked for no quarter.
The Return of the King
The Men in the lands ringing Mordor have long been under the dominion of Sauron, and
of Morgoth before him. Stirred up by hatred and fear, their armies have many times
marched on the Men of the West. The Black Nmenreans, the Unfaithful who flocked to
Saurons cause in the Second Age, dwell among them, many of purer bloodlines rising to
positions of great power.
The Easterings are a great confederacy of kingdoms and tribes that dwell in Rhn. All
owe homage to Mordor and provide soldiers and materiel to feed Saurons massive war
machine. All Easterling societies are militaristic, but not in a uniform fashion. On the
northern plains east of the River Carnen, bearded barbarians of the nomadic tribes gird
themselves in thick leather armour and wield great two-handed axes. In the tilled lands of
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Rhn, proud and noble warriors march in polished steel armour forged in the smithies of
Mordor. All Easterling soldiers are accustomed to instantly obey their superiors and to
despise the weak. Easterlings of lighter complexion are sometimes recruited as spies and
travel the lands of the West disguised as merchants of Dorwinion.
The swarthy Variags dwell in Khand, an arid land south of Mordor. Not by nature willing
allies of Sauron, the Variag chieftains have long given tribute and soldiers to Mordor to
avoid the enslavement of their peoples in the brutal plantations of Nrnen. Variags are
disciplined and hardened soldiers, as failure means suffering for their families and tribes
back home. Variags are both warriors and barbarians. The former come from the
kingdoms terraced cities while the latter issue from its primitive wilderness tribes.
Barbarians wield great axes in battle and serve Mordors armies as footmen. The warriors
of the cavalry drive ornate chariots from which they hurl spears upon their enemies. Few
Variags travel north unless driven to war by the captains of Mordor.
The Haradrim of the far South, also known as Southrons, have served Sauron for
thousands of years. Many indeed worship him as a god and seek his favour by
committing depraved acts of cruelty on rivals and fallen enemies. Thousands of young
Southron men dedicate themselves to the sword each year, seeking glory and honour in
battle. Haradrim warriors grant no quarter in battle and ask for none, which inspires fear
in their enemies.
[Movie Still 10]
Southron soldiers are well trained and vary in type and temperament according to the
lands of Harad from which they come. Barbarians from Harads great savannas fight on
horseback, using spear and buckler, while those from the jungles of Far Harad, strong and
immense as trolls, paint their bodies and fight barehanded, dealing death to all with
whom they come to grips. The crack legions of Near Harad are the Haradrim most feared
by the Men of Gondor. Stern warriors in corslets of fine scale mail and clad in scarlet
livery, the men of Near Harad wield mighty scimitars and carry great round shields
studded with steel spikes. Their dreaded Mmakil Riders drive the mighty oliphants into
battle, and fight with both bow and scimitar from the war towers lashed to the backs of
the great beasts.
The Corsairs of Umbar are great pirates and raiders. Plying the seas in their infamous
black-sailed dromunds, they fall on merchant ships and coastal cities alike in search of
plunder. Most Corsairs are of course mariners by trade, but their sleek ships hold many
warriors in addition to the galley slaves chained to the oars. All are well schooled in the
use of scimitar, long knife, and whip. Many inhabitants of the fortress city state of Umbar
have borne the name Corsair, beginning with the proud Black Nmenreans who founded
it in the Second Age. Its inhabitants at the end of the Third Age are primarily of Harad
extract, though some Black Nmenreans live there still.
[[BEGIN BOX]]
<3>Zzago
Race: Man (Man of Darkness: Easterling)
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Racial Abilities: Adaptable (+2 to Swiftness), Dominion of Man, Skilled
Attributes: Bearing 10 (+2), Nimbleness 8 (+1), Perception 8 (+1), Strength 10 (+2)*,
Vitality 8 (+1)*, Wits 7 (0)
Reactions: Stamina +2, Swiftness +3*, Willpower +2, Wisdom +2
Defence: 11
Order: Warrior
Order Abilities: Tireless Fighter
Advancements: 0
Skills: Armed Combat: Axes (Battle Axe) +6, Healing +1, Inspire +4, Intimidate (Fear)
+3, Language: Easterling +6, Language: Westron +2, Lore/Group: Easterlings +4,
Lore/History: Rhn +2, Lore/Realm: Dale +2, Lore/Realm: Rhn +5, Observe +3,
Ranged Combat: Spears (Spear) +4, Ride +3, Siegecraft +3, Survival (Plains) +4, Track
+2
Edges: Bold, Fell-handed (Bardings), Stern, Warwise
Flaws: Enemy (all Free Peoples), Hatred (Bardings)
Health: 10
Courage: 4
Renown: 0
Gear: Battle axe, large shield, mail hauberk, spear
A young and fierce warrior, Zzago is one of the countless Easterling soldiers devoted to
following the indomitable will of Sauron. He has given his life to the ways of the
warrior, and has developed a reputation among his peers as a tireless fighter and strong.
His utter disdain for all the Free Peoples fuels both his need for combat and his burning
ambitions. His prowess in combat serves to inspire others of his kind, and he has taken to
assisting others in learning the military arts. Zzago desires to one day be named captain
of his own troop and to lead them into glorious victory over the foul enemies of his
Shadowed Master.
[[END BOX]]
Orcs
[Movie Still 11]
[A] huge orc-chieftain . . . clad in black mail from head to foot, leaped into the chamber
. . . . His broad flat face was swart, his eyes were like coals. . . .
The Fellowship of the Ring
Orcs are long-lived, if not immortal. Nevertheless, only the most hardy and wily live
more than a few hundred years. The hazards of battle and deadly infighting reduce most
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to a lifespan measured in decades rather than centuries. Those who do survive are
intelligent and dangerous foes.
Orcs are infamous as skilled combatants because they pursue few other careers. Those
who become craftsmen or take on other useless roles are looked upon as weak. There
are as many fighting styles and traditions as there are Orc-tribes because the members of
each band emulate the habits of its strongest members. Some follow the barbarian
traditions, while others, particularly those commanded by the Uruks, are fell warriors.
Orcs fight dirty, and no foul trick is beneath them. They favour as weapons scimitars,
brute swords, whips, war hammers, poisoned arrows, and a variety of wicked daggers.
They delight in mechanical things that deal in death and pain, and express a creative flair
in the construction of siege machines. Few Orcs ride beasts, save those who ride Wargs,
preferring to lope along under their own power.
Though cruel cannibals, Orc warriors are not entirely without virtue. Those who have
fought together enjoy a strong esprit de corps, and while friendship only goes so far, an
Orc-band will travel far to avenge the death of fallen comrades for the pride of the group.
Unguided, Orc soldiers are chaotic and express limited ambition, but under a strong and
feared captain they can achieve an astonishing focus and discipline.
[[BEGIN BOX]]
Of Savage Dwarves and Hobbits
Though there are no communities of barbarian Elves, Dwarves, or Hobbits wandering
Middle-earth, the following speculative departures from established canon could lead to
new roleplaying opportunities for those interested in playing against type.
Dwarves
Many Dwarf-clans were displaced in history and are unaccounted for. What of the Petty
Dwarves of the First Age? They are said to have died out long ago, but might some have
survived in isolation? What of Sindris folk, many of who fled at Saurons downfall to
the fastness of Nurunkhizdn and were forgotten to history? Such lost clans might easily
serve as an origin for barbarian Dwarves. One might also imagine a small clan of rustic
Dwarf-pathfinders living in the shadow of Mount Gundabad under the very noses of the
Orc-hosts, unwilling to abandon the halls of their fathers.
Hobbits
Hobbit communities were widely dispersed during the Wandering Days that took them
from the vales of the Anduin to the Shire. One or two may have gone astray and settled in
some isolated mountain hollow, unmarked save by beasts and the occasional uninterested
Elf. Perhaps a clan of Stoors lingered in the fog-shrouded coves west of the Misty
Mountains and now hunt wild game (and mushrooms) astride great boars in the wild
holly thickets of Hollin.
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Elves
Only a weak case might be made for barbarian Elves. As immortals, they do not readily
forget the culture they acquired in the Undying Lands. Still, one might imagine an
isolated band of ungentle Elves, girt in silvery seal fur, lingering in the lands far to the
north of Forochel, perhaps safeguarding some remnant of Morgoth. There may also be
individual Elves who have for some reason forsaken their own kind and wander alone in
the wild, or been driven to solitude by despair or Dragon forgetfulness.
[[END BOX]]
The Way of the Warrior
To hopes end I rode and to hearts breaking:
Now for wrath, now for ruin and a red nightfall!
omer, The Return of the King
In The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game, heroes are time and again forced to take up
arms against the Shadow. Orcs pour forth from the dark places of the world, seeking to
pillage and slay those unfortunate enough to cross their paths. Sauron makes war upon
the Free Peoples, using the might of his armies to subjugate and dominate them. While
few Men, Elves, Dwarves, or Hobbits seek war, all too often forces beyond their control
force it upon them. This section provides you, the player of a martial character, with
advice and ideas on creating your characters background; selecting his skills, traits, and
order abilities; and fulfilling his role as a brave fighter in the company of his fellow
player characters.
Creating Martial Characters
Before you can select your characters order abilities, traits, and skills, think first about
his personality, background, and goals. Most of the Free Peoples fight out of love for
their homes, their families, and their friends, not because they love bloodshed or combat.
Victory for such characters is measured not in foes slain but lives saved. Thus, the most
important step in fleshing out your character is to consider why he has chosen a martial
path. What makes your character fight?
For a barbarian, the answer may be simple. As a child or young adult, he learned to hunt
with a bow and spear. The talents he once used to provide meat for his family and friends
are equally useful against Orcs, Trolls, and other threats. While barbarians are by no
means violent or warlike, they take to the huntsmans weapons as readily as the Rohirrim
take to the saddle.
[Movie Still 12]
Alternately, military service could be a tradition of your characters family. Boromir and
Faramir, as sons of the Steward of Gondor, were expected to train with weapons and lead
Men into battle. Their duty to the realm compelled them to serve. Even so, duty does not
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always translate into a love of warfare. While Boromir enjoyed his role, his gentler, wiser
brother Faramir was driven by responsibility, not his personal preferences.
Circumstances beyond your characters control could also drive him to take up arms. A
barbarian hunter may turn his bow against Orcs when the Shadow threatens his
homeland. Merry and Pippen knew little of warfare, yet the events of the War of the Ring
led them to become honoured warriors in service to Rohan and Gondor respectively. A
simple farmer or innkeeper could be transformed into a warrior when he takes up
weapons to defend his home from invaders.
Dwarves have a strong martial tradition, though they typically fight out of necessity
rather than to conquer their neighbours. Aside from their war of bloody revenge against
the Orcs, Dwarves tend to be peaceful as long as their mountain homes and treasure
hordes are safe. At times, however, their willingness to fight for their material wealth can
prove troublesome. Thorin and his followers, for example, almost caused an irreparable
rift amongst his own people on one hand and Men and Elves on the other when he sought
to claim the Lonely Mountain as his own. In that case, he allowed avarice and old feuds
to cloud his better judgement.
Elves are typically more concerned with beauty and majesty than warfare. As lovely as
they are while happy, they can be equally terrifying when their anger is aroused. Many
times in the history of Middle-earth the Elves have marched to war against the Shadow.
As immortals, they remember best the great evils that can befall Middle-earth should the
Enemy conquer the Free Peoples. Thus, when the Elves take up arms they are terrible in
war. They fight with the skill of centuries and the passion of those who desire peace
enough that they are willing to die for it.
While your characters background plays a key role in determining his personality,
physical details can also help you craft a memorable martial hero. For example, your
character may rely on a certain preferred armament. Picture Gimli or Legolas in your
mind and you are sure to see them with axe or bow, respectively. A warrior or barbarian
may have scars from a particularly perilous battle, while a seemingly mundane piece of
equipment such as a helm or shield may hold tremendous emotional importance to your
character. At the battle of Helms Deep, for example, Gimli bears a shield originally
crafted for Thoden when he was but a boy. In The Hobbit, Bard of Dale felled Smaug
with a treasured heirloom passed down for generations of his family. Any newly created
character might carry a shield, weapon, ring, or other heirloom that helps define his past,
goals, and personality.
Over the course of a chronicle, barbarians and warriors can expect to engage in battle
against the servants of the Shadow. Consider how your character approaches such
dangers. The Lord of the Rings films, with their fast-paced battle scenes, provide many
examples of how a characters actions in battle can illustrate his personality. Does he
trudge into battle with a grim determination, struggling on despite great adversity like
Aragorn? Does he throw himself into battle with a furious vigour like Gimli? Or does he
fight with a lethal grace, combining speed and agility like Legolas? Picture not only how
your character looks and talks but also how he fights. Then use the descriptions that come
to mind during play to help illustrate your characters personality in the same manner that
the characters in the films fought using different styles.
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Warriors and barbarians should also have goals outside combat. Aragorn may be a skilled
fighter, but he is also a wise and just leader. Even when facing Sarumans horde at
Helms Deep, Gimli took time to admire the beauty of the Glittering Caves. What does
your character want to do once the fighting is over? If he could never again bear a
weapon, what would he do instead? Remember that the Free People rarely fight unless
they must. Most soldiers amongst them were once farmers, tailors, or millers who would
gladly set aside their swords for these callings. Consider the sorts of things that are likely
to draw your characters notice, admiration, or distaste and work those into his actions
during play. A Man of Rohan travelling through Bree may take a moment to inspect a
local horse. A Hobbit might comment on the cuisine (or lack thereof) while a Dwarf is
likely to notice the skill that went into building a castle he must help defend against an
army of Orcs.
Using CODA to Your Advantage
While your barbarian or warriors background, goals, and personality make your
character real, the decisions you make when picking your characters skills, traits, and
order abilities play just as important a role in your characters success. This section
highlights some abilities you might overlook when designing your character. While it is
aimed at barbarians and warriors, the advice provided here is useful in any characters
development as a fighter.
Order Abilities: Barbarians
Brew Poison, Champion, and Preferred Weapon are the best order abilities for barbarians
who wish to excel in combat. The other choices are the best for barbarians who are scouts
first and soldiers second. Ancestral Weapon (see page XX) is also a fine choice, but keep
in mind that it must usually be taken at character creation. If it is an ability you want to
have, you may have to put off these others for future advancements.
Brew Poison: Brew Poison is an ideal choice not only because it is useful in adventures
but also because it is unique to barbarians. While Men of Gondor or Rohan may have
better weapons and armour than your character, they cannot match your skill at crippling
your opponents with a lethal concoction. Unless you devote additional picks to this
ability to reduce the onset time of your poison, though, you should plan to rely on hit-
and-run tactics to give your toxins time to affect your opponents. Brew Poison also works
well if your character relies on stealth and trickery rather than brute strength. You can
sneak into an Orc-encampment, poison their cook pot, and wait a few hours for a few
doses of poison to do the work of 100 men-at-arms.
Champion: When choosing the Champion order ability, take care that your barbarians
adventuring career will be built upon service to his people, checking with the Narrator to
make sure his plans for the chronicle are compatible with yours. If the adventures
planned for your company wont be related to defending your homeland against enemies,
this order ability is all but wasted. On the other hand, if the chapters of your chronicle
will revolve in every respect around your people, youll have bonuses no matter which
way you turn. You should also keep in mind that the Champion order ability is one with
great roleplaying importance. If you take it, be sure your characters dedication and
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station play a major role in his mannerisms, decisions, and actions. With such weighty
responsibilities, he should treat even minor tasks with great gravity.
Preferred Weapon: Preferred Weapon works best if your characters signature weapon
defines him. If, when you picture your character, you always see him carrying the same
armament, Preferred Weapon is an ideal choice. On the other hand, if your character is
more a generalist, another order ability might be a better choice.
Order Abilities: Warriors
Evasion, Favoured Weapon, and Warrior-born are good all-around choices for warriors.
Battle-Hardened is best for warriors who expect to become captains, while Swift Strikes
requisites place it out of the reach of starting characters. When your character gains
enough picks to select a second order ability, however, Swift Strike is perhaps the best
choice he can make.
Evasion: This ability is perfect for archers, scouts, and other warriors who rely on speed
and agility rather than heavy armour to preserve them in battle. If your character relies on
dodge actions for defence, a single bad roll can spell his doom. The Evasion ability helps
reduce the chance of that happening.
Favoured Weapon: Favoured Weapon helps starting warriors bring their primary Armed
Combat skill up to the maximum +12 ranks in their first few advancements while leaving
advancement picks open to other avenues of improvement as well. This can allow a
relatively inexperienced warrior to dominate the battlefield. The downside, of course, is
that it has no utility at all once this maximum is reached.
Warrior-born: This order ability provides a consequential bonus to a wide range of
tests, and is thus an excellent pick for warriors who employ a wide range of weapons in
battle. Since Courage points drive this ability, however, you must make sure to have
some available for important battles. Valiant is a good edge to pair with Warrior-born,
since you can use it to gain Courage when you are otherwise spent. On the other hand,
you may want to avoid other edges and abilities which will also drain your Courage, such
as Bold and Lion-hearted. Also consider bolstering Warrior-born with extra Courage paid
for with advancement picks from one of your first advancements.
Skills
While Armed Combat, Ranged Combat, and Unarmed Combat skills have the most direct
bearing on your success in combat, other skills can help put you in a position to maximise
your fighting abilities. When taken together, certain combinations of skills can produce
unique, specialised characters with markedly different fighting styles.
Armed Combat, Ranged Combat, and Unarmed Combat: These three skills are the
basis for a warrior or barbarians abilities. Obviously, you should choose specialties with
weapons your character often uses. Keep in mind that you can have more than one
specialty in a given skill. Gaining Armed Combat: Blades (longsword, long knife), for
example, gives you the specialty bonus to both of the listed weapons. Since additional
specialties only cost one advancement each, you can gain +2 to an additional weapon at
relatively little cost.
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Climb and Jump: These skills allow you to move across otherwise impassable terrain in
battle, giving you an edge over less mobile opponents. For example, you might be able to
take position atop a cliff or tree, allowing you to rain arrows upon your enemies without
giving them a chance to attack you with their swords and axes. Climb and Jump might
allow you to avoid or escape ambushes by passing over barriers you opponents were
counting on to box you in.
[Movie Still 13]
Healing: Inevitably, you or one of your friends will suffer an injury in battle. Although
you can only refresh so many lost Wound Points with Healing, the ability to recover to
the next higher Wound Level after a battle (see page XX of the core rulebook) reduces a
penalty that would otherwise be suffered in the next combat. Further, additional Wound
Points, no matter how few, are never unwelcome. If the optional rules for fell strikes (see
page XX) are being used in your chronicle, Healing is that much more important; a
warrior who cannot staunch his own bleeding or safely remove arrows lodged in his body
is at a serious disadvantage. Most warriors should devote at least a few ranks to Healing
even if they usually travel with learned characters who are leechcraft experts. In the
course of battle it is not always possible for fragile characters to advance to the front lines
for triage, and any company of heroes can become separated for long periods of time
against their will, as Merry and Pippin were from Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli.
Lore/Wilderness: Herb Lore: If you have a barbarian character and own Paths of the
Wise, you may wish to devote a number of ranks to this skill, especially if your barbarian
also has the Brew Poison order ability, which will allow you to prepare healing and
helpful herbal brews to cure yourself and aid your allies.
Inspire: If you see your character as a leader, devote as many ranks as possible to this
skill. Inspire allows you to lift your allies spirits and make them more effective fighters.
Since all of your allies benefit from it, this skill is ideal in almost every combat situation.
Intimidate: While Inspire lifts your allies hopes, Intimidate crushes those of your
enemies. This skill is the perfect choice for a character who, like Gimli, throws himself
into the fray with a reckless abandon.
Mimicry: This skill can prove useful before battle is joined to lure opponents into a
disadvantageous position or coordinate activities among allies who cannot see one
another.
Observe: The best way to avoid an ambush is to spot it before it takes place. Even during
battle it is impossible to take advantage of changing conditions if they are not recognised.
Spot is typically the best Observe specialty for warriors to choose.
Siegecraft: This skill is essential for warriors who serve as officers or wish to become
captains. On the other hand, warriors who have no such aspirations are best off spending
their picks on other skills.
Stealth: Attacking from ambush is a critical combat tactic, and this skill is crucial to such
endeavours. Before the attack it is necessary to gain information about enemy
movements, and when setting the trap it is essential to make sure the enemy is not alerted
too early. Both require Stealth. In fact, if your character shuns heavy armour for speed
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and manoeuvrability, Stealth may be even more important than Armed or Ranged
Combat.
Edges
Here are a few suggestions on the edges that are of the most use to barbarians and
warriors.
Accurate: The large test bonus provided by this edgethe equivalent of spending a
point of Couragemakes it practically mandatory for any martial character who expects
to make use of ranged weapons.
Armour of Heroes: Although it offers significantly less protection than a sturdy
chainmail corslet, this edge is useful for barbarians and stealthy warriors who dont want
to be encumbered by armour. It is also a nice backup in case of ambushes or where a
warriors armour is not close at hand.
Command: Rightful command of a group of up to 150 warriors will allow any barbarian
or warrior to prevail over enemy forces against which he and his companions would
otherwise have no chance at all. Although the Rank requirement increases the effective
cost of this skill, and the situation in the story may provide additional difficulties, this
edge is an excellent choice if allowed by the Narrator. Characters with Command should
develop their Inspire and Siegecraft skills, for obvious reasons.
Dodge: This edges utility and significant bonus in an area that it is hard to augment in
any other way makes it another nearly mandatory choice for martial characters.
Faithful: As with the barbarian order ability Champion, this edge can be useful in a wide
array of circumstances. As with Champion, however, it pays to make sure the underlying
object of loyalty is central to the chronicle planned by the Narrator. Needless to say,
barbarians with the Champion order ability can double their bonus with this edge.
Hardy and Lion-hearted: A single injury can be the one advantage your foes need to
overwhelm you. These edges ensure that a few lucky attacks by your enemies dont
defeat you.
Valiant: If you have the Warrior-born ability, use this edge to ensure that you always
have Courage available to activate it. It also pairs well with Bold when you absolutely
must score a critical hit against a particularly grim opponent.
Playing Martial Characters
[Movie Still 14]
While your martial characters role in the chronicle is by no means limited to combat,
you should be ready to take a leadership role when violence erupts. As the most skilled
combatant in the group, you can expect to take the greatest risks and face the most
terrible foes in combat. Think of Aragorns heroism in slaying the Orc-chieftain who
assaulted Frodo in Moria or Gimlis valiant effort to defend the gate at Helms Deep.
When swords are drawn, your warrior or barbarian must take centre stage.
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Your first order of business in battle is to ensure everyones safety. The Orc-chieftains
death may mean little if your friends perished at the hands of a Cave Troll you ignored.
Use terrain to shield the more vulnerable characters from attack while you move into
battle. A tree is a convenient hiding place that keeps a character safe from hand to hand
combat. A pile of rocks or ditch provides cover against arrows. Keep an eye out for
places that can ward off danger and be prepared to help your friends move to them while
you defend them.
You can also draw the enemys attention away from your allies if there are no convenient
hiding spaces or cover in the area. With your armour and skill at arms, you can afford for
many weaker foes to attack you at once. Better to have six Orcs surrounding you than
five while the sixth stalks the Hobbit rogue. Leap into the enemys midst and force them
to deal with you first.
Knowing when to fight is more important than knowing how to fight. Always try to
attack when the odds are in your favour. Lure your opponents into areas where they are
forced to break up or where they can lose track of each other, allowing you to defeat them
one by one; defeating five groups of ten Orcs in five successive battles is a much easier
prospect than facing 50 Orcs at once.
An ambush is the best way to overcome powerful creatures or large numbers of weaker
ones. The moments of surprise an ambush provides are a critical time that allow you to
strike down the enemys leaders, wound particularly powerful foes, or launch a volley of
arrows and flee before your opponents can muster a counterattack. In addition to the
advantage of surprise, by staking out an ambush location you choose where a fight takes
place. This choice is a big advantage in battle, as it allows you to maximise your abilities.
If you and your allies excel in close quarters fighting, you can attack in a narrow
mountain pass or forest trail. If you prefer to fight with ranged weapons, you can select a
position atop a hill or behind a line of boulders and rain arrows down upon your foes as
they try to advance.
If you and your companions are caught in an ambush, focus on escape. Gather the party
and charge through the weakest concentration of opponents. Speed is of the essence, as
each moment you remain in a vulnerable position could spell your doom. The worst thing
you can do is stand and fight unless you comfortably outclass your opponents or cannot
afford to run.
