It was recently suggested that we engage in some LotR RPG gabber until our esteemed webmeister Don has the chance to add a special forum here at the boards.
Well, here's a topic: Eras of Game Play
I plan to get the game when it comes out, and I was thinking about the various eras of play available for Middle-Earth. As I understand it, the game will focus on the years leading up to the War of the Ring. Do most folks plan/desire to play in this era, or are you inclined to set your games in another era?
I'll probably set my campaign in the pre-WotR era, although I am also intrigued by the Fourth Age, since there are little to no restrictions upon what kind of adventures one can play in this era.
Obviously, in the pre-WotR era, you can tie in some of the principles from Tolkien's trilogy to your own heroes adventures. Perhaps they accopmany Aragorn on secret missions in the North, or maybe your heroes are Gondorians and become involved in a politically-oriented campaign in Minas Tirith (maybe some of their families oppose Denethor's rule, and some support it, something like that).
Or an enterprising GM (no pun intended) may even tie his heroes directly to the major plotline in the trilogy. Perhaps even have the heroes become a part of the Company of the Ring? That would make for an exciting campiagn, and even allows for the re-writing of Tolkien's established history. (If one is inclined to such heretical thoughts! )
Another era of play that is intriguing is the Fall of Numenor and the subsequent founding of Arnor and Gondor--I imagine this as a more "high-powered" style of campaign, with the characters being Dunedain under the aegis of Elendil, or maybe some characters are Elves from Lindon (or some other such place in the North). A Gondor-based campaign could have the characters help Isildur and Anarion spread Gondorian influence throughout the southern coasts--an entirely sea-based series of adventures would be cool for this idea.
At any rate, I could blab on and on since I love Middle-Earth so much and can't wait for the game to come out, so I'll shut up now.
So what eras of play do you folks think have promise or are particularly fascinating to you? Let's hear your campaign ideas!
Steve