Repost from Decipher's Message Board (italic and bold added by me; please tell me if they were annoying or helpful, I can't decide which, hehe; oh, and also, there is a request from Don Mappin on the other boards, has he posted it here yet?)

Developer's Weblog
6.18.2003

It's been madness over the last week, as about every task I tried to get done expanded (as if by magic!) to take up twice the amount of time allotted to it.

Fields of Battle, the Barbarian and Warrior sourcebook, is going to have some really cool stuff in it. I spent the better part of a day last week developing the rules for fell strikes, the expanded system for what happens when you get superior or better success in combat. Basically, when you score such a success, you are entitled to pick from a list of effects that include critical strikes to your opponent's head, chest, arm, or leg (with each location resulting in a different effect); strikes to his weapon, shield, or another item he is carrying; and strikes that give you an advantage in later rounds. Keeping in mind that this system has not yet been playtested, there are currently nine such lists, each of which is used for a particularly level of success (superior, extraordinary, or heroic) and type of attack (Armed Combat, Ranged Combat, and Unarmed Combat).

I've also been outlining The Return of the King Sourcebook, which will be similar to The Fellowship of the Ring Sourcebook, though, obviously, will be about the plot, people, and places of RotK rather than FotR. I've been trying very hard to balance the need to be complete with the goal of avoiding undue repetition of material from FotRSB and TTSB.

I've also been reading the boards over the week, as usual, and noted Olorwe's lamentation about movement rates being fixed by the size of the creature. This is a problem and there are no two ways about it. I'm not sure how soon I'll be able to introduce errata to fix it, but in the meantime, know that this is on the agenda.

Someone also asked about the contents of Map Set 2: Cities and Strongholds. It includes (stunning) maps of Rivendell, Helm's Deep, Isengard, Minas Tirith, Edoras, and the Harbour at Umbar. The booklet that accompanies them includes all new material about those locations written by Joe Mandala specifically for this boxed set. Although the maps will not be folded to glove-box size this time, the Fan Club also intends to offer rolled versions.

Finally, in a bit of surprise news, Decipher has decided to send me to Origins instead of GenCon. I will be running all of the LotR RPG sessions scheduled by Decipher there, so I'm sure I'll see some of you there.

Until next time, be good, everyone!