In a fight, terrain can be your greatest ally, or, if mishandled, your greatest threat. Where
terrain blocks line of sight or creates barriers to advancement, use it for shelter from
ranged attacks and to prevent your opponents from surrounding you. If you stand with
your back to a wall, for example, you cannot be attacked from behind. Take care,
however, to avoid placing yourself into an inescapable position. Unless you are confident
you can handle your foes, leave yourself an out.
If you face opponents who have the benefits of blocking terrain, try to use that terrain
against them. Scout out the area to find cover and any concealed paths that offer you a
way to sneak up on your enemies. A diversion, such as a volley of arrows or even an
attempt to parlay, can draw the enemys attention away from your stealthy allies who can
move into position for an attack. Once they are in place, you can lead a charge that
catches the foes between your hammer and your hidden friends anvil.
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Other terrain features hinder movement but still allow missile fire and other ranged
attacks. A river, deep snow, or low wall makes movement more difficult but does nothing
to hinder ranged attacks. These terrain features are best used against opponents who rely
on close combat. You can hold a position at these features, raining arrows down on your
enemies as they approach. When they come near, meet their charge as they struggle to
clear the terrain and close.
If you face opponents who use hindering terrain against you, look for other avenues of
advance. If a group of Orcs holds a bridge, for example, you might seek an alternate path
over the water. Perhaps a shallow area down river is usable as a ford, or logs could be
fashioned into a crude raft. Once on the opposite side you either ambush your enemies
from behind or avoid combat altogether. Remember that while terrain can be useful, it
often gives those defending it tunnel vision.
Last but not least, teamwork is critical to overcoming an enemy. Each member of your
company should use his skills to best advantage. Stealthy characters should scout nearby
terrain for dangers and potential advantages. Your fellow barbarians and warriors should
work side by side to protect the less resilient and create battle plans. Bowmen and others
skilled at ranged combat should seek out commanding spots where they can see the entire
field of battle. In addition to being able to rain down fire on the largest number of
opponents, they will be able to spy ambushes, traps, and other dangers as the melee
progresses. Characters with Inspire are almost as important as those with skill in fighting.
They can grant test bonuses to all those in earshot and counteract the Enemys powers of
fear and terror.
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Chapter Two: Expanding the Orders
[N]o heir of Minas Tirith has for long years been so hardy in toil, so onward into battle,
or blown a mightier note on the Great Horn.
Faramir speaking of Boromir, The Two Towers
[Movie Still 15]
Although their dreams, fears, quirks, and strivings define many of the martial characters
in The Lord of the Rings, so too do their mighty capabilities. In this chapter youll find
new tools to bring to life barbarian and warrior characters, including many new order
abilities, edges, and flaws. In addition, youll find an expansion of the skills triggers
presented (but not named) in the core rulebook, as well as ten new elite orders especially
appropriate for advanced barbarians and warriors.
New Order Abilities
A swift stroke she dealt, skilled and deadly. The outstretched neck she clove asunder,
and the hewn head fell like a stone.
The Return of the King
Order abilities are key traits that define a character and his role in the chronicle. The new
order abilities presented here broaden the options for barbarians and warriors.
New Barbarian Order Abilities
Let us be thankful that they are not hunting us: for they use poisoned arrows, it is said,
and they are woodcrafty beyond compare.
Elfhelm, The Return of the King
Barbarians are at their best in the wilds, using their knowledge of the terrain to undermine
their opponents plans and bolster their own. The following new order abilities are
available to all barbarian characters, both newly created and more advanced.
Ancestral Weapon
You bear a legendary or magical weapon forged in ancient days and passed from
generation to generation of your line. You may only choose this order ability with the
permission of your Narrator, as she must create this weapon and its abilities and integrate
it into the chronicle.
Requisite: This ability may normally be chosen only by starting characters. If you wish
to gain it later you must get your Narrators permission.
[Movie Still 16]
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Stealthy Strike
You are an expert at attacking from ambush, striking with focused speed and fury that
leave your foes overwhelmed before they have a chance to strike. You gain an additional
action in any round of combat during which you surprise your foe.
Requisite: Stealth 4+.
Trail Blazer
[Movie Still 17]
You are skilled not only at crossing difficult ground on your own, but are also capable of
guiding others through it at good speed. You may apply the effects of your Hard March
ability to two companions who travel in your company. This ability applies to the same
terrain as your Hard March ability.
Requisite: Hard March.
Improvement: Each time you select this ability the number of allies you may guide
through the wilderness increases by two. For example, if you spend two picks on this
ability you could grant the Hard March ability to four companions.
Wilderness Warrior
Long years of living off the land and dwelling in the wilds have made you into a skilled
fighter on your familiar territory. When fighting in the wilds, you can turn the terrain to
your advantage. When you choose this ability, select a terrain type such as forest,
mountain, or desert. When in this terrain type, you gain a +2 bonus to all Armed Combat,
Ranged Combat, and Unarmed Combat tests.
Requisite: Survival (same terrain) 4+.
Improvement: Each time you spend an additional pick on this ability you may choose
another terrain type, though you must meet the requisite for each terrain type you add.
New Warrior Order Abilities
Twenty-one! cried Gimli. He hewed a two-handed stroke and laid the last Orc before
his feet. Now my count passes Master Legolas again.
The Two Towers
Warriors rely on their skill, bravery, stout armour, and well-forged weapons to overcome
their foes. The following order abilities are available to all warriors, both newly created
and advanced.
Ancestral Weapon
You bear a legendary or magical weapon forged in ancient days and passed from
generation to generation of your line. You may only choose this order ability with the
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permission of your Narrator, as she must create this weapon and its abilities and integrate
it into the chronicle.
Requisite: This ability may normally be chosen only by starting characters. If you wish
to gain it later you must get your Narrators permission.
Enduring Defender
Terrible wounds that would leave a lesser warrior in a crumpled heap have little effect on
you. Drawing on your dedication you focus your mind, ignore the pain, and attend to the
task at hand. At any time, you may spend a point of Courage to ignore the penalties you
suffer due to injury for one battle or a single non-combat scene of similar length.
Requisite: Vitality 8+.
Favoured Weapon Master
Through years of dedicated practise you have advanced your skill with your favoured
weapon to levels that are virtually unknown. You may have up to 16 ranks in your
favoured weapon, though the penalty you suffer when using other weapons within your
favoured weapons skill increases to 6.
Requisite: Armed Combat 10+, Favoured Weapon Parry.
Favoured Weapon Parry
You have practiced endlessly with your favoured weapon, learning to handle it with
speed and grace to knock aside your opponents strikes. Choose any speciality to which
your Favoured Weapon order ability applies. When fighting with that weapon you gain
one free parry action per round. Furthermore, the party taken with this free action is
automatically successful if you have six more ranks in your favoured weapon than your
opponent has in the skill he is attacking you with.
Requisite: Armed Combat 10+, Favoured Weapon.
Riposte
You are a skilled fighter, capable of turning an opponents advantage into a liability as
you fight. When using an action to make a parry (free parries from order abilities such as
Favoured Weapon Parry do not apply) you can knock aside your opponents strike, open
up his defences, and launch a speedy counter-strike. Resolve your parry as normal. If
your Armed Combat check beats your opponents by five or more, you may immediately
make a free basic attack against him. You may use this ability no more than twice per
round.
Requisite: Armed Combat 10+.
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Tireless Fighter
When battle calls your limbs burn with renewed strength and vigour, shaking off the
effects of a hard march, hours of heavy labour, or other tiring deeds. You ignore all
weariness penalties to Armed Combat, Ranged Combat, and Unarmed Combat tests.
Requisite: Vitality 8+.
Tough as Stone
Your extraordinary toughness and dedication allow you to shrug off minor wounds.
Whenever you suffer an injury, reduce the damage you sustain by one point. This is
cumulative with the damage absorption effects of armour and edges like Armour of
Heroes.
Requisite: Vitality 8+.
Improvement: You may spend one additional pick on this ability to increase the
reduction in damage to two points.
New Traits
There was a flash like flame and the helm burst assunder. The orc fell with a cloven
head. His followers fled howling, as Boromir and Aragorn sprang at them.
The Fellowship of the Ring
While any character may choose the new edges and flaws that follow, they will be of
greatest use to warriors, barbarians, and other martial PCs.
Edges
Andril rose and fell, gleaming with white fire. A shout went up from the wall and tower:
Andril! Andril goes to war. The Blade that was Broken shines again!
The Two Towers
[[Playtesters: I had to cut a number of edges I didnt like from this section.
Suggestions for replacements (and attendant mechanics) are welcome.]]
Agile Combatant
You are exceptionally adroit, capable of defending yourself while taking many actions in
combat.
Requisite: Armed Combat 6+ or Unarmed Combat 6+
Effect: When using the tactical combat option (see pages XX-XX), you do not drop your
guard when you change weapons, stand from prone, mount a steed, or pick up an object.
This edge has no effect (and should not be selected) if the tactical combat option is not
being used.
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Agile Caster
You are spry and sure, capable of concentrating on your spellcasting even while
defending yourself against attackers in combat.
Requisite: Nimbleness 8+
Effect: When using the tactical combat option (see pages XX-XX), you do not drop your
guard when you cast spells with casting time 1 while engaged in melee combat. This edge
has no effect (and should not be selected) if the tactical combat option is not being used.
Improvement: If taken a second time, you do not drop your guard when invoking spells
with casting time 2.
Agile Runner
You are fast and agile, capable of defending yourself against opponents while moving at
speed.
Requisite: Run 6+
Effect: When using the tactical combat option (see pages XX-XX), you do not drop your
guard when you jog. This edge has no effect (and should not be selected) if the tactical
combat option is not being used.
Improvement: If you take this edge a second time you can run without dropping your
guard. If you take it a third time you do not drop your guard even when you sprint.
Arrow-breaker
You wield your weapon with such speed and agility that you can knock aside arrows and
other missile weapons even as they fly through the air.
Requisite: Armed Combat 4+.
Effect: You may use the parry/block combat action against ranged attacks. (Normally,
it applies only to close combat attacks.)
Defensive Fighter
You are skilled in knocking aside your opponents attacks when you focus on defence
rather than offence.
Requisite: Armed Combat 4+.
Effect: When using the defensive attack action in combat, you gain a +4 bonus to
Swiftness for dodge and parry/block tests against the opponent you attack. (Normally, the
defensive attack action grants a +2 bonus.)
Fast as Thought
Your mind and body are fast enough to permit you to cast a spell in reaction to someone
foolishly dropping their guard in your presence.
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Requisite: Agile Caster
Effect: When using the tactical combat option (see pages XX-XX), you can cast any spell
you know with casting time 1 as a free attack, and you need not drop your guard to do so.
This edge has no effect (and should not be selected) if the tactical combat option is not
being used.
Force of the Attack
Your bulk, strength, or sheer force of will make you skilled at knocking your foes off
balance, pushing them to the ground, and pressing your advantage.
Requisite: Strength 9+, Armed Combat 8+.
Effect: When using the charge combat action, you gain an additional basic attack action
against your opponent if you knock him prone. Make this Armed Combat test
immediately after resolving your charge attack. You do not gain any of the bonuses for
charging on this attack.
Improvement: For each additional pick you devote to this trait, the TN of the Strength
test your opponents must make to avoid being knocked over by your charge increases by
2.
Halberdier
You are well trained in the use of all long weapons and wield them with much less
difficulty than those without special training
Requisite: Armed Combat: Polearms 3+.
Effect: Your penalties for making reach attacks are two less than they otherwise would
be. That is, you suffer no penalty for making a normal reach attack and 2 for making a
reach attack with an intervening character or obstacle
Improvement: With one improvement to this edge you do not drop your guard when
making reach attacks. With two improvements you may make a free reach attack in
response to characters who drop their guard within the range of your reach weapon.
Strike Like Lightning
You are keenly aware of all motion around you and can take advantage of your
opponents lapses of defence many times over the course of a round.
Requisite: Agile Combatant
Effect: When using the tactical combat option (see pages XX-XX), you suffer no limit to
the number of free attacks you can make in a round, though you may still make only one
free attack against each opponent who drops his guard. This edge has no effect (and
should not be selected) if the tactical combat option is not being used.
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Unfazed by the Horde
You wade into combat against enormous group of enemies without regard for their
numbers. You think nothing of fighting three or four opponents at a time.
Requisite: Armed Combat 6+ or Unarmed Combat 6+.
Effect: When using the tactical combat option (see pages XX-XX) you are only
outflanked when you are subject to attack by more than four opponents at once, rather
than the usual two. When surrounded by five opponents you suffer only 1 Defence and
when surrounded by six opponents you suffer only 2 Defence. This edge has no effect
(and should not be selected) if the tactical combat option is not being used.
Vengeful Fury
When your friends and loved ones are threatened you are filled with a terrible thirst for
vengeance that instils great strength into your blows and puts great courage into your
heart.
Effect: If, during combat, your liege, ally, close friend, or other person you hold dear
falls to the enemyeither slain or knocked outyou are overcome with fury. You gain a
+2 bonus to damage and a +1 bonus to all Armed Combat, Ranged Combat, and
Unarmed Combat tests. The Narrator alone determines whether the fallen individual was
sufficiently dear to you, as demonstrated by your roleplaying over the course of the
chronicle.
Veteran of the Saddle
[Movie Still 18]
You have spent may long days with a mounts reins in your hand, making you an
excellent horseman and cavalry soldier.
Requisite: Ride (Horse) 6+.
Effect: Your familiarity with horses grants you a +1 bonus to all Ride (Horses) tests.
While riding a horse, you gain a +1 bonus to all Armed Combat, Ranged Combat, and
Unarmed Combat tests.
Improvement: Each additional pick increases the bonuses this edge provides by +1, to a
maximum of +3.
Flaws
He had one eye blinded beyond cure, and he was halt with a leg-wound; but he said,
Good! We have the victory. Khazad-dm is ours!
The Return of the King
While those who fight are amongst the most renowned heroes of the Free Peoples, not all
of them are perfect. The flaws presented here cater to characters who focus on combat.
Most simulate a specific shortcoming in a characters fighting style or training.
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[Playtesters: I had to cut a number of flaws I didnt like from this section.
Suggestions for replacements (and attendant mechanics) are welcome.]
Afraid of Blood
The sight of stuff that ought to be on someones insides getting all over someones
outsides makes you downright queasy.
Effect: Anytime a character in your view takes more than 10 points of damage in one
shot or sustains the bleeding condition (see page XX), you must make a TN 10 Stamina
test or suffer a 3 penalty to all tests until you take a full-round action to do nothing but
recover.
Afraid of Pain
Something about the possibility of getting hurt makes you seize up, rendering you unable
to concentrate on the task at hand.
Effect: Whenever you attempt a test where a standard failure (as opposed to complete
failure or disastrous failure) would result in you sustaining any number of Wound Points,
you suffer a 2 test penalty. This includes parry and other similar combat tests. The
Narrator may waive this penalty if your character is not aware harm could result from
failure.
Flat-footed
When surprised, you are slow to recover your wits. While others act, you fumble for your
weapon and struggle to take in the situation.
Effect: When surprised, you lose initiative and both of your actions in the next round.
Focussed Fighter
Multiple opponents confuse you. While you have trained extensively in one-on-one
duels, the chaos and confusion of larger battles breaks your focus.
Effect: You suffer a 2 penalty to all tests when two or more enemies are in positions
where they could launch hand-to-hand attacks against you.
Hot-blooded
You are impatient in battle and must restrain yourself from leaping into the fray at the
first opportunity.
Effect: You must make a TN 8 Willpower test each time you attempt to use the delay or
aim combat actions. If you fail this test, you must act immediately, either leaping into the
fray or loosing your shot immediately.
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Limited Training
In your youth, you were exposed to few weapons. While you are skilled with the ones
you trained to use, others are beyond your knowledge.
Effect: Pick three weapon specialties that are familiar to your culture or that you received
training in. You suffer a 2 penalty to all Armed Combat and Ranged Combat tests made
with weapons other than those three.
Overconfident
You overestimate your combat abilities and consider your opponents too weak to threaten
you. You pay little mind to your safety, never dreaming such weaklings could pose a
threat.
Effect: Your Defence against foes who have fewer ranks in their best Armed Combat or
Unarmed Combat skill than you do in yours is 2 less than normal. This penalty does not
apply to ranged attacks against you.
Ponderous
You are accustomed to having a heavy suit of armour to protect you from foes. You are
slow on your feet and have trouble dodging attacks.
Effect: You suffer a 2 penalty to all dodge combat actions.
Reliance on Manoeuvrability
Because your style of fighting relies so heavily on speed and manoeuvrability, wearing
armour hinders you more than it does others.
Effect: While wearing armour, you suffer a test penalty equal to half your armours
damage absorption statistic to all Armed Combat, Ranged Combat, and Unarmed Combat
tests, as well as to any tests made when you use the dodge or parry combat actions.
Reliance on Weaponry
You are accustomed to fighting with weapons to such a degree that you have little ability
in unarmed combat.
Requisite: Armed Combat 3+.
Effect: You suffer a 2 penalty on all attacks using Unarmed Combat. Furthermore, you
must subtract 1 point of damage from each successful attacks damage result.
New Skill Triggers
That was a mighty shot in the dark, my friend.
Gimli to Legolas, The Fellowship of the Ring
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Under the basic rules, only a few skills (Armed Combat, Stealth, and Unarmed Combat)
offer free special abilitiescalled skill triggersto those who gain a certain number of
ranks in them. The following lists provide new skill triggers for more skills that are
frequently used by barbarians and warriors. All of the skill triggers described become
immediately available to any character who has 6, 9, or 12 ranks in the given skill.
Ranged Combat
6 Ranks: Using the aim action (see page 228 of the core rulebook) gives you a +4 test
bonus instead of the usual +5.
9 Ranks: Using the aim action gives you a +5 test bonus instead of the usual +5.
12 Ranks: You may fire two arrows against two different targets simultaneously, as one
action. You must make two separate attack tests, however, and each suffers a 3 penalty.
Ride
6 Ranks: You may mount any willing creature that can normally be ridden as a free
action.
9 Ranks: Any creature you ride that has the Trample special ability (see page 80 of Fell
Beasts and Wondrous Magic) has its trampling damage increased by 1d6 as long as you
direct its actions.
12 Ranks: You inflict +3 damage when striking an unmounted opponent from the saddle.
Run
6 Ranks: You may make one free walk movement action each round.
9 Ranks: You may make one free jog movement action each round.
12 Ranks: You increase by 25% the distance you can travel at each movement rate (see
page 214 of the core rulebook).
Jump
6 Ranks: You gain a +1 bonus to all dodge tests.
9 Ranks: You do 3 additional points of damage (after multiplication) when charging.
12 Ranks: You immediately recover from being prone (see page XX) as a free action.
New Elite Orders
[S]uch was their fortune and the skill and might of their arms . . . few indeed had dared
to abide them or look on their faces in the hour of their wrath.
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The Return of the King
The elite orders presented in the pages that follow cover a wide range of specialities
common to the warriors and barbarians of Middle-earth. While a few are limited to a
specific area or realm, most are generic enough to fit roles in many cultures. Players can
use these orders to customise their characters, while Narrators can apply them to NPCs to
create unique challenges for heroes.
Battlemaster
Thorins shield was cloven and he cast it away, and he hewed off with his axe a branch
of an oak and held it in his left hand. . . .
The Return of the King
[Illustration 19]
Some of the most celebrated warriors are known not only for their skill at arms but also
for their intelligence, inventive minds, and ability to think on their feet. The battlemaster
excels at using his environment to aid him. He finds advantages in the smallest details,
from a pile of rocks he uses as missiles to a broken tree branch that, in his hands,
becomes a club capable of smiting a Troll. A battlemaster is not a master in the sense that
he is the most talented at handling his armaments, though typically those who follow this
elite order are skilled fighters. Rather, he is an expert at improvising weapons from his
environment and crafting his own weapons from scratch.
Adventures
A battlemaster is a valued addition to any adventuring party. With his penchant for
turning a disaster into a victory, he is capable of leading a party out of the direst
circumstances. Battlemasters learn to utilise resources and factors that others overlook.
They are flexible, quick on their feet, and creative. While others are frozen in confusion
or stumped by a daunting problem, the battlemaster acts.
Background
Battlemasters come from all cultures, races, and regions. They are common among
Dwarves, as those stout folk place a premium on metalworking and other crafts. Hobbits
are surprisingly resourceful in a tight spot, making them likely to become battlemasters
even if they do not normally consider themselves warriors.
Requisites
To become a battlemaster you must have Perception 7+, Wits 8+, Armed Combat 4+, and
Smithcraft 8+.
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Order Skills
The battlemasters order skills are: Appraise (Wits), Armed Combat (Nim), Craft (Nim),
Ranged Combat (Nim), Smithcraft (Str), and Stonecraft (Str).
Order Abilities
The battlemasters order abilities are as follows.
Clever Tactician
By observing an opponent for a time during battle, you can learn his manoeuvres and
anticipate his moves. To use this ability, you must spend three straight rounds engaged in
close quarters fighting with an opponent. After these three rounds, make a TN 10
Observe test. If you succeed, you receive a +2 bonus to all Armed Combat tests against
that foe for the rest of the encounter. This bonus increases by an additional +1 per round
after the fourth round to a maximum of +5. This bonus does not carry over to later
battles, as the change in terrain alters your plans and may change your foes tactics.
Feint
With a quick, false move, you trick your opponent into blocking an attack that you alter
at the last moment. Once per opponent per combat you may spend a point of Courage
when you announce an attack. You do not gain the usual +3 attack bonus, but instead
ignore the effects of any block/parry or dodge used in opposition to this blow.
Improvised Weapon
You have an intuitive sense for what makes a good weapon and know how to wield
improvised items. Thus, you ignore all accuracy penalties associated with improvised
weapons (see page XX). Furthermore, by making a TN 15 Search test in any
environment, you can find an improvised weapon that will function identically to a close
combat weapon or shield of your choice (within reason at the Narrators discretion) for
one combat. A handy rock, for example, might function exactly as a mace or a
carpenters hammer as a warhammer. When you make the Search test, declare what kind
of weapon you wish to use. If no known item in the environment fits your needs, you
notice a previously overlooked item. Your allies cannot gain the same benefits of the
improvised weapons you find.
Beast Keeper
[The dogs] wont harm you not unless I tell em to.
Farmer Maggot, The Fellowship of the Ring
[Illustration 20]
From the riders of Rohan to the Hobbits of the Shire, a wide range of folk raise and train
animals for war. Even the Orcs, who typically treat all living things with the same violent
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contempt, keep wolves as hounds and mounts. The beast keeper specialises in this art,
learning how best to prepare an animal for battle and training it to serve as a faithful
companion and guardian. Some beast keepers fight alongside their charges, while others
ride them into battle.
Adventures
A beast keepers animals are a valued addition to any adventuring party. While the group
sleeps, a keepers hounds can keep watch. In battle they can harass an opponent, keeping
him busy while the partys warriors move in to attack. When a keeper fights alongside his
animals they form an impressive team that fights with more skill as a whole than the sum
of their parts.
Background
Most beast keepers hail from rural areas where dogs, horses, falcons, and other animals
are commonly employed as guards and workers. These beast keepers apply the skills they
acquired raising animals for farm work to their adventuring careers. Others are specialists
in the employ of kings and other nobles. These beast keepers raise horses and dogs for
use in war and train their masters most treasured steeds to make them better suited to
warfare. Almost every group or culture that uses animals in any capacity produces beast
keepers, from the mmakil tenders of the Haradrim to the horse masters of Rohan.
Requisites
To become a beast keeper, you must have Bearing 8+, Perception 7+, Insight 4+, Lore
(Animals) 8+ (or Lore/Wilderness: Domesticated Beasts 8+, if you are using the optional
rules in Paths of the Wise), Ride 4+, and Teamster 4+.
Order Skills
The beast keepers order skills are: Armed Combat (Nim), Healing (Wits), Insight (Per),
Lore (Wits), Ranged Combat (Nim), Ride (Brg), Teamster (Str), and Unarmed Combat
(Nim).
Order Abilities
The beast keepers order abilities are as follows.
Beast-friend
You have an intuitive sense when dealing with animals, and they trust you without
coercion. When dealing with an unfamiliar beast, whether domestic or wild, make an
Insight test (TN 10) to win the animals affection. Success prevents an animal from
attacking you, leads it to treat you as a friend or ally, and makes it likely to obey simple
commands it can understand. This ability may not be used against fell beasts, hostile
creatures, animals you attack or have attacked, or in the chaos and confusion of battle.
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Animal Training
You are skilled at teaching animals tricks and abilities from fetching sticks to keeping
calm in battle. Several special abilities, skills, and commands can be taught. These
include the standard special abilities Mount: War-trained and Mount: Steady (see page 79
of Fell Beasts and Wondrous Magic); the creature skill Natural Weapons; and simple
commands like coming when called, attacking a designated target, pretending to be dead,
and so forth.
All training involves a test combining the trainers Bearing modifier and the subjects
Intelligence modifier. This roll is made at the end of the time period indicated on Table
2.X: Animal Training, at the TN specified. On a success the beast learns the relevant
ability, skill, or command in the time period listed. Superior success halves this time and
extraordinary success reduces it to one-quarter. On a failure the ability it not learned, but
the trainer and subject may try again. On a complete failure the trainer may never again
attempt to teach the same beast that special ability, and on a disastrous failure the beast
can never learn that special ability from anyone.
[[BEGIN TABLE]]
Table 2.X: Animal Training
Ability Being Taught Base Time TN
Mount: War-trained Month 10
Mount: Steady Month 8
Natural Weapon (+1 rank) Month 7 + current ranks
Simple Command Week* 5*
*These may be modified by the Narrator depending on the command.
[[END TABLE]]
Battle Handler
You can fight in concert with a single trained animal that expects to receive commands
from you in battle. So long as you are alive and within sight or earshot of this animal, it
gains a +2 bonus to all Armed Combat and Willpower tests. If the two of you attack the
same opponent during a given round, you gain a +2 bonus to your Armed Combat or
Unarmed Combat tests as well. If you ride the animal, you also gain a +4 bonus to all
Ride tests you must make.
These bonuses only apply to a single animal at a time, which you first must train in the
new special ability Combat Companion according to the rules for Animal Training,
above. This ability has a base time of one month and TN 10. If the creature you have
trained dies, then and only then may you train another animal to take its place.
Requisite: Animal Training
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Improvement: Each time you devote an additional pick to this ability you may apply its
benefits to an additional animal at any given time. For example, if you devote two
additional picks, a total of three animals could gain its benefits at once.
Berserker
[H]is wrath redoubled, so that nothing could withstand him. . . . He scattered the
bodyguard, and pulled down Bolg himself and crushed him.
The Hobbit
[Illustration 21]
Berserkers use their internal passions, rage, and fury to propel themselves in battle.
Outside battle they can be peaceful, gentle souls, but when war is at hand they transform
into terrible fighters who cleave through the enemys ranks paying no heed to their
personal safety.
Adventures
Berserkers do not necessarily love combat. Their inner rage is something they try to keep
in check, but when the Shadow grows in power they are among the first to stand against
it. Berserkers are slow to anger, but once moved they pursue their goals with relentless
focus. In adventuring parties they serve as valued companions whose combat abilities can
defeat the Shadows mightiest servants.
Background
Most berserkers start as barbarians or have spent time in the wilds. Civilisation has a
dampening effect on a berserkers potential, as raw anger is rarely socially acceptable. In
the wilds, however, raw animal instinct is necessary to survive. Many Beornings are
berserkers, though they prefer to save their wrath for their hated enemies, the Orcs.
Requisites
To become a berserker, you must have Strength 8+, Vitality 8+, Armed Combat 8+, and
Unarmed Combat 6+.
Order Skills
The berserkers order skills are: Armed Combat (Nim), Climb (Str), Intimidate (Brg),
Jump (Str), Run (Str), Survival (Per), Swim (Str), and Unarmed Combat (Nim).
Order Abilities
The berserkers order abilities are as follows.
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Berserkers Fury
In battle, you can whip yourself into a terrible rage. Driven by your inner anger, you
sunder your opponents shields, snap their blades, and overwhelm them with the sheer
force of your furious strength. You can enter such a state once per day by spending a full
round action. Then, for the duration of a single battle, you gain a +2 test bonus to all
Armed Combat tests and damage rolls. Furthermore, you ignore all test penalties due to
injuries you have sustained. Unfortunately, you also suffer a 2 penalty to your Defence
and all tests made to parry, block, or dodge. Once the battle ends, you immediately
sustain one level of Weariness.
Requisite: Strength 7+, Vitality 7+.
Improvement: You may spend additional picks to improve this ability in two different
ways. First, you may spend one pick to gain one additional use of this ability per day.
This improvement may be chosen an unlimited number of times. Second, you may spend
one pick to increase the Armed Combat and damage bonus this ability imparts by +1, to a
maximum bonus of +4. The downside is that for each additional +1 imparted, an
additional Weariness level is sustained at the end of the battle. You may choose,
however, at the beginning of the battle, to limit the bonus you receive to less than you are
entitled to avoid the increased loss of Weariness. For example, a berserker who has spent
two picks to improve his potential bonus to +4 could, when activating this ability, choose
a +2, +3, or +4 bonus for the duration of the combat. This choice would dictate whether
one, two, or three Weariness levels are sustained at the end of the battle. A berserker who
limits himself in this way may, later in the battle, spend a full round action to increase his
bonus, up to his limit, without expending an additional per-day use.
Berserkers Energy
As you learn to control you anger you develop the ability to slowly ease yourself out of
your battle fury and thereby preserve your strength. This order ability reduces the number
of Weariness levels sustained by using the Berserkers Fury order ability by one.
Requisite: Berserkers Fury
Improvement: Each additional pick you devote to this ability further reduces the number
of Weariness levels Berserkers Fury causes by one. Because Berserkers Fury can never
cause more than three levels of Weariness loss, this ability can never be improved more
than twice.
Overwhelming Rage
When a berserker leaps into the fray, his powerful blows send his enemies stumbling
backwards. When he smites them, his momentum carries him forward, allowing him to
cleave into even more enemies. If a berserkers attack slays an opponent, he may
immediately move into that foes space and make an additional close quarters attack
against any eligible target. (If you are using the optional tactical combat system described
in Chapter Three, you immediately move into the hex the slain opponent occupied and
make an attack from there. When not using the tactical system, the movement should be
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described in narrative terms as the berserker is carried into the enemys ranks and
additional attacks are made.)
Bodyguard
You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living
or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.
owyn, The Return of the King
[Illustration 22]
When a king or chieftain rides to war, he depends on the warriors of his personal guard to
defend him. Bodyguards are specially trained to protect their allies and thwart their
opponents attacks. While other fighters learn offensive tactics, the bodyguard focuses on
defence. He learns to watch his lords back, fend off his enemies, and parry blows meant
for him. The bodyguard is by no means a poor fighter. He is skilled at arms and expects
to fight alongside his lord in battle. Yet when he must choose between protecting his lord
and garnering glory of his own he must always stand by his liege.
Adventures
Bodyguards must go wherever those they protect choose to travel, so they are found
wherever danger harries the leaders of the Free Peoples. When working with a company
of adventurers they often have a specific charge to protect, though when they do not, their
abilities render them capable of keeping even the frailest members of their party safe
from harm.
Background
Bodyguards come from a wide variety of places. Almost all cultures whose leaders ride
to war train and field elite units of bodyguards to protect their nobility. While Hobbits
have little need for bodyguards, the kings of Elves, Dwarves, and Men all count on them.
Almost every bodyguard originally trained as a warrior, though in primitive cultures
barbarians also become bodyguards.
Requisites
To become a bodyguard, you must have Vitality 7+, Armed Combat 8+, and the edge
Arrow-breaker.
Order Skills
The bodyguards order skills are: Armed Combat (Nim), Healing (Wits), Jump (Str),
Observe (Per), Ride (Brg), Run (Str), Siegecraft (Wits), and Unarmed Combat (Nim).
Order Abilities
The bodyguards order abilities are as follows.
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Body Shield
You can throw yourself in front of an attack, absorbing with your own body a blow
meant for an ally. By using an action you can place yourself between an ally who stands
next to you and an attacker. You exchange places with your ally immediately and the
attack is resolved against you rather than him. You may parry, block, or dodge this attack
as normal. You may use this ability once per round.
Defensive Stance
By focusing your attention solely on defending your allies, you can shield them from
your enemies attacks and keep them from harm. By spending two actions you stand
ready to block almost any attack. Each time an opponent attacks an ally who stands next
to you, from any direction, you may attempt to block the attack using a shield you carry.
Make an Armed Combat: Shield test ignoring all modifiers and bonuses aside from your
skill ranks. The result of this test counts as your allys Defence if it exceeds his current
value. You must carry a large shield to use this ability. As you ignore your own safety to
aid your friends, your Defence is reduced by 2 when you spend the actions to use this
ability even if your allies suffer no attacks.
Improvement: For each additional pick allocated to this ability, you gain a +2 bonus to
the Armed Combat tests made while using it. You may gain up to a +6 bonus to this
ability by improving it in this manner.
Shieldman
In battle you can lend your shield to an ally, deflecting blows meant for him. You may
use the parry/block action to defend any ally who stands next to you. Resolve the attack
as if the attacker aimed for you, though if you fail to block the attack it hits the person
you tried to protect rather than you. You may use this ability once per round.
Champion
Three times Aragorn and omer rallied them, and three times Andril flamed in a
desperate charge that drove the enemy from the wall.
The Two Towers
[Illustration 23]
Standing at the forefront of every battle, the champion serves as a heroic beacon who
instils hope in the hearts of his allies and terror in the souls of his enemies. With his great
skill at arms and powerful personality, he sets the tone for a battle and leads his friends to
victory.
Adventures
Champions are at their best in small battles like those adventuring bands face. They may
lack a captains tactical or strategic sense, but they more than compensate with their
infectious enthusiasm and inspiring abilities.
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Background
Champions hail from all cultures and peoples. Any person with the courage necessary to
lift a blade and lead a charge can follow this elite order. Amongst Orcs, champions serve
as leaders and commanders who use their influence to bully others. Men, Dwarves, Elves,
and even Hobbits look to champions as heroes who lead the fight against the Shadow.
Requisites
To become a champion, you must have Bearing 8+, Vitality 7+, Armed Combat 6+, and
Inspire 8+.
Order Skills
The champions order skills are: Armed Combat (Nim), Inspire (Per), Intimidate (Per),
Ranged Combat (Nim), Ride (Brg), and Unarmed Combat (Nim).
Order Abilities
The champion order abilities are as follows.
Inspiring Leader
In battle, you a gleaming beacon of hope and victory and your skill at arms and the force
of your personality combine to make you an invigoratingor dauntingpresence on the
field. Whenever you spend a point of Courage on any Inspire or Intimidate test during
combat, you gain a +5 bonus instead of the usual +3.
Fearsome Charge
When your charge the enemy, you instil such fiery enthusiasm in your allies that they
follow you into battle in a single, overwhelming wave that can smash through the
enemys defences. Once per day, at the beginning of a combat round, you can announce
that you are using this ability. Those of your allies who wish to participate in your charge
do not make a Swiftness test for initiative. Instead, they take their actions at the same
time you do. When your initiative turn comes, you and your allies who take part charge
forward. All participants who can charge at least three yards before striking gain a +3
bonus to Armed and Unarmed Combat tests and multiply the damage they inflict by 2,
but suffer 3 to dodge and parry/block actions. Allies who cannot move far enough still
gain a +2 bonus to their Armed Combat tests for this round.
Fell Captain
If you are the leader of an army fighting at the Skirmish scale and you choose to fight in
the Heart of Battle, you may choose one formation in your army. That formation gains +2
Melee Combat and +2 Toughness for the remainder of this battle round. At scales greater
than Skirmish the pure, personal force of your leadership is diluted too much by the sheer
mass of combatants for you to use this ability. You should only select this order ability if
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your Narrator intends to use the optional mass combat system presented in the Helms
Deep sourcebook.
Chieftain
The old mans . . . voice was sullen with displeasure. Wild Men are wild, free, but not
children, he answered. I am great headmen, Ghn-buri-Ghn.
The Return of the King
[Illustration 24]
While barbarians may not erect great cities, gleaming halls, or stone castles, they still rely
on a class of leaders to guide them. These leaders may not array themselves in silk and
gold and their palaces may be nothing more than huts, homesteads, or caves, but though
they lack these typical signs of wealth and power, they are still formidable warriors and
diplomats.
Adventures
Chieftains are born leaders. They improve the abilities of their allies and help direct their
actions. They truly shine in battle where their skill at arms and keen tactical sense comes
into play. As leaders of barbarian tribes, they excel in woodcraft, tracking, and other
talents relating to wilderness survival.
Background
Chieftains hail from a variety of wild lands. Some come from the distant north and east,
seeking to prove their skill and worth by returning to their people with tales of their
adventures. Others are forced by events beyond their controlsuch as an invasion or a
struggle for successionto flee their homelands. Sometimes, a chieftain must lead his
people to aid them, such as when Beorn fell upon the Orcs at the Battle of the Five
Armies. By crushing the Orc army and slaying their leader, he helped make the land safer
for his people.
Requisites
To become a chieftain, you must have Bearing 8+, Vitality 8+, Armed Combat 6+,
Inspire 8+, Survival 8+, and Noble Mien.
Order Skills
The chieftains order skills are: Armed Combat (Nim), Debate (Wits), Inspire (Brg),
Intimidate (Brg), Observe (Per), Persuade (Brg), Ranged Combat (Nim), Survival (Per),
Track (Wits), and Unarmed Combat (Nim).
Order Abilities
The chieftains order abilities are as follows.
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Commanding Presence
Even in dusty furs, worn travel clothes, and simple leather armour you carry yourself
with the confident air of a king. While you may lead no more than a few dozen herders,
hunters, or farmers, you can look a king in the eye and bargain with him on an even
footing. You gain a +2 bonus to all Willpower tests. Furthermore, when resisting fear,
you count your result as one category better than the actual test result. For example, if an
Intimidate attempt leaves you panicked, you instead count as frightened.
Natural Leader
You direct your allies in battle, drawing on your experience in combat and your
leadership skills to maximise their abilities. Once per round, you may spend an action to
direct your allies. All of your friends who you can see receive a +1 bonus to their Armed
Combat, Ranged Combat, and Unarmed Combat tests. This bonus continues until the end
of the round, until you fall in combat, or until you lave the area, whichever comes first.
Improvement: You can pick this ability multiple times. Each additional pick improves
the bonus you grant with this ability by +1. You may improve this ability only twice,
granting a maximum bonus of +3.
War Leader
You lead forces mustered from your homeland with a skill that can only come from
intimate familiarity with your kins strengths, weaknesses, and fears. If you are present at
a battle where one or more units from your homeland are fighting, they gain +1 Melee
Combat, +1 Ranged Combat, and +1 Toughness. If you are also the armys leader, they
gain +2 Command as well. You should only select this order ability if your Narrator
intends to use the optional mass combat system presented in the Helms Deep
sourcebook.
Shirriff
Gave me a chance of walking around the country and seeing folk, and hearing the news,
and knowing where the good beer was.
Robin Smallburrow, The Return of the King
[Illustration 25]
In the Shire, Shirriffs act as a police force, though in that bucolic realm few crimes need
any attention. Most of the time, the Shirriffs chase down wayward cattle, keep watch for
big folk crossing over the border, and help resolve disputes amongst the Hobbits. While
they may seem the least formidable of warriors, their skills in learning the lay of the land,
reading people to learn the true story behind their words, and keeping out of sight make
them valued additions to any adventuring party.
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Adventures
Shirriffs excel at getting to the truth of a matter, having learnt to observe people and read
between the lines to arrive at the truth. Shirriffs are also expert at blending in with the
locals. While a party of adventurers may find hostile glares and suspicion in an isolated
village, a Shirriff knows the quickest way to win over the locals. In a fight he may lack
the strength of bigger folk, but he knows how to turn those traits to his advantage.
Background
Shirriffs are amongst the boldest and most adventurous Hobbits of the Shire. Those who
seek out such positions are usually young. While most of these youths are too respectable
to look for adventure beyond the Shires borders, some find that their tenure as a Shirriff
has done nothing to slake their curiosity and wanderlust. Soon after their term ends, they
head out on a great journey to see the world, perhapsin the Fourth Age,
anywayinspired by tales of Frodo, Bilbo, and the One Ring. In earlier eras, such
Hobbits often merely sought to find what stood beyond the borders of the maps they used
to travel across the Shire.
Requisites
To become a Shirriff, you must have Bearing 7+, Vitality 7+, Armed Combat 4+, Inquire
6+, Observe 8+, Stealth 4+. Furthermore, only Hobbits may become Shirriffs.
Order Skills
The Shirriffs order skills are: Armed Combat (Nim), Climb (Str), Inquire (Brg), Observe
(Per), Persuade (Brg), Ranged Combat (Nim), Run (Str), Search (Per), Stealth (Nim),
Track (Wits), and Unarmed Combat (Nim).
Order Abilities
The Shiriffs order abilities are as follows.
Authority of the Law
While in the Shire you are treated with respect and deference. Even if you no longer
serve as an official Shirriff, you earned enough respect during your tenure that your
fellow Hobbits remember you and defer to your expertise. You gain a +2 bonus to all
social tests while dealing with Hobbits in the Shire.
Fellowship
You excel at inserting yourself into social situations. With a few well-chosen words, a
small joke, and a round of drinks you quickly win over a crowd and make yourself at
home. In any social situation, you gain a +2 bonus to all Inquire tests. In addition, with a
successful Persuade test (TN 10) you can convince your hosts to give you and your
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friends free food and lodging for one night. You cannot abuse this ability to stay with a
host for multiple nights unless you otherwise strike up a friendship with him.
Surprising Strength
Due to your small size, your opponents often expect you to be a weak opponent they can
easily overwhelm. However, you have experience fighting Men and animals much larger
than you are and have learned to use your sizeand your opponents
misapprehensionsto your advantage. When fighting someone larger than you, you gain
a +2 bonus to Armed Combat and Unarmed Combat tests and a +2 bonus to damage (in
addition to the standard bonuses for attacking larger foes).
Skin-changer
He changes his skin; sometimes he is a huge black bear, sometimes he is a great strong
black-haired man with huge arms and a great beard.
Gandalf, The Hobbit
[Illustration 26]
Dwelling in isolated areas of the wilderness where few others venture, the skin-changers
are ardent foes of Orcs and other servants of the Enemy. Gentle and kind to animals, they
refuse to eat meat and count all natural creatures as their friends. Skin-changers have the
ability to assume the form of animals and can speak with beasts in their own tongues.
Adventures
Skin-changers are capable woodsmen, tough warriors, and experts in handling and
befriending wild animals. Orcs are their most hated foes, and they form quick friendships
with those who share this loathing. In addition to using their abilities to protect their
friends, skin-changers skill at navigating the wilderness makes them invaluable assets in
overland journeys.
Background
Most skin-changers are barbarians who hail from the lands east of the Misty Mountains
and west of Mirkwood. Beorn is their chieftain, and while they are staunch foes of the
Shadow they prefer to remain isolated from the daily concerns of Men, Elves, and
Dwarves.
Requisites
To become a skin-changer, you must have Bearing 7+, Vitality 8+, Survival 8+, and
Unarmed Combat 8+.
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Order Skills
The skin-changers order skills are: Armed Combat (Nim), Climb (Str), Inspire (Brg),
Intimidate (Brg), Jump (Str), Run (Str), Stealth (Nim), Survival (Per), Track (Wits),
Unarmed Combat (Nim), and Weather-sense (Per).
Order Abilities
The skin-changers order abilities are as follows.
Beast Speech
You have the ability to communicate with a single species of animals, speaking in
growls, roars, and whistles in the manner of beasts. This gives you the order skill
Language: [Species] at +2 ranks, which you may continue to improve as a regular skill.
Improvement: Each additional time you select this ability, choose another animal
species with which you may communicate.
Change Skin
You have the magical talent to take the form of a single natural animal, chosen when you
take this order ability. The mechanics of your transformation are identical to those of the
Mastery of Shapes spell described on page 183 of the core rulebook; you possess this
spell as a magical ability, as described on page 171 of the core rulebook.
Improvement: Each time you devote an additional pick to this ability you gain five
creature advancement picks (see pages 6970 of Fell Beasts and Wondrous Magic) that
you can use to improve the characteristics of your beast-form. All such improvements,
however, must be approved by the Narrator.
Weaponsmith
The Sword of Elendil was forged anew by Elvish smiths, and on its blade was traced a
device of seven stars set between the crescent Moon and the rayed Sun.
The Fellowship of the Ring
[Illustration 27]
The weaponsmith is an expert at creating magical weapons and armour enchanted with
magical qualities. Through study and extensive practice, he learns to harness the subtle
magic of Middle-earth and infuse it within his creations. Over time, he progresses from
crafting swords and mail shirts of the highest quality to forging strands of magic into
their very fibre.
Adventures
Weaponsmiths are valued for their talent in producing a wide range of useful items.
Those travelling with one can count on a ready supply of the highest quality weapons and
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armour. Even in the wilds, a weaponsmiths talents are invaluable. With a few minutes of
work, a weaponsmith can give a sword a razors edge or produce a few simple, temporary
weapons from basic raw materials.
Background
Weaponsmiths come from all cultures, races, and regions. They are common amongst
Dwarves, as those stout folk place a premium on metalworking and other crafts. The
Elves produce may beautiful things, and while their weapons are wondrous to behold
they are equally deadly in battle. The Men of Gondor and Rohan have longed practised
the weaponsmiths arts to help thwart the Shadows advances. Only the peaceful Hobbits
produce few, if any, weaponsmiths.
Requisites
To become a weaponsmith, you must have Perception 7+, Wits 8+, Armed Combat 4+,
and Smithcraft 8+.
Order Skills
The weaponsmiths order skills are: Appraise (Wits), Armed Combat (Nim), Craft (Nim),
Games (Nim), Ranged Combat (Nim), Smithcraft (Str), and Stonecraft (Str).
Order Abilities
The weaponsmiths order abilities are as follows.
Forge Master
When creating weapons and armour from raw materials, you can produce armaments of
exceptional quality. If you achieve an extraordinary success while crafting a weapon or
suit of armour, you have crafted a masterwork item as per the craftsman orders
Masterwork order ability on page 84 of the core rulebook.
Shape Weapon
Working with basic materials, a campfire, and some simple tools, you can craft a
temporary weapon to serve almost any purpose. With two hours of work, you can
produce one hand weapon of any size or twenty arrows, bolts, or similar pieces of
ammunition. With three hours of work, you can produce any bow. These jury-rigged
weapons are far from ideal, though, and all Armed Combat or Ranged Combat tests made
with them suffer a 2 penalty. In addition, if the wielder of such a weapon rolls a 2 on
2d6 for any attack test, the weapon breaks (though it still deals damage as normal if the
attack that broke it hits).
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Sharpen Blade
Using nothing more than a campfire and some simple tools, you can temporarily grant a
sword or other bladed weapon a deadly edge. With one hour of work and a successful
Smithcraft test (TN 10), you can grant an edged weapon a +2 bonus to damage for one
battle. After this battle, the weapon loses its edge and must be treated once again.
Weapon Enchantment
You talent in creating weapons has reached such a level that you can instil them with
magical qualities. After labouring over an item for many days and pouring your talent
into it, it comes to life with magical power. You may produce enchanted weapons and
armour as per the craftsman orders Enchantment ability. See page 834 of the core
rulebook. Additional material relating to the creation of magical weapons is presented in
Chapter Four of this book.
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Chapter Three: Fell Deeds Awake!
Suddenly a sword flashed in its own light. Bilbo saw it go right through the Great
Goblin . . . . He fell dead, and the goblin soldiers fled before the sword. . . .
The Hobbit
Martial characters excel in martial situations, and so this chapter presents a wide variety
of new rules to expand and enhance combat in your chronicle. The first half of the
chapter, Combat Options, contains many different rules, each of which can be adopted
independently of the others. The second half, Tactical Combat, is one set of rules for
using miniatures or counters in your game, and if it is to be used, must be adopted as a
whole. Because many options are presented in the pages that follow, players should
consult their Narrators regarding which optional rules are being used and Narrators
should inform their players when adopting an optional rule.
Combat Options
I have not brought you hither to be instructed by you, but to give you a choice.
Saruman to Gandalf, The Fellowship of the Ring
The following sections provide many optional rules that allow you to tailor combat to
your style and preferences. As you consider each of the following options, however, keep
in mind that new rules always represent a trade-off. While more effects, bonuses, and
penalties allow more spectacular results, they can also take up more time at the game
table.
As mentioned above, the combat options presented below can be adopted a la carte.
Although some of the options refer to rules that other options introduce, it is not
necessary for the second option to be adopted for the first to be used. For example, the
called shots optional rules refer to the fell strikes optional rules to define what called
shots can be attempted. This does not mean that the Narrator must allow fell strikes if he
allows called shots. If the Narrator were using only called shots, it would simply mean
that the only way the fell strikes effects could be accessed would be by making called
shots. They could not be achieved simply by achieving superior (or better) success in
combat, because the fell strikes rules would not be in effect. If this seems unusually
complex, dont worry. The situation will probably become perfectly clear as you read
about the various combat options.
Fell Strikes
A swift stroke she dealt, skilled and deadly. The outstretched neck she clove asunder,
and the hewn head fell like a stone.
The Return of the King
The core rulebook presents a number of effects that might occur when combatants
achieve extraordinary successes. The rules that follow expand this idea into a complete
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optional rule system for fell strikes. Fell strikes reward superior success, extraordinary
success, and a new level of success, heroic success, with new effects that make combat a
deadlier and more action-packed experience.
Heroic success occurs when an attackers test result exceeds its target (usually the
targets Defence) by 16 or more. The threshold for extraordinary success remains the
same, at 11. Heroic success is only used with these rules for fell strikes. In all other
instances where tests are performed, test results of 1115 and 16+ all remain
extraordinary success as described in the core rulebook on pages 2201.
The basic idea behind fell strikes is similar to the existing rules for extra success in
combat (see page 231 of the core rulebook). There are two major differences. First,
instead of offering only one list of possible effects, these rules present nine. The list of
effects consulted depends on two things: the type of attack being launched (Armed
Combat, Ranged Combat, or Unarmed Combat) and the level of success achieved
(superior success, extraordinary success, or heroic success). Second, each list of effects is
organised so the result describes the body part wounded in addition to the effects of the
strike. On each of the nine lists, for example, youll find a head effect, an arm effect, a
leg effect, and so on. There are also fell strikes which do not correspond to body
locations, but which instead give an advantage to the attacker. Finally, there are Narrator
fell strikes, which are defaults for each list that the Narrator may choose when he does
not want to slow the game down to make a more painstaking choice.
When the fell strikes option is being used, each time an attacker achieves a superior or
better success in combat he simply chooses one of the options from the fell strike list that
corresponds to the type of attack he launched and the level of success he achieved. A
character who achieves extraordinary success may, at his option, choose two different
superior success effects instead of one extraordinary success effect. Likewise, a character
who achieves heroic success may choose two different extraordinary success effects or
three different superior success effects instead of one heroic success effect. A character
who achieves heroic success may not mix and match superior and heroic success effects,
however.
An attacker may not choose to deliver a fell strike to a location that his target does not
possess. It is impossible to deliver a fell strike to the head of a headless creature, for
example. Likewise, it is impossible to deliver a fell strike against the weapon of an
opponent who is unarmed. It is important to note that this rule makes it impossible to deal
any location-based fell strikes to creatures that are Incorporeal (see page 78 of Fell Beasts
and Wondrous Magic).
There are a number of rules and definitions that apply to all nine fell strike lists.
The word attacker always describes the character or creature launching the
attack, who made an Armed Combat, Ranged Combat, or Unarmed Combat
test.
The word target or victim always describes the intended target of the
attack, who usually used his Defence to resist the attack test.
Maximum damage refers to the damage that would be inflicted with a given
weapon on the best possible damage roll. A longsword that deals 2d6+5
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damage, for example, would deal maximum damage of 17 points. Maximum
damage does take into account any existing damage modifiers, such as from
the attackers Strength. A longsword-wielding Orc with +2 Strength, for
example, would inflict maximum damage of 19 points.
One round means that the effect persists until all characters have acted in
the action round after the one in which the fell strike was delivered.
Some fell strikes inflict permanent conditions or temporary conditions. These
appear in italics in the fell strike description and are described on pages XX-
XX.
The fell strike lists for Ranged Combat presume the attacker is using a bow.
Other ranged attacks have the same effects, however, so substitute a different
word for arrow where appropriate.
The following describe, in general terms, the seven different location types of fell strikes
common to all nine lists.
Head: The attack hits the targets head, or one of them, if the target has more than one
head.
Chest: The attack strikes the targets chest, or similar centre of mass on creatures who
are not humanoid.
Arm: The attack hits one of the targets arms. The attacker may choose which arm has
been struck unless the target has a shield, in which case the opposite arm is struck.
Leg: The attack hits one of the targets legs. The attacker may choose which leg has been
struck.
Weapon: The attack hits a weapon, shield, or any other item carried by the target of the
attack. Where the target is carrying more than one such item, the attacker may choose
which is hit.
Advantage: Rather than delivering additional damage to the target of the attack, the
attacker turns the success to his advantage on further actions.
Narrator: This fell strike does not describe a location, but instead describes a generic
effect that might be relevant to any hit location. It is intended to be used as the default fell
strike when the Narrator does not want to take extra time to choose a more specific fell
strike result. Players will quickly learn the effects of the various Narrator fell strikes so
the Narrator can simply say extraordinary success and move on to the next NPC
attacker, with the players quickly applying the appropriate effects. Players can also
choose Narrator fell strikes, if they wish.
Armed Combat Fell StrikesSuperior Success
All of the effects below are suffered in addition to the weapons normal damage.
Head: The target suffers a solid blow to the head. For one round, additional actions the
target attempts suffer a 10 penalty rather than the normal 5.
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Chest: The target sustains a solid blow to his midsection. The attacker rolls his weapons
damage again and inflicts that many additional points of damage.
Arm: One of the targets arms suffers a solid blow. He suffers a 3 penalty on all actions
that use that arm for one round.
Leg: One of the targets legs suffers a solid blow. He suffers a 3 penalty on all actions
that use that leg for one round. Furthermore, movement actions (see page 214 of the core
rulebook) that normally require no test require TN 5 Run tests for one round.
Weapon: The target must make a TN 10 structure reaction test (see page XX) for the
item struck.
Advantage: If the attacker attacks the target again on his next action he gains a +3 bonus
to the attack test.
Narrator: The target suffers 1 Defence for one round.
Armed Combat Fell StrikesExtraordinary Success
All of the effects below are suffered in addition to the weapons maximum damage.
Head: The target receives a resounding blow to the head. He is restricted to taking one
action on his next turn.
Chest: The target suffers a resounding blow to the chest. The attacker inflicts his
weapons maximum damage on the target again.
Arm: One of the targets arms suffers a resounding blow. He suffers a 5 penalty on all
actions that use that arm for one round.
Leg: One of the targets legs suffers a resounding blow. He falls prone and suffers a 5
penalty on all actions that use that leg for one round. Furthermore, movement actions (see
page 214 of the core rulebook) that normally require no test require TN 10 Run tests for
one round.
Weapon: The target must make a TN 15 structure reaction test (see page XX) for the
item struck.
Advantage: The attacker may make one additional, immediate basic attack against the
target, which costs no actions.
Narrator: The target suffers a 3 Defence for one round.
Armed Combat Fell StrikesHeroic Success
All of the effects below are suffered in addition to double the weapons maximum
damage.
Head: The target receives a devastating blow to the head. He has Defence 0 and may not
act until he succeeds in making a TN 10 Willpower test. He may attempt this test once
per round.
Chest: The target suffers a devastating blow to the torso. The attacker inflicts double his
weapons maximum damage on the target again.
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Arm: The target receives a devastating blow to one of his arms. He has a broken arm.
Leg: The target receives a devastating blow to one of his legs. He has a broken leg and
immediately falls prone.
Weapon: The target must make a TN 20 structure reaction test (see page XX) for the
item struck.
Advantage: The attacker may make one immediate, additional basic attack against the
target, which costs no actions, and one immediate basic attack against any enemy
adjacent to the target, which also costs no actions.
Narrator: The target loses all of his actions this round (if he has not yet acted) or next
round (if he has already acted this round), and suffers 5 Defence for one round.
Ranged Combat Fell Strikes Superior Success
All of the effects below are suffered in addition to the weapons normal damage.
Head: The arrow strikes the targets head solidly. For one round, additional actions the
target attempts suffer a 10 penalty rather than the normal 5.
Chest: The arrow strikes the targets chest solidly. It becomes a lodged arrow (see page
XX).
Arm: The arrow strikes one of the targets arms solidly. He suffers a 2 penalty on all
actions that use that arm for one round.
Leg: The arrow strikes one of the targets legs solidly. He suffers a 2 penalty on all
actions that use that leg for one round. Furthermore, movement actions (see page 214 of
the core rulebook that normally require no test require TN 5 Run tests for one round.
Weapon: The arrow strikes the hand holding the item. The target must make a TN 10
Stamina test or drop it.
Advantage: If the attacker attacks the target again on his next action he gains a +3 bonus
to the attack test.
Narrator: The target suffers a 2 penalty to attack tests for one round.
Ranged Combat Fell StrikesExtraordinary Success
All of the effects below are suffered in addition to the weapons maximum damage.
Head: The arrow lodges in the targets throat. In addition to the normal effects of a
lodged arrow, the target cannot speak and receives only one action per round until the
arrow is removed.
Chest: The arrow pierces the targets chest and puncture vital organs. In addition to the
normal effects of a lodged arrow, the attacker inflicts his weapons maximum damage
again.
Arm: The arrow lodges in the targets arm. In addition to the normal effects of a lodged
arrow, the target suffers a 4 penalty on all actions that use that arm for one round.
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Leg: The arrow lodges in the targets leg. In addition to the normal effects of a lodged
arrow, the target falls prone and suffers a 5 penalty on all actions that use that leg for
one round. Furthermore, movement actions (see page 214 of the core rulebook) that
normally require no test require TN 5 Run tests for one round.
Weapon: The arrow strikes the item solidly. The target must make a TN 10 structure
reaction test (see page XX) for the item struck.
Advantage: The attacker may make one additional, immediate basic attack against the
target, which costs no actions.
Narrator: Target suffers a 4 penalty to his attack tests for one round.
Ranged Combat Fell StrikesHeroic Success
All of the effects below are suffered in addition to double the weapons maximum
damage.
Head: The arrow lodges in the targets eye. In addition to the normal effects of a lodged
arrow, the target is blind in one eye.
Chest: The arrow pierces the targets chest and lodges in his heart. In addition to the
normal effects of a lodged arrow, the target must make a TN 10 Stamina test or be killed.
Arm: The arrow lodges in the targets shoulder. The target has a lodged arrow and
broken arm.
Leg: The arrow lodges in the targets thigh, opening a major artery. The target is prone,
bleeding, and has a lodged arrow and broken leg.
Weapon: The target must make a TN 15 structure reaction test (see page XX) for the
item struck.
Advantage: The attacker may make one immediate, additional basic attack against the
target, which costs no actions, and one immediate basic attack against any enemy he can
see, which also costs no actions.
Narrator: The target has a lodged arrow and receives no actions until he makes a TN 10
Stamina test, which he may attempt once each round.
Unarmed Combat Fell StrikesSuperior Success
All of the effects below are suffered in addition to the attackers normal damage.
Head: The target suffers a solid blow to the head. For one round, any additional actions
he attempts suffer a 8 penalty rather than the normal 5.
Chest: The target suffers a solid blow to the stomach. The attacker rolls his damage again
and inflicts that many additional points of damage.
Arm: One of the targets arms suffers a solid blow. He suffers a 2 penalty on all actions
that use that arm for one round.
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Leg: One of the targets legs suffers a solid blow. He suffers a 2 penalty on all actions
that use that leg for one round. The target must make a TN 10 Nimbleness test or fall
prone.
Weapon: The target must make a TN 10 Nimbleness test or drop the item.
Advantage: The attacker receives +3 Defence against the target for one round and may
make one additional action this round at a 3 penalty rather than the typical 5 penalty.
Narrator: The target suffers 1 Defence for one round
Unarmed Combat Fell StrikesExtraordinary Success
All of the effects below are suffered in addition to the attackers maximum damage.
Head: The target receives a resounding blow to the head. He is restricted to taking one
action on his next turn.
Chest: The target suffers a resounding blow to the chest. The attacker inflicts his
weapons maximum damage on the target again.
Arm: One of the targets arms suffers a resounding blow. He suffers a 5 penalty on all
actions that use that arm for one round. The attacker may, at his option, also grab the
target without an additional test (see page 229 of the core rulebook).
Leg: One of the targets legs suffers a resounding blow. He suffers a 5 penalty on all
actions that use that leg for one round. The attacker may, at his option, also knock the
target prone and/or grab him without an additional test (see page 229 of the core
rulebook).
Weapon: The attacker and target must make an opposed Nimbleness test. The winner
grabs the item.
Advantage: The attacker receives +5 Defence against the target for one round and may
make one additional action this round at a 2 penalty rather than the typical 5 penalty.
Narrator: The target suffers 3 Defence for one round.
Unarmed Combat Fell StrikesHeroic Success
All of the effects below are suffered in addition to double the attackers maximum
damage.
Head: The attacker wrenches the targets neck. The target must make a TN 5 Stamina
test or die and must make a TN 10 Nimbleness test or fall prone.
Chest: The target suffers a devastating blow to the stomach. The attacker inflicts double
his maximum damage on the target again.
Arm: The target receives a devastating blow to one of his arms. He has a broken arm.
Leg: The target receives a devastating blow to one of his legs. He has a broken leg and
immediately falls prone.
Weapon: The attacker grabs the item.
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Advantage: The attacker may make one immediate, additional basic attack against the
target, which costs no actions, and one immediate basic attack against any enemy
adjacent to the target, which also costs no actions.
Narrator: The target loses all of his actions this round (if he has not yet acted) or next
round (if he has already acted this round), and suffers 5 Defence for one round.
Called Shots
Keep your hands off your knife, or Ill put an arrow in your guts.
Snaga, The Return of the King
Rather than launching an attack in the hopes of bringing general misfortune to his enemy,
a character may make a called shot in the hope of causing some specific hurt. The
attacker begins by choosing any single fell strike effect from a list that corresponds to the
type of attack he plans to launch (Armed, Ranged, or Unarmed). He then makes his attack
test normally, with a 3 penalty to his attack test if he is attempting a superior success
effect, a 7 penalty to his attack test if he is attempting an extraordinary success effect,
and a 12 penalty to his attack test if he is attempting a heroic success effect. If his
modified attack test result (including any other relevant modifiers, such as for injuries or
battlefield conditions) beats his opponents Defence, the attacker inflicts the effect he
chose, in addition to his weapons normal damage, maximum damage, or double
maximum damage depending on the level of the fell strike. If his modified attack test
fails to meet the threshold, however, his attack has no effect at all.
Conditions
Behind him came Shagrat, a large orc with long arms that, as he ran crouching, reached
to the ground. But one arm hung limp and seemed to be bleeding. . . .
The Return of the King
Characters take a great deal of punishment during combat, and any number of adverse
effects can occur as a result. These effects are called conditions, and are separated into
temporary conditions and permanent conditions. In the core book, a few such conditions,
prone and stunned, are described. These rules present more detailed descriptions for the
effects of these and other conditions a character may suffer during combat. Narrators can
pick and choose from all of the conditions described, deciding to use (for example) the
optional rules for being prone while disregarding the rules for being staggered.
Temporary Conditions
Each of the temporary conditions listed below is polar; a character is either suffering
from the condition or he is not. It is not possible to become staggered x2 or be bleeding
twice. If a character is already suffering from a given condition and some new situation
also inflicts that condition on him, there is no new effect.
Staggered: Whenever a character takes more points of damage (after applying damage
absorption from armour, if applicable) from a single blow than his Health he is staggered
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and must make a TN 10 Stamina test. Failure means the character loses all of his actions
this round (if he has not yet acted) or next round (if he has already acted this round) while
success means he may act normally, though he is still considered staggered for one round.
Prone: Characters who have fallen, tripped, or otherwise been knocked over are prone,
though a character may voluntarily become prone as a free action. Prone characters
cannot make Ranged Combat tests and suffer a 5 penalty to Armed Combat and
Unarmed Combat tests. Prone characters are harder to hit at range and easier to hit in
melee combat. Attackers using Ranged Combat suffer a 5 penalty to attack tests against
prone characters while those attacking Armed Combat or Unarmed Combat enjoy a +5
bonus. It requires one action to stand from a prone position.
Bleeding: A bleeding character sustains one Wound Point at the beginning of each round
until someone staunches his wounds. Regardless of how many attacks that cause bleeding
are inflicted on a character, he only takes one Wound Point per round as a result. To stop
a character from bleeding, any charactereven the bleeding onemay use a full-round
action to attempt a TN 10 Healing test. On a success the bleeding stops. On a failure it
continues. A bleeding character may not perform any actions during a round in which
someone else is attempting to staunch his bleeding.
Lodged Arrow: A character with an arrow (or other weapon) lodged in his body suffers
a 3 penalty to all tests in addition to any other penalties he may suffer as a result of his
wounds. The arrow can be yanked from the victim by the victim himself or any adjacent
character with a single action, but if this is done, the character begins bleeding as
described above. If the victim doesnt want an adjacent character to remove the arrow, he
may make an opposed Nimbleness test to prevent it. The only way to avoid bleeding from
the removal of a lodged arrow is for the character removing the arrow to spend a full-
round action and make a TN 10 Healing test.
Permanent Conditions
Permanent conditions are polar like temporary conditions with the exception that it is
possible (for example) to have both of ones arms broken. Permanent conditions are
usually inflicted as a result of fell strikes, but they can also be the result of other events.
For example, a Narrator might decide that a character who failed a test to leap from one
galloping horse onto another must make a Nimbleness test to avoid breaking his leg.
Broken Arm: A character with a broken arm is incapable of using that arm to wield a
weapon, carry a shield or other item, manipulate items, or perform similar tasks. A
character with a broken arm suffers a 3 penalty to all Strength-based tests, or a 5
penalty if both arms are broken.
Broken Leg: A character with one broken leg has his movement rate reduced by half,
cannot move faster than a walk, suffers a 5 penalty to all Nimbleness-based tests, and
suffers a 3 Defence penalty. A character with two broken legs has his movement rate
reduced by half, cannot move fater than a crawl, suffers a 10 penalty to all Nimbleness-
based tests, and suffers a 7 Defence penalty.
Blind in One Eye: Characters who are blind in one eye suffer 3 Defence, 5 to ranged
attack tests, 3 to other attack tests, and 3 to all Perception-related tests involving sight.
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If you are using the optional rules for Tactical Combat described later in this chapter, a
character who is blind in one eye can defend against only one opponent, and is
considered Outflanked (see page XX) as soon as hes engaged in melee by more than one
opponent.
Blind: Characters who are completely blind cannot see. They suffer 7 Defence and 10
to all test involving sight. Blind characters who move faster than the step movement
rate (see page 214 of the core rulebook) must make a TN 10 Perception test to avoid
falling prone. Blind characters may also suffer other penalties and misfortunes based on
the fact that they cannot see at the Narrators discretion.
Healing Permanent Conditions
Though labelled permanent, almost all of the conditions described above can be healed
over time. The actions that must be taken to heal each given condition are described
below.
Setting A Broken Limb: A broken limb must be set within 48 hours of being broken.
Setting a broken limb requires a TN 10 Healing test. If successful, the broken limb takes
one month to heal, after which the penalties for the broken limb are relieved. If
unsuccessful, the broken limb takes 1d6 months to heal, though after that period, all of
the penalties associated with the broken limb are likewise relieved. On a disastrous
failure, however, the limb will never heal correctly and the character is permanently
crippled after one month. Those whose broken limbs are not set within 48 hours are also
permanently crippled after a month.
Characters with a crippled arm have their Strength permanently reduced by 2 and can
never use their crippled arm to wield a weapon, hold a shield, or perform any but the
most rudimentary tasks with that arm. Characters with two crippled arms suffer these
penalties twice.
Characters with a crippled leg have their Nimbleness permanently reduced by 2, their
Defence permanently reduced by 2, and cannot move faster than a walk. Characters with
two crippled legs suffer these penalties twice and cannot move faster than a crawl.
Curing Blindness: Characters who are temporarily blind due to a spell such as Blinding
Flash will eventually regain their sight. Characters who are permanently blind, either in
one or both eyes, can only be cured by magic and the ministrations of skilled healers. To
cure blindness in one eye or both eyes at once, a healer must cast the Healing-spell and
make a TN 25 Healing test. Success means the blind character can see again in the eye(s)
upon which healing was attempted. Failure means sight is not restored and a new healing
attempt can only be made by a different healer with more ranks in Healing. At his option,
a healer may attempt to heal only one eye of a character who is blind in both eyes so that,
if he fails, he still has a chance to restore sight in the other eye.
Shield Skill
Fili and Kili had fallen defending him with shield and body, for he was their mothers
elder brother.
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The Hobbit
Under the basic rules in the core rulebook, a character carrying a shield gains a bonus to
parry and block attempts based on the size of the shield carried. Further, those who
attempt ranged attacks against a character carrying a shield suffer a penalty. This is
simple and emphasizes a characters own agility when defending.
Using this optional rule, however, a new skillArmed Combat: Shieldsis introduced
to the Armed Combat skill group. This skill can be used in three ways. The first is that
any character with Armed Combat: Shields who carries a shield can increase his Defence
by an amount equal to the defence bonus of the shield he carries (see Table 3.X) or his
ranks in Armed Combat: Shields, whichever is lower. His Defence is increased as long as
he holds the shield and is aware of his surroundings (even if he is not aware of a
particular attack). Second, a character can use Armed Combat: Shields to attack his
enemies with his shield, bashing them and perhaps stabbing with them a spike or blades
mounted on his shield. Third, a character can use his Armed Combat: Shields skill to
parry his opponents attacks, adding the shields defence bonus in addition to his ranks in
Armed Combat: Shields to determine his test result.
[[BEGIN TABLE]]
Table 3.X Shields
Shield Type Weight Defence Bonus Damage Price
Large 512 lbs. 3 1d6+3 2 SP
Medium 510 lbs. 2 1d6+2 6 sp
Small 48 lbs. 1 1d6+1 1 SP
A spike may be added to any shield. This increases its damage by +1, its weight by 2
pounds, and its price by 50%. Alternately, blades may be added to any shield. This
increases its damage by +3, its weight by 5 pounds, and its price by 100%. A shield may
not have both a spike and blades.
[[END TABLE]]
Adding a new skill such as Armed Combat: Shields to a chronicle in mid-stream can
cause difficulties, since existing characters have no ranks in the new skill no matter how
much sense it makes for mighty warriors to already know how to use their shields. There
are a number of solutions to this problem. First, Narrators can simply wait to introduce
the new skill until he begins a new chronicle and new characters are created. This may
not be satisfying, however, if the Narrator wants to begin using these optional rules for
shields right away. Second, Narrators can allow players to transfer ranks from other
Armed Combat skills into Armed Combat: Shields. This keeps characters balanced and
makes a fair amount of sense, because ranks are being exchanged in the same general
area of expertise. As a third option, the Narrator can allow players to transfer ranks from
any skills they choose into Armed Combat: Shields. If this third option is allowed,
however, care must be taken to make sure ranks are not removed from order skills and
put into non-order skills (or vice versa) at the rate of one-to-one. Where ranks are
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removed from order skills and put into non-order skills, every two ranks that are removed
only give one rank in the new skill. Similarly, when ranks are removed from non-order
skills and put into order skills, every rank removed only gives two ranks in the new skill.
Augmented Dodge
The place was full of goblins running about, and the poor little hobbit dodged this way
and that. . . .
The Hobbit
The basic rules for dodging presented in the core rulebook presume that only extremely
nimble characters can effectively dodge the attacks of their enemies. Narrators who want
to make the dodge action accessible to more characters and add a more cinematic feel to
their chronicle may add the following optional rule for augmented dodge.
When this optional rule is used, augmented dodge replaces dodge as an action cost 1
combat manoeuvre. An augmented dodge is resolved exactly the same was as a dodge
under the basic rules, except that the dodging character adds +7 to his dodge test result,
increasing the result his opponent must achieve to hit him.
Differentiated Parry and Block
Under the basic rules in the core rulebook, parry and block function identically. Narrators
who want to differentiate these two types of defence should consider the following rule,
which makes it more difficultand bloodyto thwart armed attacks when the defender
does not also have a weapon.
Under this optional rule, parry and block both remain one-cost actions that only apply to
a single incoming attack. The differences, however, are as follows.
A character can attempt to use any Unarmed Combat skill to stop either an armed or
unarmed attack against him. This is called a block. When rolling to block, the character
makes an Unarmed Combat test, the result of which becomes the attackers TN to hit him
(provided the test result is higher than the blocking characters Defence).
A character can attempt to use any Armed Combat skill to stop either an armed or
unarmed attack against him. This is called a parry. When rolling to parry, the character
makes an Armed Combat test, the result of which becomes the attackers TN to hit him
(provided the test result is higher than the blocking characters Defence).
Side Effects
When using differentiated parry and block, there are a number of side effects that can
result from unarmed characters blocking armed attackers and armed characters parrying
unarmed attackers.
Blocking Armed Attacks: When a character attempts to block an armed opponent and
his opponent achieves complete or better success anyway, the attacker may re-roll his
damage dice once if he does not like the first result. On the other hand, if a character
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attempts to block an armed attack, successfully increases the attackers TN to hit him
above the blockers normal Defence, and the attacker suffers complete or worse failure,
the blocker may immediately make a free attempt to grab his attacker. (See either Grab
on page 229 of the core rulebook or the Expanded Grappling option on page XX.)
Parrying Unarmed Attacks: When a character attempts to parry an unarmed opponent,
successfully increases the attackers TN to hit him above the parrying characters normal
Defence, and the attacker suffers complete or worse failure, the parrying character inflicts
half the damage his weapon normally deals to the attacker.
Weapon Classes
Murderers and elf-friends! the Great Goblin shouted. Slash them! Beat them! Bite
them! Gnash them!
The Hobbit
Under the basic rules in the core rulebook, weapons are largely differentiated from each
other only by the damage and parry bonus statistics. This optional rule for weapon classes
differentiates them further into three broad classes, each of which has its own
characteristics. While the basic rule keeps things simple, Narrators can choose this option
to increase realism and detail in combat.
There are four weapon classes to which a weapon can belong under this optional rule: the
slashing class, piercing class, bludgeoning class, and entangling class. Weapons of each
class have special effects that describe the damage they do. These special effects, which
are described below, apply in addition to the regular damage done by a given weapon.
Some weapons have more than one class, as they can inflict damage in more than one
way. Most swords, for example, can either slash or pierce. When making an attack with
such a weapon the attacker must choose which class he will employ; the effects of both
classes cannot be used in the same attack. The weapon classes that apply to each weapon
in The Lord of the Ring Roleplaying Game are listed on Table 3.X: Weapon Classes.
Slashing: Slashing weapons inflict long gashes on opponents, slicing flesh and muscle.
Anyone who suffers 10 or more points of damage from a slashing weapon begins
bleeding (see page XX).
Piercing: Piercing weapons leave relatively small entry wounds but stab deeply into an
opponent, piercing internal organs. The damage done by piercing weapons ignores two
points of damage absorption otherwise offered by the victims armour.
Bludgeoning: Bludgeoning weapons deliver crushing blows, stunning opponents without
leaving open wounds. Anyone who suffers 10 or more points of damage from a
bludgeoning weapon must make an opposed test, pitting his Stamina against his
attackers Strength, or become staggered (see page XX). (If the suffered more Wound
Points than he has Health, the victim must first make the usual test to avoid being
staggered.)
Entangling: Entangling weapons hamper the movement of those they ensnare. Anyone
who scores superior success or better with an entangling weapon has three options. First,
he may knock the victim of the attack prone (see page XX). Second, he may give +5
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bonus to any grab attack he or one of his allies makes against the victim for one round.
Finally, he may effectively cripple his choice of his opponents limbs. The typical effects
of a crippled limb (see page XX) apply to the victim until the attacker releases the limb as
a free action or until the victim escapes by succeeding in an opposed test pitting his
Nimbleness or Strength against his attackers Strength. Each attempt to escape costs the
victim one action. Holding a limb effectively crippled also prevents the attacker from
using his weapon for anything else until the victim escapes or is released.
[[BEGIN TABLE]]
Table 3.3 Weapon Classes
Weapon Class(es)
Arrow (any type) Piercing
Axe, Battle Slashing
Axe, Great Slashing
Axe, Throwing Slashing
Club Bludgeoning
Crossbow Bolt Piercing
Dagger (held or thrown) Piercing
Dagger, Long Knife Piercing, Slashing
Dagger, Orc Piercing, Slashing
Flail Bludgeoning, Entangling
Glaive Slashing
Halberd Piercing, Slashing
Hammer Bludgeoning
Hammer, Great Bludgeoning
Javelin Piercing
Kick Bludgeoning
Lance Piercing
Long Spear Piercing
Mace Bludgeoning
Mattock Bludgeoning, Piercing
Net Entangling*
Pick Piercing
Pick, Heavy Piercing
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Pikestaff Piercing
Punch Bludgeoning
Shield Bludgeoning
Shield, spiked Bludgeoning, Piercing
Shield, with blades Bludgeoning, Slashing
Spear (held or thrown) Piercing
Staff Bludgeoning
Stone (thrown or slung) Bludgeoning
Sword, Elf Slashing
Sword, Great Slashing
Sword, Longsword Piercing, Slashing
Sword, Orc-longsword Piercing, Slashing
Sword, Scimitar Slashing
Sword, Short Sword Piercing, Slashing
Warhammer Bludgeoning, Piercing
Whip Entangling
* A character who throws a net and achieves superior success may only choose between
knocking his victim prone and giving a bonus to grab attempts against the victim. He may
not choose to effectively cripple his opponents arm. A character who uses a net in melee
combat, however, may choose from among all three entangling options as normal.
Wear on Arms and Armour
I beheld the last combat on the slopes of Orodruin, where Gil-galad died, and Elendil
fell, and Narsil broke beneath him.
Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring
The core rules make no provision for the beating a characters arms and armour suffer in
combat. While this keeps things simple, the following optional rules simulate the degree
to which a characters gear may be damaged in the course of combat. In addition to
providing a new level of detail for combat, this option also provides craftsmen a new area
of expertise within the game.
Structure Reaction Tests
Arms and armour degrade over time. At the end of any combat in which a characters
arms or armour were used, the character must make a structure reaction test for each of
these items. Arms which were not used in the combat need not be tested, nor do armour
or shields of characters who where never the target of attacks. All other arms, armour,
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and shields must be tested, however, even if all of a given weapons attacks failed and
even if the bearer of a given shield was never successfully struck.
To make a structure reaction test the character must roll 2d6, add the appropriate
structure test bonus from Table 3.X, and compare the result to TN 5 (for weapons) or TN
10 (for armour and shields). If the test succeeds nothing happens. If the item fails the test,
however, it moves from one category of wear to another. On a regular failure it degrades
by one level of wear, on a complete failure it degrades by two levels of wear, and on a
disastrous failure it degrades by three levels of wear. The categories of wear and their
effects are described on Table 3.X: Categories of Wear.
Masterwork items gain a +3 bonus to structure tests. Enchanted items are almost always
masterwork items as well as enchanted items, so they get the same bonus. There is no
additional structure reaction test bonus because an item has been enchanted, however,
unless the nature of the enchantment is to ward off the effects of wear.
[[BEGIN TABLE]]
Table 3.X Structure Test Bonuses
Weapon Structure Test Modifier
Axe, Battle +1
Axe, Great +2
Club +0
Dagger +1
Dagger, Long Knife +0
Dagger, Orc 1
Hammer +3
Mace +2
Mattock +3
Pikestaff +1
Spear +0
Staff 2
Sword, Longsword +1
Sword, Longsword, Orc +0
Sword, Scimitar +2
Sword, Short Sword (Eket) +2
Whip +3
Arrow, regular or Orc: 4
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Dagger, Thrown 2
Javelin: 1
Spear, Thrown 1
Stone, Thrown +3
Armour Structure Test Modifier
Leather +0
Scale Mail +2
Chainmail, Ordinary +4
Chainmail, Dwarf +5
Chainmail, mithril +7
Chainmail, Orc +1
Chainmail with plate +6
Shield (any) +0
Characters using the piecemeal armour optional rules must make structure reactions tests
for each component of their armour. Structure test modifiers for individual armour
components are listed on page XX.
[[END TABLE]]
Levels of Wear
There are five levels of wear an item can sustain: used, worn, heavily worn, damaged,
and useless. Each level has penalties associated with it. An item can also be unworn, in
which case there are no penalties associated with itit is like new. The effects of
penalties for wear vary depending on whether the item is a weapon, suit of armour, or
shield. Weapons have a penalty to the damage they inflict as they accumulate wear.
Armour absorbs less damage as it becomes worn. Shields parry less well and are a lesser
barrier to ranged combat. (When using the optional rules for shield skill on page XX, the
penalty is applied to both the Defence bonus the shield provides and any Armed Combat:
Shields test made with the shield.) The precise penalties from wear are shown on Table
3.X: Effects of Wear.
An item that is broken (or is reduced to uselessness because it is subject to penalties
greater than the benefits it normally provides) provides no benefits. The only exception is
that weapons always deal at least 1 point of damage on a successful attack. It is important
to note that a condition of uselessness is different from the broken condition because the
difficulty to repair the item is not (necessarily) the same.
[[BEGIN TABLE]]
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Table 3.6: Effects of Wear
Degree of Wear Weapon Effect Armour Effect Shield Effect
Used 1 Damage 1 Damage Absorbed 1 Parry/Block/Defence
Worn 2 Damage 2 Damage Absorbed 2 Parry/Block/Defence
Heavily Worn 3 Damage 3 Damage Absorbed 3 Parry/Block/Defence
Damaged 1 Die Damage 4 Damage Absorbed 4 Parry/Block/Defence
Useless Broken Broken Broken
[[END TABLE]]
Example: A heavily worn longsword, which would normally deal 2d6+5 points of
damage on a successful hit, would deal 2d6+2 points of damage. A damaged longsword
would deal 1d6+5 points of damage.
Example: A worn suit of scale mail, which would normally absorb 4 points of damage,
would absorb only 2.
Example: A used small shield, which would normally provide a +3 bonus to parry and a
3 penalty to ranged attacks against the holder, would provide a +2 bonus to parry and a
2 penalty to ranged attacks.
Repairing Wear
Any character with Smithcarft may attempt to repair any worn or broken weapon,
armour, or shield. The specialties Armoursmith and Weaponsmith provide bonuses as
appropriate. Each Smithcraft test requires the appropriate tools and one hour. The TN
depends on the level of wear and is listed on Table 3.X: Repairing Wear. Marginal or
complete success repair one level of wear, while superior success repairs two levels and
extraordinary success repairs three levels at no additional cost in time.
[[BEGIN BOX]]
Table 3.X: Repairing Wear
Degree of Wear Repair TN
Used 5
Worn 10
Heavily Worn 15
Damaged 20
Useless 25
[[END BOX]]
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Piecemeal Armour
A light helm of figured leather, strengthened beneath with hoops of steel, and studded
about the bring with white gems, was set upon the hobbits head.
The Hobbit
Under the basic rules for armour in the core rulebook, the basic unit of armour is a
complete suit of a given type. This system is both simple and easy to use. The optional
rules for fell strikes presented earlier in this chapter, however, introduce the ability for
combatants to directly attack each other in specific locations to achieve specific effects.
The piecemeal armour optional rule can replace the compete suit system, introducing
armour components that specifically protect particular locations while at the same time
allowing a character to outfit his character with individual pieces of armour to personalise
his characters equipment to a greater degree.
The biggest reason a character might forgo a given piece of armour is to reduce the
amount of weight he must carry into battle. Narrators who use the piecemeal armour
optional rule should strongly consider also using the optional movement and
encumbrance system on page XX.
Piecemeal Armour Descriptions
The following sections describe various armour components and the effects of wearing
them.
Helm: A helm is any piece of armour that protects the head. Variants include the full
metal helm, chain coif (a hood made of mail), and leather cap. Helms provide defence
against fell strikes to the head.
Corslet: A corslet is a piece of armour that protects the chest. Corslets come in two
variants, the hauberk and habergeon. A hauberk is a full shirt of mail covering the
shoulders and arms and extending past the groin. A habergeon is a chain vest, usually
covering the shoulders (but not arms) and extending to the waist. Corslets provide
defence against fell strikes to the chest.
Breastplate: A breastplate is a piece of armour that protects the chest. In the Third Age
most breastplates in Middle-earth are made hard leather, but many Elves, and the Men of
Gondor, still make plate (metal) breastplates. (Dwarves typically eschew such
constraining armour). Breastplates provide defence against fell strikes to the chest, just as
corslets do. It is not possible to wear both a corslet and a breastplate at the same time.
Bracers: Bracers are cuffs that fit over the forearms, protecting them from blows. Most
bracers are leather, but plate bracers are also used among Elves, Dwarves, and Men of
Gondor. Bracers come in pairsone for each arm and protect the wearer against fell
strikes to the arms.
Greaves: Greaves ward off blows to the legs. Greaves come in two varieties: plate and
leather. They come in pairsone for each leg and provide defence against fell strikes
to the legs.
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Combining Components
A character may only choose one piece of armour for each of his body locations. For
example, one cannot wear a set of both plate greaves and leather greaves. For simplicitys
sake, it is not possible to mix and match bracers and greaves by (for example) wearing a
plate greave on one leg and a leather greave on the other.
Once a characters kit of armour has been assembled, the damage absorption (DA) from
each element component is summed to give the characters total damage absorption.
When a character takes damage from an attack, this total damage absorption is subtracted
from the damage before it is sustained as Wound Points.
[[BEGIN TABLE]]
Table 3.X Piecemeal Amour
Component Weight DA Structure Test Modifier Price
Helms
Full Metal Helm 8 lbs. 2 1 6 sp
Chain Coif 6 lbs. 1 2 1 SP
Leather Cap 4 lbs. 1 4 2 sp
Corslets
Hauberk 23 lbs. 3 +0 10 sp
Habergeon 18 lbs. 2 1 2 SP
Breastplates
Plate Breastplate 25 lbs. 4 +1 6 SP
Leather Breastplate 10 lbs. 1 2 1 SP
Bracers
Plate Bracers 5 lbs. 2 2 1 SP
Leather Bracers 2 lbs. 1 4 2 sp
Greaves
Plate Greaves 10 lbs. 2 2 2 SP
Leather Greaves 4 lbs. 1 4 1 SP
[[END TABLE]]
Armour Qualities
In addition to being available in various components, armour also exists in a variety of
qualities depending on its manufacture or composition. Use Table 3.X: Armour Qualities
to modify the armour components statistics from Table 3.X. Price modifiers are not listed
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on this table, because armour with these qualities must be acquired in the course of the
chronicle.
[[BEGIN TABLE]]
Table 3.X Armour Qualities
Quality Weight DA Structure Test Modifier
Elf x3/4 +0 +0
Dwarf x1 +1 +1
Orc x1-1/4 1 +1
Mithril x1/2 +2 +3
Example: A breastplate of Elf-plate weights 19 pounds, absorbs 5 points of damage, and
has a +1 structure test modifier.
Example: A mithril habergeon weights 9 pounts, absorbs 5 points of damage, and has a
+2 structure test modifier.
[[END TABLE]]
Resisting Fell Strikes
When the optional rules for fell strikes are being used, being armoured in a particular
location also reduces the severity of fell strikes that hit that location. Any time an
armoured location is hit with a fell strike, its severity is reduced to the next lower level.
For example, if a character wearing a helm is struck with a heroic success fell strike and
the attacker chooses the head location, the extraordinary head fell strike effects are used
instead. Superior success fell strikes that hit armoured location are not fell strikes at all,
and simply deal normal damage.
Piecemeal Armour and Structure Tests
When using both the piecemeal armour optional rule and the wear on arms and armour
optional rule, characters must make TN 5 structure reaction tests whenever an area of
their body which is protected by armour is hit with a fell strike. This includes superior
success fell strikes whose effects are nullified by the armour. These tests are made in
addition to the tests that must otherwise be made for all of a characters weapons and
armour at the end of a battle.
Full Suits
A full suit of armour consists of a helm, a corslet or breastplate, a set of bracers (one for
each arm), and a set of greaves (one for each leg). Players who wish to outfit their
characters with full suits of armour without individually considering each component
may choose from among the following pre-calculated suits.
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[[BEGIN BOX]]
Example Full Suits of Armour
Leather
Component Weight DA Structure Test Modifier Price
Leather Cap 4 lbs. 1 4 2 sp
Leather Breastplate 10 lbs. 1 2 1 SP
Leather Bracers 2 lbs. 1 4 2 sp
Leather Greaves 4 lbs. 1 4 1 SP
Total 20 lbs 4 n/a 2 SP, 2 sp
Light Chain
Component Weight DA Structure Test Modifier Price
Chain Coif 6 lbs. 2 2 1 SP
Habergeon 18 lbs. 2 1 2 SP
Leather Bracers 2 lbs. 1 4 2 sp
Total 26 lbs. 5 n/a 3 SP, 2 sp
Heavy Chain
Component Weight DA Structure Test Modifier Price
Chain Coif 6 lbs. 1 2 1 SP
Hauberk 23 lbs. 3 +0 10 sp
Leather Bracers 2 lbs. 1 4 2 sp
Leather Greaves 4 lbs. 1 4 1 SP
Total 35 lbs 6 n/a 5 SP
Plate
Component Weight DA Structure Test Modifier Price
Full Metal Helm 8 lbs. 2 1 6 sp
Plate Breastplate 25 lbs. 4 +1 6 SP
Plate Bracers 5 lbs. 2 2 1 SP
Plate Greaves 10 lbs. 2 2 2 SP
Total 48 lbs. 10 n/a 10 SP, 2 sp
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Dwarf-chain
Component Weight DA Structure Test Modifier Price
Chain Coif 6 lbs. 2 1 n/a
Habergeon 18 lbs. 3 +0 n/a
Total 24 lbs 5 n/a n/a
Elf-plate
Component Weight DA Structure Test Modifier Price
Full Metal Helm 6 lbs. 2 1 n/a
Plate Breastplate 19 lbs. 4 +1 n/a
Plate Bracers 4 lbs. 2 2 n/a
Plate Greaves 8 lbs. 2 2 n/a
Total 37 lbs 10 n/a n/a
Orc-plate
Full Metal Helm 10 lbs. 1 1 n/a
Plate Breastplate 31 lbs. 3 +1 n/a
Plate Bracers 6 lbs. 1 2 n/a
Plate Greaves 13 lbs. 1 2 n/a
Total 60 lbs 6 n/a n/a
Orc-chain
Hauberk 29 lbs. 2 +1 n/a
Leather Bracers 2 lbs. 0 4 n/a
Leather Greaves 5 lbs. 0 4 n/a
Total 36 lbs 2 n/a n/a
[[END BOX]]
Movement and Encumbrance
[D]warves can carry very heavy burdens . . . [and] in spite of their rapid march, bore
huge packs on their backs in addition to their weapons.
The Hobbit
The basic rules in the core rulebook present a very simple system for determining the
effects of carrying an excessive amount of armour and equipment. Unless a given
character is carrying a great deal, there is little need to keep track of encumbrance.
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With new rules for piecemeal armour, however, Narrators may wish to emphasize the
benefits of being lightly armoured and carrying very little. This optional rule introduces
new levels of encumbrance and changes the way encumbrance affects a characters
manoeuvrability. Rather than penalize the overall distance a character can move, greater
levels of encumbrance inflict penalties to all physical tests (including attack tests) and
sometimes impose a TN 5 test on the jog movement rate. Table 3.X: Encumbrance
defines these categories and summarises their effects.
[[BEGIN TABLE]]
Table 3.X Encumbrance
Encumbrance Load Physical Test Penalty Jog Test?
Light Up to Str x2 0 No
Medium Up to Str x5 2 No
Average Up to Str x10 5 Yes
Heavy Up to Str x20 10 Yes
Very heavy Up to Str x30 15 Yes
Characters attempting to carry more than thirty times their Strength collapse and are
prone (see page XX) until they abandon enough equipment to reduce their load.
[[END TABLE]]
Table 3.X: Sample Movement Rates replaces Table 9.1: Sample Movement Actions on
page 214 of The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game. It incorporates errata included in
the core rulebooks reprinting, makes slight modifications to the tests and TNs for various
rates of movement, and makes explicit the difference between movement for Elves and
Men and opposed to Dwarves and Hobbits.
Rates for jumping, climbing, dropping prone, and standing up are not included in this
table. For information on how far character can jump, see page 128 of the core rulebook.
For information on how quickly character can climb, see page 122 of the core rulebook.
Dwarves and Hobbits jump and climb at two-thirds the rates specified on those two
pages. For information on falling prone and getting back up, see page XX.
[[BEGIN TABLE]]
Table 3.X: Sample Movement Actions
Action Action Cost Man/Elf Rate Dwarf/Hobbit Rate Test
Crawl/Step 1 2 yards 1 yard No Test
Walk 1 6 yards 4 yards No Test
Jog 1 9 yards 6 yards *
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Run 2 27 yards 18 yards Run (TN 5)
Sprint Full round 40 yards 27 yards Run (TN 10)
Swim 1 2 yards 1 yards Swim (TN 5)
* A TN 5 Run test is required only of characters carrying average, heavy, or very heavy
loads.
Rate means that the character may move up to the number of yards listed in the number
of actions specified.
Test specifies the skill and TN of the test that must be made if a character attempts that
rate of movement in combat or another stressful situation. If the test succeeds the
character may move up to the listed rate. If the test fails the character may only move
one-half the listed rate. On disastrous failure the character falls prone before getting
anywhere.
[[END TABLE]]
Grappling
Sam was on [Gollum] before he had gone two paces after his spring. Frodo coming
behind grabbed his leg and threw him.
The Two Towers
The basic rules in the core rulebook present a brief description of what a character can do
with a grab action. Characters with many ranks of Unarmed Combat, however, may
desire greater flexibility and detail. These rules present more options and grant greater
advantages to characters attempting to grapple their opponents. When used, they replace
the existing rules for the grab action on page 229 of the core rulebook.
Under this optional rule, the grab action remains a one-cost action useful for
incapacitating opponents and leaving them vulnerable to other attacks. When attempting
to grab an opponent, the attacker makes an Unarmed Combat test whose TN is the
targets Defence (or dodge, parry, or block test result). If the grab test is successful, the
target is grabbed. If it is unsuccessful, there is no effect.
When using the Tactical Combat system, attempting to grapple someone requires the
attacker to drop his guard, though characters wielding ranged weapons cannot take
advantage of this dropped guard to attack the grappler.
When a grab is attempted, the typical effects of mismatched size on the attack roll are the
inverse of what they normally would be: for each size level the target is smaller than the
attacker, the attacker receives a +2 bonus and for each size level the target is larger than
the attacker, the attacker suffers a 2 penalty. For example, a large creature attempting to
grapple a small character would enjoy a +4 bonus to his Unarmed Combat test.
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Benefits of Grabbing
A character who has successfully grabbed another character has five options. He may
attempt to crush his opponent, disarm his opponent, throw his opponent, maintain the
hold, or release the hold.
Crush: A grappling character can attempt to crush his opponent, inflicting 1d6 points of
damage plus his Strength bonus. A grappling character can attempt to inflict more
damage by making an opposed Unarmed Combat test against his opponent. If the
grappler achieves superior success he inflicts one extra die of damage and if he achieves
extraordinary success he inflicts two extra dice of damage. If the grappler does not
prevail in this opposed test, however, his opponent escapes the grab (though he has no
option to reverse the grapple or flip the grappler, as described below). Each attempt to
crush costs one action.
Disarm: A grappling character can attempt to force his opponent to drop whatever hes
holding by making an Unarmed Combat test against a TN equal to the grabbed
characters Stamina or Nimbleness attribute, whichever is higher. Success means the
grappled character involuntarily drops whatever single held item his grabbling opponent
designates. Superior or better success means the victim drops everything he holds. Each
attempt to disarm costs one action.
Throw: A grappling character can violently release his hold by throwing his opponent
into the ground or another solid surface. The victim suffers 1d6 points of damage plus
Strength bonus, flies 2 yards, and becomes prone (see page XX), but, on the positive side,
is no longer grabbed. Throwing a grabbed character costs one action.
Maintain the Hold: A grappling character can attempt to do nothing but maintain the
hold. Each action spent doing this gives him a cumulative +3 bonus (maximum +9) in the
next opposed Unarmed Combat test his opponent initiates to escape being grabbed.
Release the Hold: A grappling character can voluntarily release his hold as a free action.
Being Grabbed
A character who is grabbed cannot use medium or large weapons, suffers 5 Defence,
and suffers a 5 penalty to all actions other than attempts to escape the grapple, which
costs two actions. Each time the grabbed character attempts to escape the grapple, the
grappler and grabbed must make an opposed Unarmed Combat test. If the grabbed
character fails there is no effect. If the grabbed character succeeds he escapes and is no
longer grabbed. If he achieves a superior or better success he canin addition to
escapingreverse the grapple or flip the grappler. If he reverses the grapple, the formerly
grappling character is now grabbed himself. If he flips the grappler, the formerly
grappling character is thrown 2 yards, becomes prone (see page XX), and suffers 1d6 +
Strength bonus points of damage.
Third Party Attacks on Grabbed Characters
Characters other then the grappler can attempt to attack a grabbed character, taking
advantage of his reduced Defence. A character wishing to attack a grabbed character can
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either make a normal attack test and risk hitting the character who started the grapple, or
can voluntarily take a 5 penalty to his attack test to avoid this risk. Characters who
successfully strike the grabbed character resolve their damage normally. Characters who
take the penalty and miss their target inflict no accidental damage. Characters who forego
the voluntarily penalty, however, and who miss their intended target must roll 1d6. On a
1, 2, or 3, they accidentally strike the grappler for full damage.
Tactical Combat
Down from the wall leapt Gimli with a fierce cry that echoed in the cliffs. Khazd!
Khazd! He soon had work enough.
The Two Towers
Keeping track of the exact physical locations of the heroes and villains in a truly epic
combat can be a daunting task. The optional rules for tactical combat, which comprise the
remainder of this chapter, address this situation with a system of rules that allow you to
use counters or miniature figures with a map to keep precise track of where everyone is in
combat.
It is important to note that these rules apply only to combat situations. Narrators can even
opt only to use them when combat turns particularly complex, and use the normal,
descriptive rules when a small number of combatants are involved. In no case should
these rules be used when dealing narratively with roleplaying situations. If the heroes are
guests in Rivendell, for example, theres no need to keep track of precisely where they
are as they move from room to room.
[[BEGIN BOX]]
Why Use Tactical Combat?
Introducing the tactical combat option involves learning more rules and keeping track of
additional information during play. Some Narrators may want to know where the benefit
of doing so lies. The benefits are simple. In combat-heavy chronicles, Narrators must
describe the actions and relative positions of every NPC in sight and keep that
information in mind when adjudicating the actions of each player character. That can be
difficult in itself when the number of NPCs involved is large, but matters worsen since
narrative descriptions can be ambiguous and players accidentally form inaccurate mental
pictures of whats going on. Narrators can suffer the same problem, mistaking what one
player said he wanted his character to do, and this can lead to situations wherein order
to be fairthe action must be rewound to an earlier point in the game or altered so that
previous actions make sense.
Using miniatures and a battle map keeps track of all that data for both the players and the
Narrator. Essentially, the battle map stores all the positions and distances of everyone in
the battle, allowing everyone the opportunity to survey the battlefield, examine their
options, and think about what they intend to do. The battle map eliminates the need for
either the Narrator or the players to restate where they are. Players no longer need ask
How far away is the Troll? or Are they surrounding me? All the answers are
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objectively there for anyone to see, allowing players to make plans on their own while the
Narrator adjudicates other action.
[[END BOX]]
Hexes, Counters, and the Battle Map
The tactical combat system uses a battle map that depicts the characters surroundings.
The battle map is overlaid with a grid of hexagons (hexes) that help govern movement
and show distances on the map clearly. There is an example battle map on page XX that
depicts a grassy area with a few rocks, trees, and patches of shrubbery. Although the
scale of a battle map can vary (see page XX), each hex typically represents an area 1 yard
across.
You can create battle maps in a number of ways. Page XX has a blank grid of hexes you
can photocopy to create drawn maps of your own. Many such grids can be connected to
create maps as large as you like. You could also photocopy the blank hex grid onto one or
more transparency sheets and then lay them over maps drawn on plain paper. Finally,
some game stores sell rolled mats of various sizes with hex grids pre-printed on them.
You can draw terrain features on these mats with transparency markers and then erase the
features with a wet cloth when the combat is over. Battle maps can be drawn very
roughly, with simple pencil lines to designate important terrain features, or in great detail,
with different coloured markers and artistically depicted features of the battlefield.
Each character, whether hero or villain, is represented in tactical combat by a counter or
some sort. Each counter is located on the battle map in the centre of the hex the
corresponding character occupies. Counters can be of any type, from otherwise unused
dice to coloured glass beads to cardboard counters to metal or plastic figurines. On page
XX youll find a selection of cardboard counters that can be used to represent a wide
variety of the heroes, villains, and creatures that might be part of a typical chronicle.
More counters will appear in future The Lord of the Ring Roleplaying Game supplements
like Play of Word and Shadow: The Guide to Rogues and Minstrels. A wide variety of
fantasy miniatures are also available at many game shops, some representing characters
from The Lord of the Rings and manufactured by Games Workshop.
No matter what kind of counters you use in your chronicle only two factors are essential.
First, each counter must clearly show which way it is facingthat is, which way is
forward. Second, it must be possible to tell the various counters apart from each other.
Although it would be okay for a horde of identical Orcs to all be represented by small
green stones, it would be a very bad idea if each player characters counter was the same,
because there would be no way to tell them apart during play!
Terrain on the Battle Map
In real life, terrain features like rivers and roads wind and curve without respect to the
neat hex-lines the battle map uses. When the battle map is created, the boundaries
between such features can result in certain hexes containing more than one type of
terrainbecause a line has been drawn through the hex denoting the boundary between
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dry land and a river, for instance. Mixed hexes like these are considered to comprise
whichever terrain type the character moving through it desires. The exception to this rule
is when concrete barriers like fences, building walls, and cliff faces divide hexes. When
this is the case, each portion of the divided hex functions like its own full hex for
purposes of movement and combat.
Example: Tolman Longhole is pursuing an Orc-brigand who attacked a caravan he was
guarding. The Orc flees towards a river with the intent to leap into it and swim across. On
the battle map, the line marking the boundary of the river cuts through several hexes.
When the Orcs counter reaches a hex that is both ground and river the Narrator declares
the Orc jumps in the river and is, in that hex, in the river. He makes a swim test and the
Orc moves off into the water. Brave though he is, when Tolman arrives at the rivers edge
he has no interest whatsoever in entering the water. The player controlling Tolman
declares that the Hobbit is going to stand at the rivers edge and fire his shortbow at the
swimming Orc. Though Tolman stands in the same hexhalf river, half dry groundthe
Orc used as the beginning of the river, he treats it as ground.
Movement on the Battle Map
When characters move using the hexes printed on the battle map, they move from the
centre of one hex to another until all their movement for the round is used up. Each hex a
character moves through uses up one yards worth of movement to which he is entitled.
(Table 3.X on page XX summarises the yards of movement that correspond to various
movement actions frequently used in combat.)
At any point in a character turns he may move into any of the six hexes around him
without regard for which direction he was facing before, but once a character is finished
acting on his turn, he must choose which direction he will face until his next action.
Players are allowed to count hexes before they move, move a few hexes and then go back
and change what they planned to do, or count hexes to an enemy to determine where they
want to go or whether they are close enough for a ranged attack. If a player declares an
action and then, as a result of moving his counter on the battle map, finds out that he
cannot do what he wanted, he is allowed to change his action to suit the new information.
As long as the player hasnt declared hes finished or made a test he can still go back and
change his plan.
Example: Bronwyn is being played by Craig. Craig wants Tolman to attack an Orc-
brigand a fair distance away with his bow, but wants to move into medium range before
he launches the attack. Craig declares that Tolman will take a jog action to close the
distance and then use his second action to fire at the brigand. He begins by moving
Bronwyns counter nine hexes, because that is the jogging rate for Men.
After that action, Craig counts the hexes to the target and discovers it is still outside
medium range. Craig has several choices at this point. He could redo the movement
action, using a speedier rate than jog to move more than 9 hexes. He could use his second
action to jog again, closing another 9 hexes, and put off his shot for another round. He
could even jog again and then fire this round at the 5 penalty for extra actions. The
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reason Craig is allowed the option of redoing his first action of movement is because
rewinding will not affect the combat, as he has not yet made an attack test.
Contour
With the battle map and tactical movement comes the opportunity to track movement
through three dimensions. Hills rise, valleys can trap enemies, and daring heroes can
assault their foes from the tops of tables or carts. Changes in elevation can easily be
depicted on the battle map with contour lines.
Ideally, contour lines should be drawn on the battle map in a different colour than other
terrain features so players dont mistake them for walls, rivers, or the like. It should also
be made clear, where it might be confusing, which side of the contour line represents
higher ground and which represents lower ground. This can be easily accomplished with
+ and symbols drawn on each side of the line at some point along its length.
A contour line on the battle map represents a vertical increase or decrease of one-half of a
yard. Moving uphill into a hex that contains a contour line costs one extra yard of
movement. Moving downhill into a hex that contains a contour line has no additional
movement cost. Moving into a hex that contains two or more contour lines (representing
a full yard or more of vertical movement) costs even more yards of movement and may
require a test. See Table 3.X: Moving Uphill and Table 3.X: Moving Downhill. Failing a
test to move uphill results in the character using up the yardage specified but remaining
in the hex he was moving from. Failing at a test to move downhill results in the character
becoming prone in the hex he intended to move into and taking damage according to
Table 9.33: Falling Damage on page 245 of the core rulebook.
[[BEGIN TABLE]]
Table 3.X: Moving Uphill
Destination Hex Contains Total Yards Required* Test Required
1 Contour Line 2 None
2 Contour Lines 3 TN 5 Climb
3 Contour Lines 4 TN 10 Climb
4 Contour Lines 5 TN 15 Climb
5 Contour Lines Full-round climb action **
This table assumes a medium character is moving. For each size level the moving
character is smaller than medium, the yards of movement required increases by one and
the TN increases by +2. For each size level the moving character is larger than medium,
the yards of movement required decreases by one (to a minimum of 1) and the TN
decreases by 2.
Moving into a hex containing five or more contour lines requires a full-round (or
extended, at the Narrators discretion) Climb test for medium characters. See Climb on
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page 122 of the core rulebook. Larger characters may be able to surmount such vertical
distances by continuing the tables obvious progression, at the Narrators discretion.
* Includes the regular cost to move one hex on level ground.
[[END TABLE]]
[[BEGIN TABLE]]
Table 3.X: Moving Downhill
Destination Hex Contains Total Yards Required* Test Required
12 Contour Line 1 None
34 Contour Lines 2 TN 5 Jump
56 Contour Lines 3 TN 10 Jump
This table assumes a medium character is moving. For each size level the moving
character is smaller than medium, the yards of movement required increases by one and
the TN increases by +2. For each size level the moving character is larger than medium,
the yards of movement required decreases by one (to a minimum of 1) and the TN
decreases by 2.
A character who moves downhill more than six contour lines is either climbing if he
takes time to descend slowly or falling if he simply leaps off the precipice. See
Climbing on page 122 of the core rulebook or Falling on page 245 of the core
rulebook. Larger characters may be able to surmount such vertical distances without
climbing or falling by continuing the tables obvious progression, at the Narrators
discretion.
* Includes the regular cost to move one hex on level ground.
[[END TABLE]]
Attacking from Above or Below
Its easier to attack enemies when you are on higher ground than they are. When
attacking from higher groundthat is, when there is a downhill contour line separating
you from your targetyou gain a +2 attack bonus. When you attack from lower ground
you suffer a 2 attack penalty. The bonuses and penalties are the same when there are
two or three contour lines separating you from your opponent, but if there are four or
more contour lines in the way, you are prevented from attacking at allthe difference in
height is simply too great. The Narrator may rule, however, that creatures of sizes greater
than Medium can attack over four or more contour lines. Bonuses for attacking up or
downhill do not apply to ranged combat.
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Facing
Each hex on the battle map has six sides, and each counter on the battle map must be
aligned with one of these sides so it is clear which direction the character is looking.
Generally speaking, characters are aware of, and able to attack and defend themselves
against, anyone in front of them. They suffer a disadvantage, however, when attacked by
someone who is directly behind them. A character attacked from behind loses the benefits
of his shield, if he has one. Furthermore, the attacking character gains a +2 attack bonus.
It is easy to determine whether a given enemy is in front of or behind a given character
when they are in adjacent hexes. The single hex directly opposite the characters facing is
behind the character and the other five are in front of the character. Determining which
area is directly behind a character can be confusing when ranged attacks are involved,
however. Diagram 3.1: Facing clarifies the 60 swath that constitutes the larger area
behind any character.
[[Diagram 3.1: Facing]]
Being Outflanked
These rules presume a character can defend himself against two opponents without
suffering any unusual penalties. Once more than two opponents can attack a single
character from adjacent hexes (ranged attacks do not contribute), however, the defending
character can no longer adequately keep track of all his assailants. In such a situation, he
is considered outflanked. An outflanked character suffers 1 Defence for each possible
attacker past the first two, even if they do not actually launch attacks.
Example: Aukrad intercepts a small group of a dozen or so Orcs out raiding. He attacks
and kills a scout, drawing the attention of the rest of the group. Only two Orcs can get to
him in the first round. They do not outflank him as there are only two of them. On the
second round a third Orc reaches him and joins the fray, attacking from the hex behind
Aukrad. Aukrads suffers 1 Defence against the attacks of all three. The one behind him
gains a further +2 attack bonus andwere Aukrad carrying onewould ignore any
bonus Aukrad was deriving from a shield. On the third round Aukrad is surrounded by
six Orcs, the most that can attack him at once (because there are only six hexes adjacent
to him). He suffers 4 Defence against all of them as the one behind him continues to
enjoy his additional +2 attack bonus.
Keeping Your Guard Up
Combat is dangerous. Its hard to know when any given opponent is going to lunge in to
make an attack. For that reason, characters is combat must keep their guard up by paying
attention to their enemies and constantly adjusting their position in small ways to take
advantage of their full Defence.
Some actions require a great deal of concentration and are difficult to carry out while
keeping your guard up. These are actions that require dropping your guard, and include
the following:
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Aiming a ranged weapon
Casting a spell
Changing weapons
Mounting a steed
Moving at a jog or faster
Picking up an object
Standing from prone
When a character drops his guard, any enemy in an adjacent hex who is not facing
directly away is allowed to launch a free attack targeting the character who drops his
guard. This includes enemies who are not adjacent to a moving character who drops his
guard when he begins moving but who become adjacent to him as he moves.
Free attacks are resolved like normal basic armed attacks or punch/kick unarmed attacks.
A given character may only make one free attack per round. In order to be eligible to
make a free attack you must be capable of making an attack in the first place, meaning
that your weapon (or fist) is ready. Characters using ranged weapons and long weapons
(see Reach Attacks on page XX) cannot take free attacks, nor can spells be cast as free
attacks. Free attacks are resolved before the character who dropped his guard begins
whatever action he is attempting, unless movement carries the character into free attack
ranged, in which case it is resolved immediately when the moving character and attacker
become adjacent.
Being hit by a free attack does not interrupt what the acting character was doing
characters hit by free attacks still cast their spells, mount their horses, or continue on their
way. If the character dropped his guard to attempt something that requires a test,
however, his test has +5 TN for each superior success scored against him with a free
attack, +10 TN for each extraordinary success scored against him, and +15 TN for each
heroic success scored against him (if the fell strikes combat option is being used).
Ultimately, it is up to the Narrator to adjudicate whether a character must drop his or her
guard in order to perform some action. As a general rule, any attack action a character
takes, including changing targets and defending against multiple opponents, does not
require a character to drop his guard. All other actionsanything that requires a character
to concentrate on something other than those opponents currently attacking him in hand-
to-hand combatusually require dropping ones guard and permit free attacks.
Example: Narufindelin finds herself surrounded by three dangerous Southrons who mean
to kill her. She knows that over the next rise her Elf-allies are waiting in ambush, their
bows at the ready, but that in her current position they can see neither Narufindelin nor
her enemies. She decides to make a break for the ridge, moving at a sprint. To do so she
must drop her guard, which allows the three to make free attacks against her. She
survives those attacks (two complete successes and one superior success), taking a
number of wounds in the process. She makes her TN 15 Run test with a miracle roll.
(Normally it would be a TN 10 test, but the superior success against her modifies makes
the TN +5.) Beginning to trace her movement up a path of hexes towards the ridge, the
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Narrator announces that she has passed within one hex of a fourth Southron who was
hiding in some shrubbery. Since she has dropped her guard and moved into a hex
adjacent to an enemy, he also gets a free attack against her.
Line of Sight
One of the most important things the tactical combat system can tell those involved in
combat is whether a given combatant can see someone hed like to attack, say with a
ranged weapon or spell. Being able to see another combatant or feature of the battlefield
is called having line of sight.
Line of sight can be of three types: unobstructed, partially obstructed, and completely
obstructed. Having an unobstructed line of sight to a given target means that there are no
obstacles to seeing or launching ranged weapons at it. It occurs when a straight line
connecting the centre of the hex containing the looking or attacking character and the
centre of the hex containing the target does not pass through any hex with an obstacle to
sight or attack in it. Having partially obstructed line of sight means that a similar straight
line passes through one or more hexes that are a partial obstacle to sight or attack. Having
completely obstructed line of sight means that a similar straight line passes through at
least one hex that contains a complete obstacle to sight or attack.
Partial and complete obstacles to sight and attack are listed on Table 3.X: Line of Sight
Obstacles. It is important for Narrators, when they introduce elements of terrain by
drawing them on the battle map, to inform the players what their characteristics
arewhether a given clump of shrubs is light, medium, or heavy foliage, for example.
Each hex the straight line passes through which is occupied by one of the obstructions
listed on Table 3.X causes the listed TN modifier to any Ranged Combat or Observe test
that must be made to attack or see the target. If the straight line passes through more than
one hex of obstruction, the TN modifiers are summed. If three hexes of light foliage and
a hex containing a medium combatant intervene, for example, a TN +15 modifier applies.
Hitting Obstructions
When a character attempts a Ranged Combat attack through obstructions but fails, the
obvious question that must be answered is whether the attack struck one of the
obstructions instead. On a normal failure the answer is no. On a complete failure the
Narrator rolls randomly among all obstacles to determine which one was hit. On a
disastrous failure the Narrator chooses the worst obstacles that could have been hit, such
as an ally of the attacker, if one obstructed the shot. Damage is dealt to the unintended
target as it would be had it been the chosen target, even if that target has a Defence that
would normally make it impossible for him to be hit by the shot.
[[BEGIN BOX]]
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Table 3.X: Line of Sight Obstacles
Example Obstruction Type of Obstruction TN Modifier per Hex
Little creature Partial +1 TN
Small character or creature Partial +3 TN
Medium character or creature Partial +6 TN
Large creature Partial +9 TN
Mammoth or larger creature Complete
Light Foliage Partial +3 TN
Medium Foliage Partial +6 TN
Heavy Foliage Partial +9 TN
Pillar Partial +6 TN
Wall Complete
Hill* (2 levels of contour) Partial +6 TN
Hill* (3 levels of contour) Partial +12 TN
Hill* (4 levels of contour) Complete
* Tracing a line of sight over contour lines only impedes line of sight if the hill is in
between the two pointsthat is, if the contour lines go up and then back down along the
straight line from hex to hex. There is no penalty for simply shooting uphill.
[[END BOX]]
Other Unintended Targets
When the target of a ranged combat attack is standing adjacent to other characterssuch
as when they are in hand-to-hand combat with each otherthese become potential
accidental targets, even if the hexes they occupy do not obstruct line of sight. If a
character misses such a target with complete failure and there are no other obstructions, a
randomly selected adjacent target is hit. If a character misses such a target with a
disastrous failure the Narrator chooses the worst adjacent targettypically an allyto be
hit with the errant projectile. If there are obstructions to the shot one of those is hit
instead, according to the rules above. As above, damage is dealt to the unintended target
as it would be had it been the chosen target, even if that target has a Defence that would
normally make it impossible for him to be hit by the shot.
Firing Through Complete Obstructions
It is possiblethough very difficultto fire a ranged weapon through a complete
obstacle in hopes of hitting an opponent hiding behind it. (It is not possible to see through
a complete obstacle.) This calls for a TN +18 penalty to the attack test. Even if the attack
test is successful, the projectile must then penetrate the obstacle before wounding the
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intended target. See Table 9.18: Armour and Cover Protection on page 232 of the core
rulebook for the damage typical obstacles can absorb. A projectile can only penetrate an
obstacle if it deals damage equal to the damage absorbed and damage sustainable
statistics. Any damage that remains carries over to the target of the attack. Good luck.
Reach Attacks
Especially long weapons can be used to attack opponents even when they are one hex
past adjacent to the attacker. Such attacks are called reach attacks. Attackers making
reach attack tests suffer a 2 penalty but gain the advantage that they can attack targets
otherwise unavailable. (Weapons capable of making reach attacks can be used to make
normal attacks against adjacent foes, and when used in this way, the 2 reach attack
penalty does not apply.) Skilled attackers can make reach attacks even when the
intervening hex between attacker and target is occupied by a character, creature, or
object. This imposes a 4 attack penalty and forces the attacker to drop his guard. It is not
possible to make a free reach attack in response to another character dropping his guard.
Large creatures wielding appropriately scaled weapons can also make reach attacks,
though they are subject to the modifiers and restrictions described above. Mammoth or
larger creatures may be able to make reach attacks at distances of three (or more) hexes,
at the Narrators discretion and depending on the situation.
Characters and creatures capable of making reach attacks can also attempt a new armed
combat manoeuvre called keep at bay. This has action cost 1 and can only be attempted
against opponents who are in the range of reach attacks (and no closer). If successful, the
target of the attack suffers no immediate damage but may not move so he is adjacent to
the attacker for one round without risking damage. (See the definition of one round on
page XX.) If he wishes to risk damage, on his action the target may announce any
movement action and then make an opposed Run vs. Armed Combat roll against the
character who is keeping him at bay. On a success, he may move into any adjacent hex he
wishes without taking damage. On a failure, however, he wastes his movement action and
takes one and one-half times the weapons normal damage. (No attack test is made. The
damage is simply rolled and applied.)
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Chapter Four: Tools of the Trade
It was rather splendid to be wearing a blade made in Gondolin for the goblin-wars of
which so many songs had sung. . . .
The Hobbit
[Movie Still 28]
All the courage and skill in Middle-earth is little use without a strong sword and stout
shield to back it up. This chapter introduces a variety of new resources your characters
can use in their struggle against the Shadow.
Weaponry
[A]mong them were several swords of various makes, shapes, and sizes. Two caught
their eyes . . . because of their beautiful scabbards and jewelled hilts.
The Hobbit
As the variety of weapons available to martial character expands their options, the
following section introduce statistics for many weapons not detailed in the core rulebook,
rules for describing improvised weapons in play, and a mechanism for describing the
magical and other special abilities possessed by some noteworthy weapons.
Additional Standard Weapons
There beryl, pearl, and opal pale,
And metal wrought like fishes mail,
Buckler and corslet, axe and sword,
And shining spears were laid in hoard.
The Fellowship of the Ring
The following section describes weapons familiar from our history but which are not
detailed in the core rulebook. Narrators are free to restrict the use of any of these
weapons in their chronicles if they do not meet with their own sense of what is possible
in Middle-earth.
Axe, Throwing: A common ranged weapon amongst the Dwarves, a throwing axe is
balanced to tumble end over end in flight.
Crossbow: Crossbows are slow to reloada reload action with a crossbow costs two
actionsbut their bolts strike with enough force to pierce the heaviest armour plates.
Once a crossbow is loaded, you can keep it at the ready and fire it when a target presents
itself.
Flail: Consisting of a steel ball attached to a wood or iron handle by a length of chain, the
flail is a difficult weapon to master but one that is versatile in combat. Although it can be
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used normally with the full range of attack actions, and flail can also be used to entangle
an opponentas whips and nets canif the optional rules for entangling found on page
XX are being used in your chronicle.
Glaive: This polearm has a long, thick blade at its tip instead of a spear point. A character
using a glaive who has at least one rank in Armed Combat: Polearms can use it to make
reach attacks (see page XX). A character attempting to use this weapon who does not
have at least one rank in Armed Combat: Polearms cannot do so, and furthermore, suffers
a 4 penalty rather than the usual 2 penalty for being untrained.
Halberd: This poleaxe has a sharp spear point at its tip for piercing attacks as well as an
axe head for slashing. A character using a halberd who has at least one rank in Armed
Combat: Polearms can use it to make reach attacks (see page XX). A character
attempting to use this weapon who does not have at least one rank in Armed Combat:
Polearms cannot do so, and furthermore, suffers a 4 penalty rather than the usual 2
penalty for being untrained.
Hammer, Great: This massive sledgehammer is used to batter opponents senseless,
smashing through their defences and pounding their armour to splinters. A great
hammers head, however, is so heavy that each blow pulls you off your balance, leaving
you vulnerable to attack. When fighting with this weapon, you suffer a 2 penalty to your
Defence and any Swiftness tests for dodging, parrying, or blocking. The great hammer
requires two hands to use.
Lance: The preferred weapon of many mounted warriors, lances deals double damage
(rather than one an one-half times damage) when used with a charge action while
mounted.
Long Spear: The simplest and most primitive of polearms, the long spear is simply a
long shaft of wood with a pointed tip. A character using a long spear who has at least one
rank in Armed Combat: Polearms can use it to make reach attacks (see page XX). A
character attempting to use this weapon who does not have at least one rank in Armed
Combat: Polearms cannot do so, and furthermore, suffers a 4 penalty rather than the
usual 2 penalty for being untrained.
Net: A fighting net is similar to the fishing implement save that it is often set with sharp,
barbed hooks to catch on an opponents armour. While such a weapon may not be as
impressive as a sword or a mace, in the hands of a skilled combatant it can quickly
immobilise an opponent. A net can be used in three ways. First, it may be thrown. When
thrown, the attacker uses the Ranged Combat: Net skill and may entangle his opponent if
he achieves superior success or better (see Entangling on page XX). Second, it may be
used offensively in hand-to-hand combat. When used in this way, the attacker uses the
Armed Combat: Net skill, inflicts the listed damage, and may entangle his opponent if he
achieves superior success or better. Third, if the optional Shield Skill rules are being used
(see page XX), a net may be used as a shield. If used in this way, the net modifies its
wielders Defence like a small shield under those optional rules (that is, it increases it by
one) as long as it is being held at the ready and the wielder is aware of his surroundings.
Pick: A pick is a wood or iron haft topped with a long, beak-like metal spike used to
pierce armour.
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Pick, Heavy: This version of the pick is set with a heavier head on a longer, thicker haft.
A heavy pick requires two hands to wield properly.
Shield, Medium: Medium shields are slightly larger and heavier than small shields, but
not as heavy as large shields.
Sling: This simple weapon is a length of cloth or animal hide used to fire small rocks.
While it lacks a bow or crossbows strength, ammunition is almost always at hand. Many
barbarian tribes that do not craft bows rely on slings as their primary ranged weapons.
Sword, Elf: These long, slender, curved blades have pommels that almost match their
blades in length. An Elf-blade is specially crafted to allow for quick, deadly strikes. In
battle, massed ranks of Elves can execute perfectly timed strikes that appear more like a
choreographed performance than an attack. Elf-swords require two hands to wield
properly.
[Movie Still 29]
Sword, Great: These long, powerful blades are terrible to behold in battlea single
stroke of a great sword can cut a man in two. A great sword requires two hands to use.
Warhammer: A useful weapon against heavily armoured opponents, a warhammer has a
flat, heavy head used for crushing metal and bone opposite a long, sharp pick that can
pierce the toughest protection. (The hammer described on page 206 of the core rulebook
is referred to as a war-hammer, but is not of this type. The hammers described there have
two flat heads rather than the hammer-and-pick arrangement described above.)
[[BEGIN TABLE]]
<3>Table 4.1: New Armed Combat Weapons
<4>Weapon Damage Parry Bonus Size Weight Price
Axe, Throwing 2d6+3 +0 M 2 lbs. 2 SP, 3 sp
Flail 2d6+3 +2 M 6 lbs. 3 SP, 1 sp
Glaive 2d6+3 2 L 13 lbs. 4 SP, 2 sp
Halberd 2d6+4 2 L 12 lbs. 4 SP, 3 sp
Hammer, Great 2d6+8 +0 L 20 lbs. 3 SP, 2 sp
Lance 2d6+6 2 L 18 lbs. 3 SP, 2 sp
Long Spear 2d6+1 1 L 10 lbs. 3 SP
Net 1/2-d6 +3 M 3 lbs. 3 sp
Pick 2d6+2 +0 M 8 lbs. 2 SP, 2 sp
Pick, Heavy 2d6+4 +0 L 12 lbs. 3 SP
Sword, Elf 2d6+5 +2 M 6 lbs. 3 SP, 1 sp
Sword, Great 2d6+6 +1 L 1015 lbs. 3 SP, 2 sp
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Warhammer 2d6+4/ +0 M 10 lbs. 3 SP
[[END TABLE]]
[[BEGIN TABLE]]
<3>Table 4.2: New Ranged Combat Weapons
<4>Weapon Damage Range* Weight Price
Axe, throwing 2d6+3 5/20/50/100/+15 2 lbs. 2 SP, 3 sp
Crossbow bolt 2d6+5 5/25/50/100/+25 5 lbs. 3 SP, 1 sp
Net 1/2-d6 2/4/8/16/+2 3 lbs. 3 sp
Sling stone 2d6 5/20/40/80/+20 1lb. 2 SP
*Ranges are given in yards. Ranges are listed in the following order: point blank, short,
medium, long, and extended increments.
[[END TABLE]]
[[BEGIN TABLE]]
Table 4.X: New Shields
Shield Weight Parry Bonus/Attack Modifier Price
Medium Shield 5-8 lbs +4 to parry/5 to ranged attacks 6 sp
<2>Improvised Weapons
Even as he swooned he caught, as through a swirling mist, a glimpse of Strider leaping
out of the darkness with a flaming brand of wood in either hand.
The Fellowship of the Ring
[Movie Still 30]
Sometimes warriors need weapons when sword, axe, or mace are unavailable. In these
cases they must make do with whatever tools are at hand. Improvised weapon is a term
that encompasses any object that isnt expressly designed to be used in combat but can be
pressed into service as a weapon. Rather than attempt to cover every possible object that
might be used in a fight, this section provides general guidelines for judging the combat-
worthiness of any given item.
Any given object that could be used as an improvised weapon can be described by three
traits: size, weight, and durability. Each is described below.
Size: An items physical size. Larger items are more difficult to handle but tend to do
more damage. Huge items are those up to eight feet in their largest dimension, bulky
items are three to four feet, small items are one to three feet, and tiny items are smaller
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than that. A character cannot use an item more than eight feet long as an improvised
weapon. These size categories should not be confused or compared with character and
creatures size categories.
Weight: An items raw mass. Improvised weapons may be of light (less than 5 lbs.),
medium (520 lbs.), or heavy (20+ lbs.) weight. A character cannot use any item
weighing more than his Strength x10 as an improvised weapon.
Durability: The solidity of an item. Items can be of fragile, average, or stout durability,
determined using the Narrators judgement. Durability determines the likelihood that a
weapon will be destroyed when used to attack.
Table 4.3: Improvised Weapons summarises the various characterisations possible for
each trait. To determine an improvised weapons game statistics, simply sum the relevant
table entries for each of the three traits.
Example: The Narrator decides a trolls cooking pot is huge (because it is greater than
four feet but less than eight feet across), heavy (because it weights more than 20 lbs.),
and stout (based on the Narrators estimation). Thus, it has Damage 2d6+6, Parry Bonus
+2, Accuracy 6, Weapon Size Large, and has a Breakage TN 3.
[[BEGIN TABLE]]
<3>Table 4.3: Improvised Weapons
<4>Weapon Damage Parry Bonus Accuracy Weapon Size* Breakage TN
Size
Huge +5 +1 2 L 0
Bulky +2 0 1 L 0
Small 0 0 0 M 0
Tiny 2 2 0 S 0
Weight
Heavy 2d6 0 4 +1 category** +1
Medium 1d6 0 2 no effect 0
Light 1/2-d6 0 0 1 category** 1
Durability
Stout +2 +1 0 +2
Average 0 0 0 +4
Fragile 2 2 0 +8
*Not to be confused with the size characteristic of an improvised weapon or creature,
weapon size is the statistic that determines what sorts of creatures can use them without
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penalty. See page 206 of the core rulebook for information. Weapon size cannot be larger
than Large or smaller than Small, regardless of an items weight modification.
**For example, a tiny item that is heavy has a weapon size of Medium and a small item
that is light has a weapon size of Small.
[[END TABLE]]
Since improvised weapons arent designed for combat, they have a few additional
statistics: accuracy and breakage TN. Each is described below.
Accuracy: Since improvised weapons arent designed for use in combat, they are
difficult to handle. Accuracy is a numbertypically negativethat applies as a test
modifier to all attack tests made with the item.
Breakage TN: Less durable items often break when used to strike blows in combat. Any
time an object with a breakage TN is used to launch an attack, whether it inflicts any
damage or not, 2d6 are rolled. The result must meet or exceed the breakage TN in order
for the item to survive intact. Characters used as improvised weapons (tossed Dwarves,
for example) do not suffer breakage. If used as an improvised weapon, a character suffers
Wound Points equal to those inflicted by the improvised attack.
<3>Throwing Improvised Weapons
Poor as they are in melee combat, improvised weapons are even worse for ranged
combat. Improvised weapons have range increments based on their weight as shown on
Table 4.X: Throwing Improvised Weapons. Character use Ranged Combat to throw
improvised weapons, but suffer double the accuracy penalties listed on Table 4.3.
[[BEGIN TABLE]]
Table 4.X Throwing Improvised Weapons
Weight Range
Heavy 1/2/3/4+1
Medium 3/6/9/12/+3
Light 5/10/20/40/+5
[[END TABLE]]
<3>Example Improvised Weapons
Four example improvised weapons are detailed below in terms of their traits and
summarized on Table 4.4: Example Improvised Weapons.
Tankard: Tiny, light, fragile.
Chain: Small, medium, stout.
Boulder: Bulky, heavy, stout.
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Stool: Bulky, medium, average.
[[BEGIN TABLE]]
<3>Table 4.4: Example Improvised Weapons
<4>Weapon Damage Parry Bonus Accuracy Weapon Size* Breakage TN
Tankard 1/2d64 4 0 S 7
Chain 1d6+2 +1 2 M 2
Boulder 2d6+4 +1 5 L 3
Stool 1d6+2 0 3 L 4
[[END TABLE]]
Poisons
[His brow] was drenched with sweat; but Faramir did not move or make any sign, and
seemed hardly to breathe.
The Return of the King
While any character with Lore/Wilderness: Herbalism can bring forth the virtues of herbs
by properly harvesting and preparing them as described in Paths of the Wise (see pages
XX-XX), harmful poisons are the sole province of those with the Brew Poison order
ability. Such characters use their intimate knowledge of the wild to gather the wide
variety of materials necessary to produce poisons, then employ ancient techniques handed
down from generation to generation to actually brew these baneful concoctions.
This knowledge, however, is valuable to many outside the primitive cultures where it is
known. Many sages, herbalists, and even healers from more advanced cultures spend
time among barbarians, studying their lore and applying it to their work. In game terms,
these characters pay advancement picks to joint the barbarian order and purchase the
Brew Poison order ability. The character does not necessarily become a barbarian,
culturally speaking. Rather, he spends the equivalent time and effort building the
foundation of his poison lore.
The following sections expand the Brew Poison order ability described on page 81 of the
core rulebook, and replace the description provided there. They also expand the poison
traits described on pages 2467 of the core rulebook, providing new traits as well as new
ways traits can be combined.
<3>The Brew Poison Order Ability
Table 4.X: Brew Poison Improvements summarises the poison traits available to those
with the Brew Poison order ability at various levels of improvement. This replaces the
description of Brew Poison on page 81 of the core rulebook.
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When preparing a poison, a barbarian may always choose a trait less powerful than those
to which he is optimally entitled because of his improvements. For example, a barbarian
with 2 improvements could choose an onset time of 1 hour, if he wished.
To actually prepare doses of a poison, a barbarian must first declare what type of poison
he is trying to make by specifying values for each of the six poison traits. Then he spends
four hours scavenging, combining ingredients, cooking them, and so forth. At the end of
that time, he rolls 1d6. If the surrounding terrain is unlike that of his homeland, he
subtracts between one and three (Narrators discretion, depending on the level of
difference) from the roll. The result is the number of doses produced. (In unfamiliar
territory, it is possible for a session of poison-brewing to result in no doses.) Doses of
poison can be preserved indefinitely.
[[BEGIN TABLE]]
Table 4.X: Brew Poison Improvements
Brew
Poison
Improve-
ments
Type Onset Time Potency Treat-
ment
Effect Stages
0 Injury,
ingested
20 minutes,
1 hour, 6
hours, 1 day
0 TN 0 TN Basic Attribute
Reduction
1
1 Contact,
inhaled
1 minute +5 TN +5 TN Improved
Attribute
Reduction,
Damage
1/2-d6
2 1 round +10 TN +10 TN One additional
effect pick*
3 +15 TN +15 TN Two additional
effect picks*
1d6
4 +20 TN +20 TN Three additional
effect picks*
5 None Four additional
effect picks*
2d6
6+ One more
additional effect
pick at each level*
*See Poison Effects on page XX.
[[END TABLE]]
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<3>Poison Effects
The following paragraphs detail all possible poison effects and secondary effects,
clarifying some effects which are described on pages 2467 of the core rulebook and
adding some new effects. Barbarians with no improvements in Brew Poison can use only
the Basic Attribute Reduction effect, as indicated on Table 4.X: Brew Poison
Improvements. At one improvement in Brew Poison, they gain access to the Improved
Attribute Reduction and Damage effects. Beginning at the third improvement to Brew
Poison, the character gains one additional effect pick with each improvement to Brew
Poison. Each one of these additional effect picks allows the character to choose an
additional effect, such as paralysis or blindness, or to improveaccording to its
description an effect he already knows, such as increasing the damage that can be done
with the damage trait, or increasing the duration of one of the durations traits (see below)
he already knows.
Each trait identified with an asterisk is a duration trait, meaning that its duration at each
stage is 1d6 minutes. Additional effect picks can be spent to improve each individual
duration trait as shown on table 4.X: Duration Improvements.
[[BEGIN TABLE]]
Table 4.X: Duration Improvements
Additional Effect Picks* Duration
1 2d6 minutes
2 1d6 hours
3 1d6 days
4 1d6 weeks
5 Permanent
* This is the number of picks spent past the first one, which gave the character access to
that class of effect.
[[END TABLE]]
Basic Attribute Reduction: Each dose of this type of poison affects a particular
attribute: Bearing, Nimbleness, Perception, Strength, Vitality, or Wits, which is chosen
when the poison is brewed. The full effect of such a poison reduces the attribute in
question by one point for each passing stage. The secondary effect of these poisons is that
the attribute is unaffected.
Blindness*: This terrible, specialised poison renders its victim unable to see. The effects
of blindness are described on page XX.
Damage: Damage poisons cause 1d6 points of damage at full effect and no damage as a
secondary effect. The damage trait can be improved with additional effect picks per Table
4.X: Damage Effect Improvement.
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[[BEGIN TABLE]]
Table 4.X: Damage Effect Improvement
Additional Improvements* Effect Damage Secondary Effect Damage
1 2d6 Half damage
2 Full Wound Level Half damage
3 2 Full Wound Levels Half damage
4 3 Full Wound Levels Half damage
5+** 4 Full Wound Levels Half damage
* This is the number of picks spent past the first one, which gave the character access to
that class of effect.
** Each additional improvement increases the number of full Wound Levels of damage
by one. Secondary effect remains half damage.
[[END TABLE]]
Daze*: Poisons with the daze effect cloud a victims judgement and dull his reflexes.
Victims lose one action each round.
Deafness*: Similar to the blindness poison described above, this poison affects its
victims ability to hear. This does not affect most physical tests, but may make many
social and academic tests impossible even to attempt.
Improved Attribute Reduction: These poisons are the same as basic attribute reduction
poisons, save that the effect is to reduce the attribute by 1d6 points. The secondary effect
is to reduce the attribute by 1.
Nightmares: Though this poison has no immediate effect, when next the victim sleeps
his dreams are twisted into horrible nightmares. He gains none of the benefits of rest that
night and may see visions of relevance to the chronicle at the Narrators discretion. This
type of poison does not affect Elves and has no secondary effect.
Pain*: This poison effect amplifies the pain its victims feel, crippling them with agony
from relatively minor wounds. Anyone who fails the Stamina reaction test to resist this
poison triples the penalties he suffers due to injury or weariness. Apply the effects of any
abilities or edges that reduce these penalties before tripling them.
Panic*: Panic poisons have a hallucinogenic effect, causing their victims to react to
sights and sounds that exist only in their minds. A poison with this effect causes a victim
to flee from his opponents in a blind panic and hide in the nearest convenient spot. The
victim defends himself if attacked, but only fights if cornered.
Paralysis*: The victims of these poisons can take no physical action whatsoever, though
they continue to be aware of their surroundings, breathe, beat their hearts, and otherwise
sustain life.
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Sluggishness*: When exposed to this poison effect, a creatures muscles grow
unresponsive. This poison is useful for taking opponents alive without completely
debilitating them. The victim of this poison tumbles limply to the ground, cannot move
without assistance, and suffers a 10 penalty to all physical actions. He may still talk and
use social or academic skills as normal.
Weariness: These poisons cause their victims to lose one Weariness level. The weariness
trait can be improved with additional effect picks per Table 4.X: Weariness Effect
Improvement.
[[BEGIN TABLE]]
Table 4.X: Weariness Effect Improvement
Additional Improvements* Effect Levels Lost Secondary Effect Levels Lost
1 2 0
2 3 1
3 4 1
4 4 2
* This is the number of picks spent past the first one, which gave the character access to
that class of effect.
[[BEGIN BOX]]
Brew Poison Improvement Example
When he gains his first advancement, Thn-deri-Thn spends three of his advancement
picks to choose the Brew Poison order ability. He can then make poisons of Type injury
or ingested; Onset Time 20 minutes, 1 hour, 6 hours, or 1 day; Potency 0 TN; Treatment
0 TN; Effect Basic Attribute Reduction, and Stages 1.
After a few chapters of his chronicle he improves his Brew Poison ability, adding a single
improvement. He adds to his repertoire the ability to craft poisons of Type contact and
inhaled, Onset Time 1 minute, Potency +5 TN, Treatment +5 TN, Effects Improved
Attribute Reduction and Damage, and Stages 1/2-d6. It is important to note that he does
not lose access to the options he had before. Rather, he gains more options.
A few chapters down the line, when he improves Brew Poison once more, he gains
access to Onset Time 1 round, Potency +10 TN, Treatment +10 TN, and one additional
effect pick. He has many options for his additional effect pick. He could, for instance,
increase the harm he can do with Damage poisons to 2d6/half damage (per Table 4.X:
Damage Effect Improvement). Or, he could choose some new effect to learn, such as
Daze or Panic.
As he progresses, hell gain access to one more additional effect pick with each
improvement to his Brew Poison ability, each of which can give him access to a new
effect or improve one of the effects he already knows.
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[[END BOX]]
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Chapter Five: Combat and Storycraft
Shelob, with the driving force of her own cruel will, with strength greater than any
warriors hand, thrust herself upon a bitter spike.
The Two Towers
Previous chapters have presented ways barbarians and warriors may be honed to martial
perfection. Other chapters have introduced new rules to make barbarians and warriors
more effective in combat. But how do you, the Narrator, address barbarians and warriors
most effectivelyand dramaticallyin your stories? How can you make your
chronicles tales engaging for martial characters and interesting for yourself as well?
This chapter is intended for you, the Narrator. It considers ways martial characters can fit
into existing story arcs or create new ones, ways you can challenge such characters, and
ways you can keep them guessing. It also provides story ideas specifically geared to
martial characters, for you to use directly or draw inspiration from.
Always remember that no good story is entirely of one type. A good martial story will
contain non-martial elements, just as a good non-martial story will still contain some
violent activity. The key is blending these two effectively and in a proportion that is
pleasing to all participants.
Martial Storycraft
By our valor the wild folk of the East are still restrained, and the terror of Morgul kept
at bay; and thus alone are peace and freedom maintained. . . .
Boromir, The Fellowship of the Ring
The following sections provide many suggestions on structuring adventures and
chronicles, tailoring them to the needs of martial characters.
Motivation
The simplest method for involving martial characters in your stories is to introduce armed
conflict. Few such folk can resist the urge to draw their blades or bows and leap into the
fray. But how does one get a martial character involved in conflict? What inspires them
to participate?
Martial prowess is a physical characteristic, and martial characters frequently focus
heavily on that aspect above all others. This striving for perfection in one particular area
often makes martial characters fiercely competitive. They pride themselves on their
martial capabilities and enjoy testing them against others. This does not mean that such
characters are all conceited. Many leap at the chance to gain instruction from those they
consider superior. But first they must be sure that person is in fact more skilled, and must
also show what they already know, to avoid being taken for a novice or a stripling.
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How does this help you motivate martial characters? Present them with opponents who
are their matches or bettersa better swordsman, a better archer, a faster runner. PCs
will be drawn to these individuals in the hopes of proving themselves against them or
learning from them, either by mimicry or by instruction.
Martial characters are also often tempted by the chance for glory. These are men and
women who live by their strength, speed, and skill. But in addition to prominence in the
immediate term, barbarians and warriors are keenly aware their prowess can fade with
age. Many see that it behooves them to gain renown early in life in the hopes of either
dying young but living forever in song, or of retiring to a comfortable posttrainer,
captain, commanderoffered to them because of their reputation.
When motivating martial characters, remember that they deal in the immediate and the
physical. Direct goals are most effective: protect this man, guard that door, escort this
caravan. Such tasks are focused and do not require esoteric thought. This is not to say that
martial characters are unintelligent, for many are canny strategists and clever tacticians,
but their plans focus on the real and the physical. Martial characters should be tasked
with figuring out how to do something, not whether a given thing should be done.
In summary, then, to best motivate a martial character, you must provide a clear task,
both direct and active, which provides the opportunity for personal glory and also gives
the chance to test skills against equals or betters.
Action
Motivation leads to action, and many types of stories lend themselves to the motivations
of martial characters. In all of them, the most important thing to keep in mind is that all of
the parties to any conflictmartial or notmust have objectives, and those objectives
must make sense. Given objectives that make sense, what types of action will be of most
interest to martial characters?
Stories of war are the most obvious. It is hard to imagine another type of story in which
martial characters would be more at home. It is not easy to plan an entire war in your
chronicle, however, with their vast scope and great stakes. Much thought is devoted to
planning war in the chronicle in Helms Deep, however, and Narrators interested in
martial conflict on such a scale are recommended to that book. Happily, it is not
necessary to stage an entire war to keep martial characters active in the chronicle.
Dynamic, physical challenges are all that is required, and such challenges come in many
forms.
Raids are excellent fodder for martial adventures. Typically, PCs should defend the
victims of raids rather than launch raids themselves, as it is particularly unheroic to press
attacks against those unable to defend themselves. Most barbarians and warriors among
the Free Peoples will leap to aid of beleaguered farmers and townspeople. This is an
opportunity for martial PCs to demonstrate their skill, gain experience in combat,
slaughter the Enemys minions, and protect those too weak to defend themselves.
Barbarians who are especially aligned with their native folk are that much more likely to
be motivated by attacks on their people. Even if the PCs arrive at the scene of a raid too
late, this can be excellent motivation for martial characters. Upon seeing the burnt-out
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remains of a house and the bodies of those slain in the attack, most martial characters will
vow to avenge the fallen and insist on tracking down the raiders and raining death upon
them.
Ambushes are also an excellent martial diversion, whether the PCs are to do the
ambushing or suffer their opponents ambushes. In either case, as always, the action must
make sense. If the PCs suffer from an ambush, their opponents should be appropriate for
the area and have a valid reason for being there. The goal of their ambush should also be
clear (to you, if not to the players). Are the enemy trying to simply slaughter the PCs,
gain control of some treasure they possess, or take hostages for use against the PCs
allies? The aftermath of an ambush is also important, for if the characters were ambushed
by enemies who are completely new to them, they will want to find out who their
attackers were, why they attacked, and whether more of them lurk nearby. If the PCs are
to ambush their enemies there must be some point to the attack. What greater goal will
the ambush further, and on whose behalf (if not their own) will the PCs attack be
launched? Again, goals are important. Will the PCs slaughter their foes? Attempt to steal
an item or control of a location? Accomplish some other goal entirely?
Hunting is another potential task for martial characters. Mighty warriors should hunt
appropriate prey, of course, and Middle-earth provides no dearth of beastsboth fell and
naturalagainst which barbarians and warriors can test their mettle. Although many
martial characters will seek prey to hunt out of a desire to prove their worth or better their
skills, other motivations are clearly possible. A hunt might be undertaken to protect a
peaceful people from the ravages of a beast who attacks their flocks or homes, for
example. The beast itself might be the reward of a hunt. Just as mundane game provides
food, more powerful game might be valuable for hides that can be used to make magical
armour, claws that can be fashioned into powerful weapons, and other body parts that can
be transformed into mighty artifacts to aid the Free Peoples in their struggle against the
Enemy.
Even routine game hunting gives the martial characters a chance to stretch their legs and
use their skills. Pursuing deer and rabbits is not like stalking Men and Orcs, of course, but
it does require strength, speed, endurance, and skill with weapons. Hunting also serves
two larger purposes. First, it provides food. Second, it gives the characters a better sense
of their surroundings. Hunters might spy a place to camp for the night, a cliff against
which their company could withstand an attack, or a path that leads through the valley on
a more direct route than their current course. Even if the only target is a single rabbit and
he is stalked with sling and knife rather than bow and sword, hunting lets the characters
work out their aggressions and keep their senses and reflexes sharp.
As you plan dynamic physical challenges for your chronicle, keep in mind that not every
physical challenge involves combat. Maintaining the pace over a long march is
challenging, and certainly physical, even though it involves no foe and no bloodshed.
Scaling a mountain is much the same, as is carrying a message to a far-off destination in a
limited amount of time. Non-martial characters in the mix put even greater onus on the
martial characters who must naturally protect and lead them in such situations. When the
Company of the Ring climbed Caradhras, for example, it fell to Aragorn and Boromir to
keep the group together and alive. Even Gimli, a stout warrior, had difficulty with the
mountain passes and with the thick snow, and though Legolas could move without
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hindrance he could not protect the hobbits from the cold. Ensuring that companions
survive a journey safe and unharmed often involves planning and discipline more than it
does combat, for even the most powerful warrior cannot directly battle a snowstorm or a
mountain or a raging river. But his strength and stamina and speed will prove useful
against such dangers, and can aid to those around him as well. Even when presented with
copious non-violent physical challenges of varied nature, however, keep in mind that
martial characters may grow sullen if kept from combat too long.
Finally, note that discipline plays a major role in the life of the martial character and may
provide conflicts of its own. For martial character who command other fighters,
maintaining discipline in their own ranks is a challenge when the forces of the enemy
terrify lesser warriors and corruption sows bad seeds among good men. Martial
characters who are members of forces commanded by those greater then themselves may
also be presented with difficulties if they are ordered to do things that are against their
nature or which do not seem wise.
Keeping Combat Interesting
When combat occurs, it is your job to make it dynamic, challenging, and interesting.
Facing a party of Orcs on open terrain is exciting the first time, familiar the second time,
and old hat ever after. Keep combats varied and find new ways to challenge martial
characters each time. This does not mean simply throwing more Orcs at them, either.
Tactical challenges can take many forms.
One way to challenge barbarians and warriors is to insist that combat be nonlethal. Being
forced to avoid killing blows makes combat a good deal more difficult and provides a
greater test of the characters skills. For example, the party may be set upon by Elves who
are simply protecting their home and do not recognise the party as allies. It would be
unwise to kill the Elves, so the martial characters must fight to disarm and incapacitate
even while their foes shoot to kill. Another reason to avoid killing ones enemies is to
gain information from them. If a party falls victim to an attack of Haradrim at the Fords
of Isen, for example, an obvious question arises: What are these folk from a land so far
away doing there? Since dead enemies cannot answer such questions, one or more must
be incapacitated rather than slain.
Different terrain can also make combat more challenging. An open field is the easiest
place to fight, where warriors solid footing, clear lines of sight, and plenty of room to
move. But what about fighting in the mountains, among crags and peaks, where pebbles
can slide under foot and loud noises can bring a wave of rock and dirt down upon friend
and foe alike? Or a narrow pass, where characters have no room to manoeuvre and cannot
swing full blows without striking the rock or earth about them? Or a battle in a shallow
stream or small river, where the water sways about the feet and legs, preventing rapid
steps, and below the water is sometimes solid dirt, sometimes shifting sand, and
sometimes sinkholes that can swallow a man to his shouldersor higher? Remember
also that vegetation can cause difficulties. Fields of wheat can hide an army, rows of corn
are thick and resistant to men seeking shelter, and tree roots can trip even as low-hanging
branches strike the unwary about the head and shoulders.
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Weather is another obstacle. Fighting on a clear day is preferred, but if an enemy attacks
during a rainstorm the characters must defend themselves. Rain turns hard dirt to mud,
obscures vision, makes weapons slippery, creates distracting noises, and distorts shapes
and distances. Snowstorms are worse: chill air bites the lungs and numbs the fingers, sun
on snow dazzles the eyes, ice is slippery underfoot, and snowdrifts make walking
difficult even as they hide enemies. Heat is not much better than cold, however. The body
craves moisture, and without constant replenishment even the sturdiest warrior grows
weak and dizzy. Sweat makes armour uncomfortable and fingers slick. The eyes blur and
mirages may appear in the distance until sight can no longer be trusted.
Another way to challenge martial characters is to challenge their assumptions and
training. Most warriors assume combat involves individuals, but this is not always the
case. Working to break down a castle gate is essentially a combat, with the foe as the gate
itself. This requires a different mindset, since the opponent is an object and not a person.
Likewise, defence requires a different mindset than attack. Protecting a person or a group
or even a place requires thinking not of victory but of survival. How many die beneath
your blade becomes far less important than how many live behind your shield. The
challenge to defend is particularly hard for characters who desire glory, for they usually
focus on leaping into a battle and killing as many as possible. As a protector, such
characters have to reign in their normal tendencies and stand fast, ignoring openings in
order to stay and defend their charges. Defending several things at once is an added
challenge, for the character must prioritiseis it more important to save the castle, the
king, or the map that shows the way into Mordor?
It is important to remember, too, that not every martial conflict involves a single hero
facing off against just one villain. Martial conflicts can take many forms, and should
throughout the story. If, in every battle, the martial PC winds up fighting the leader of the
opposition in single combat, the players (and their characters) will come to expect this. At
the start of each combat, they will search for this foe and target him so that the conflict
can be won more quickly. Certainly the PCs should face off against their opposite
numbers at times, particularly during climactic battles. But at other times they should
fight hordes with no clear leader, or have minor skirmishes against a troop while the
general is far away. Some conflicts are too large to involve a single combat between
leaders. A siege is fought against an entire structure, and the tactics must be focused on
defending or breaching it rather than on locating and destroying the commander. A castle
can be defeated even if its captain escapes unharmed, just as a castle may stand firm even
though an arrow strikes down its king. To be distracted by personal desires is to lose sight
of the goal, and to suffer from that wavering of attention.
Martial Play
But still we fight on, holding all the west shores of Anduin; and those who shelter behind
us give us praise, if ever they hear our name. . . .
Boromir, The Fellowship of the Ring
One of the challenges in dealing with martial characters lies in creating their opponents.
Wading through hordes of puny goblins may be amusing for a time, but soon enough the
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PCs will want greater challenges. Since part of many players fun is making their
characters stronger and more deadly with every advancement, your chronicles villains
will also need to press every advantage they have. These advantages may be of two types:
advantages based on the statistics you assign them and advantages they gain by their
combat strategies.
The Foes of Heroes
Easterlings with axes, and Variags of Khand, Southrons in scarlet, and out of Far Harad
black men like half-trolls with white eyes and red tongues.
The Return of the King
Many Narrators have great familiarity with the CODA system and need no aid in creating
martial NPCs. If you are not as comfortable with the rules yet and need to build capable
antagonists in a hurry, however, the following tips should shorten your learning curve
considerably.
The first thing you should understand is that you are not required to create villains whose
advancements are commensurate with those possessed by the heroes. While you can use
advancements to get a rough sense of the comparative power of PCs and NPCs,
advancements do not tell the whole story. It is much more important that you think about
how the struggle will play outand how the each partys statistics will affect the
liklihood of their side prevailingthan that you arrive at some equilibrium of
advancements.
With that in mind, the following sections discuss the NPC elements you will have to
address when you set about creating martial villains in your chronicle.
Attributes: Remember that you are building a martial opponent and concentrate on
giving your antagonist high Nimbleness, Strength, and Vitality. Keep in mind, however,
that attributes are generally less important than skills and other abilities when
determining the overall potency of any given character in combat.
Skills: Focus on your martial antagonists Armed Combat, Ranged Combat, and
Unarmed Combat, of course. Antagonists are most dangerous to the PCs when they are
overwhelmingly proficient in a single weapon rather than having moderate skill with
many different weapons. After all, a given combatant can only attack with one weapon at
a time. If you are using the optional rules for Armed Combat: Shields on page XX, dont
neglect this important skill when creating chronicle antagonists.
Though you must focus on combat skills when creating martial foes, do not forget other
skills that also often prove useful in combat. If the conflict will be in a mountainous
region or among trees, choose Climb. On the plains, Ride or Run are useful. Jump is
often helpful, and Swim a necessity if rivers or lakes are nearby. Siegecraft should be
taken if the NPCs are attacking or defending a structure, and Intimidate can be useful not
only against the PCs, but also against their lesser allies. Do not overlook Stealth if the
NPCs will attack from ambush.
Edges: Although it is easy to forget about edges in favour of pumping up a given
villains skill ranks, traits are one of the only ways to increase a fighters effective skill
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total above +12, which is an absolute necessity once the PCs gain even a few
advancements. The most useful edges for martial villains are Accurate (+3 to a given
Ranged Combat weapon) Bold (+5 to physical tests for a point of Courage), Doughty (+1
to Strength tests), Hardy (reduce all injury penalties by 2), Warwise (+1 to Siegecraft and
all combat skills), Wary (+3 to Initiative), and Weapon Mastery (+3 to a given Armed
Combat weapon).
Flaws: Although you obviously do not make your antagonists more powerful by giving
them flaws, doing so can make combat much more interesting. That way, part of the goal
of the combat can for the players to find out what weaknesses their opponents have, then
move to exploit them.
Courage: In order to provide a challenge you should always consider granting one or
more points of Courage to martial antagonists who are above the level of mere
footsoldiers.
Orders: Because you can assign skill ranks without taking particular care about how
many advancements are required, the most important factor to consider when assigning
orders to martial villains is what order abilities they will have access to. Favoured
Weapon is not particularly useful to NPC warriors because of this very consideration, but
the new order abilities in this book that require it as a requisite may make you want to
consider it. Swift Strike, on the other hand, is a very useful order ability for martial
villains, if they have the appropriate requisites. Enemy barbarians can make particularly
good use of the Champion order ability if the PCs are their chosen enemies. Brew Poison
can also make foes very dangerous if they are advanced enough to create potent poisons
they can introduce in the course of fighting.
If youre uncertain which order to choose, you should also consider the situation. Who
are these foes? Where did they come from? Are they wild men who live off the land, or
men who live in houses and eat with knives and trim their beards?
Equipment: If they are to survive, martial opponents must be armoured. While armour
should be appropriate for the villains culture and circumstances, you can make a given
opponent much more threatening simply by outfitting them with strong armour. If the
villain is particularly mighty, he may have access to legendary or even magical weapons.
Legendary weapons that can Intimidate opponents (see page 90 of Fell Beasts and
Wondrous Magic) provide another obstacle for the entire company of player characters.
Legendary weapons also give a sense that the villains are part of a world and story, as
opposed to an abstract set of statistics against which the PCs own statistics are matched.
The Strategies of Villains
Some now hastened up behind the Rohirrim, others held westward to hold off the forces
of Gondor and prevent their joining with Rohan.
The Return of the King
Creating villains with formidable statistics is only half the battle. Its the way you deploy
these villains that poses the real challenge to the PCs. Even the strongest NPC warrior
can be cut down easily if hes foolish enough to be on foot in the midst of mounted
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enemies. But even the weakest warrior can take down a strong fighter if he is well-placed
and has planned ahead.
Be smart about your fights. In Middle-earth the armies of Sauron and Saruman are
disciplined and trained and canny. They implement clever strategies and often win by
guile as much as by strength. Take this to heart.
Use the local conditions against the PCs. If the setting is arctic, your NPCs should be
trained and equipped to handle such conditions, with Climb, Jump, heavy furs, and
grappling hooks. If it is sweltering desert, your warriors should wear loose flowing robes
and scarves to shield their faces from sand and should carry both water and salt to keep
from dehydrating. If the NPCs are local forces they should know every aspect of the
country around them. Theyll know where the river can be forded, where fresh water can
be found for horses, where campsites are located, and where the mountain pass can be
entered. The locals should not be caught unawares by their own geography.
Think about racial advantages as well. If the company of heroes consists of Men and
Dwarves, give your NPCs the Night-eyed edge and attack in the dark. Avoid attacking
Dwarf-PCs in the mountains, or Elf-PCs in forests.
Look for higher ground. If local, the NPCs will know where best to stand and fight, and
where to attack. Higher ground or any other advantageous position gives a 1 to 3 TN
and the PCs a +1 to +3 TN. For Ranged Combat this increases to 5 and +5.
Ambushes can be deadly, especially if you are using the optional rules for fell strikes,
which can disadvantage or even incapacitate the ambushed in a single attack. If unwary
PCs fail TN 10 Observe tests, they lose initiate and one action in the first round of attack.
To make the ambush more deadly, you should presume that all antagonists spent the
round before the ambush aiming: this gives the NPCs +3 to Ranged Combat and +1 to
Armed Combat.
Remember that ranged weapons can be used in close quarters even after the initial
ambush. A bow has a point blank range of 5 yards, and within that range attacks are 2
TN. If the archers have Far Shot, their point blank range extends to 10 yards, and they
can stand at that mark and fire with deadly accuracy.
While less powerful individually than player characters, NPC villains often outnumber
the company of heroes. Take advantage of manoeuvres that let the NPCs gang up on their
opponents. Grab is particularly good when using paired or grouped NPCsone grabs the
PC and the others attack while he is held.
Timing is also important. The most challenging fights will begin when the heroes are
weary and not fully alert, or when the heroes have split up, to gather firewood, say, or
reconnoitre the area around their campsite.
When trying to gain tactical advantage over the heroes, however, you should avoid using
the knowledge you, as Narrator, have about the player characters if it would be unknown
to the villains.
If one of the PCs is a wizard and has used his magic openly, the NPCs stalking him
would know about it. But if he has concealed his skills and dresses as a merchant,
craftsman, or warrior the NPCs would have no reason to suspect his magical skills.
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Adventures
[W]e have played another part. Many evil things there are that your strong walls and
bright swords do not stay.
Aragorn, The Fellowship of the Ring
The realms of Middle-earth are troubled in this Third Age, as Sauron gathers his strength
to assault the kingdoms of Elves, Dwarves, and Men. Martial characters are in their
element, surrounded by conflict and violence and the need for sturdy folk with strong
arms and sharp blades.
Dangerous Locales
I am glad that I have shared in your perils that has been more than any Baggins
deserves.
Bilbo, The Hobbit
Though Middle-earth is a place of peril, not every place in Middle-Earth is equally
dangerous, or possesses as many opportunities for a fighter to gain renown and
experience. Some locations remain sheltered and relatively safe, nestled in valleys and
hidden by groves. Others seem to attract the eye of the Enemy and are constant centres of
strife. The following sections suggest areas of Middle-earth that may be particularly
appropriate for martial adventures.
Mordor: The land of the great enemy, Sauron. This dark nation is awash in Orcs, Trolls,
dark Men, and worse horrors. Only the bravest heroes dare venture past its black gates,
for within this land villains and cutthroats are the standard and people of honour the
despised rarity. The borders of Mordor, however, are areas of constant skirmishing as the
soldiers of Sauron seek to extend their masters reach into the neighbouring kingdoms.
Further, as the age progresses to its end, more and more of Saurons forces march toward
the dark land, trampling foes as they approach.
Minas Tirith: This noble city, the capital of Gondor, stands as one of the oldest
surviving enclaves of Men not sullied, destroyed, or turned by the evil of Sauron. The
City of Watch looks out toward Mordor, a beacon of light against the coming darkness,
and it is here that Men gather against the coming war. The warriors of Gondor sally forth
repeatedly, destroying any who would dare raid into their lands and holding back the dark
forces as much as possible.
Osgiliath: Once one of Gondors fairest cities, now Osgiliath is merely a ruin. It lies on
the far side of the Anduin, betwixt Mordor and Minas Tirith, and is a bone of bitter
contention between the two forces. Gondor seeks to reclaim the ruins and Mordor seeks
to crush it utterly, the first step in reaching Minas Tirith.
Helms Deep: The great fortress of Rohan, and one of the strongest keeps in Middle-
earth. The Hornburg, the central keep of Helms Deep, has never been taken by any foe.
But that may change. For exhaustive information on Helms Deep, refer to the Helms
Deep sourcebook.
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Isengard: Home of Saruman the Wise, sorcerer and would-be king. Saruman has
transformed this once-lovely vale into a land of hard stone and iron, a cruel place filled
with smoke and chains and workers. His armies gather here for their strike into Rohan,
and the sorcerer himself remains within his tower of Orthanc. Any who could wrest from
him the keys to that ancient tower would win a mighty stronghold, and the gratitude of
Rohan and her neighbours. Much information about Isengard can be found in the
Isengard sourcebook.
Moria: The Mines of Moria are an ancient Dwarf-realm, carved deep beneath the Misty
Mountains. Great treasuresand perils still lie within the mines, and adventurers are
often tempted to brave the goblins and their ilk for the chance at such wealth, and the
glory of having won it. See the Moria boxed set for more information.
Adventure Seeds
[Bilbo] had many hardships and adventures before he got back. The Wild was still the
Wild, and there were many other things . . . besides goblins. . . .
The Hobbit
No matter where in Middle-earth you set your chronicle, situations can be found which
will interest martial characters. The following paragraphs contain story seeds you can
use, either as the basis for a complete plot or as a sub-plot in an existing story. Alter them
as appropriate to your chronicle or use them as examples to create other stories along
similar lines.
Battle at the Ford: Saruman has stirred up the old hatred of the Dunlendings toward the
Rohirrim and now the wild hill people are on the move. Theyre marching east, toward
the Gap of Rohan. If they make it through the Gap and across the Fords of Isen, theyll be
impossible to stop without an army far larger than the Rohirrim can field. To make
matters worse, Sarumans own army of Orcs are marching south from Isengard, to meet
the Dunlendings at the Fords. Any defence will have to stop them there or before, or
Rohan will be quickly overrun.
Into the Ruins: The heir of Dol Amroth has gone missing! He was leading a small
scouting party, and apparently they were ambushedonly one of the scouts escaped. The
prince might still be alive, however. His party was near Osgiliath and he may have found
shelter within those ruins. But Saurons forces are fast approaching. If the prince is to be
recovered he has to be found and brought back quickly.
Weathertop Distress: Two Rangers of the North who were to have met Aragorn in
Rivendell were last spotted by other travellers making for Weathertop to look out over
the area, but just after, a pack of Orcs appears. At last report the Rangers were still alive,
but who knows how much longer they can hold out? They need reinforcements
desperately. Even a few men could force the enemies away long enough for them to
escapeprovided the men get there in time.
Under-mountain Siege: The Dwarves reclaimed their kingdom under the Lonely
Mountain after Smaug was killed, and now it is one of their greatest strongholds. But
Sauron wants the free races scattered and so his forces have attacked Lonely Mountain,
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forcing not only the Dwarves but the Men of Laketown into its carven halls. If someone
cannot break the siege soon those inside will perish and Sauron will be one step closer to
final victory.
Safeguards: A lord in whose service one of more characters find themselves wishes to
travel throughout his lands to hearten his people against the coming storm. The characters
have been sent ahead, to make sure the roads are safe. But all manner of Men and
monsters prey upon travellers, and all threats must be eliminated before the lord and his
entourage arrive.
Bonds of Ice and Snow: The Men of the frozen lands of Forochel are said to be mighty
barbarians, powerful in battle and expert at handling snow, ice, and cold. They could be
valuable in the war against Sauron. Unfortunately, they only esteem strength and skill at
arms, and will make no treaties with those they dont respect. Characters set to gain their
aid will have to win their support by demonstrating their own valour and might.
In the River: Cair Andros was once a great fortress, and its location on an island in the
middle of the Anduin makes it valuable as a lookout point, way station, and blockade.
Unfortunately, the city was sacked decades ago and now it hosts dark creatures. The
characters are set to clear out the unwanted residents and restore the place to its former
might and utility.
Chronicle Seeds
Ah! said Gandalf. That is a very long story. The beginnings lie back in the Black
Years, which only the lore-masters now remember.
The Fellowship of the Ring
Martial storylines can connect many smaller adventures provided the goal is broad
enough and requires enough time and planning to keep the characters involved for a
longer period. Below are a few examples of larger stories for martial characters. They can
form the basis of their own chronicles or as long sub-plots during an existing
chroniclesomething to keep martial characters occupied for an extended period.
Curse of the Corsairs: The Corsairs of Umbar are a major threat to every city along the
coastline, and to those along the rivers as well. These vicious raiders appear in their sleek,
fast ships, storm a town or city, and overrun it before its defenders can even mobilise
fully. Supply ships and courier vessels are sunk frequently, sometimes without even an
attempt to board them. For years the Corsairs have been a problem, but now theyve
become even worse. Some believe the Corsairs have allied with Sauron, and if thats the
case, Sauron now possesses the most powerful navy in Middle-earth. Somehow, the
Corsairs must be stopped.
Fighting the Corsairs presents many challenges. First, their likely targets must be better
protected, or any attack will result in deadly retaliation. The cities along the coast and
along the Anduin need stronger defences. Ideally, the river itself should be blockaded.
But finding ships strong enough to withstand the Corsairs is difficult and moving them
without drawing attention even harderif Sauron detects the activity, others of his forces
may step in to eliminate the vessels before they can even be launched.
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The second problem lies in catching the Corsairs. Their speed is what makes them
dangerous, and they barely stop long enough to loot the towns they crush before moving
on. Predicting their next target or port is close to impossible, and they could be anywhere.
Some system for detecting them must be created so they can be spotted before they strike
and troops assembled to oppose their attacks.
To permanently eliminate the Corsair threat, an attack on Umbar itself may be necessary.
That city lies well south of familiar territory, within the land of Harad, and is heavily
defended by the Corsairs and their kin. Characters must travel to Umbar without being
detected or detained, enter the city, examine it, and formulate a plan of attack. Only by
destroying the city or controlling it can the Corsairs be denied their stronghold, and only
then can the last of their ships be hunted down and eliminated.
Mark of Defence: Theoden King and his Eorlingas ride to aid Gondor in the final
conflict against Saurons army, but without them the Mark is all but defenceless. The
characters are tasked with protecting it so Theoden and his Rohirrim will have a home to
which they can return.
But Rohan is vulnerable. Though Saruman is defeated at Isengard, no one knows how
many Orcs escaped into the warrens beneath Methedras, gnashing their teeth and
hungering to wreak bloody vengeance on those who defeated them at Helms Deep. To
the west are the Dunlendings, still angry at Rohan for claiming their ancient lands. To
make matters worse, many believe Saurons forces will march through Gondor to harry
the Mark from the east, as a distraction to Gondor and Rohan and the other Free Peoples
arrayed against it. Defending such an open land from all directions will prove difficult,
particularly with limited forces.
The difficulty of defending Rohan lies in the fact that the vast majority of Rohans Riders
have left the realm to aid Gondor. Though Rohan has many solid fortressesEdoras,
Dunharrow, and Helms Deep, to name but threethere are barely enough warriors to
defend one of these. Keeping the land of the horse-lords safe will require as much martial
ingenuity as martial might.
Back to Moria: After the War of the Ring, a group of brave Dwarves have decided that
the time has come to reclaim Moria once and for all time. Because of the ties between the
Free Peoples, strengthened during the War of the Ring, a number of doughty Elves and
Men have agreed to aid the Dwarves in this attempt. Such aid is not entirely selfless, as
with Moria restored, passage between the kingdoms will be safer and easier, and borders
more strongly protected.
Though the Balrog is no more, many Orcs and other creatures remain. These creatures
must be ferreted out, every last one removed from the underground city. Then every
entrance to the mines must be found and either sealed or guarded so no more of the foul
creatures can enter. Every passage will require exploration before the city can be declared
cleansed and the Dwarves can start rebuilding. The extent of the original Dwarf-mines is
unknown in these times, and the Orcs have continued mining throughout their occupation
of the Dwarf-hold. Nor is the Balrog necessarily the only ancient evil awakened, for
many creatures have lain buried for ages and could have been unearthed since.