Barahir's Ring... complete! (Downloadable PDF Adventure)

[ben hur]

Here you go... got back from vacation, finished touching it up, and now it's up. In addition to making the all-new second half, I made a huge amount of changes and additions to the first three scenes, so keep your eyes peeled! I made the font much smaller, tell me if it's too small to be read and I'll make it bigger again. Thank you all so much for your help and everything!

[ben hur]

I updated it with an extra line. Any comments?

[Alathriel]

I think this is a great adventure, all around. As a whole it provides a variety of tests (social, academic, and physical), conflicts, and great situations for roleplaying. I ecspecially like that you decided to use some of Decipher's battle rules system in your game. I know it's a simple system, but at least it can be played with from time to time to demonstrate the epic scale of Tolkien. The valorous deeds are great ways for the heroes to get involved on that scale. I enjoyed them.
Secondly, I like the addition of the wraith that confronts the group, creating that spiritual cold and fear. This is an interesting encounter, and probably unexpected. What makes it even better is that it packs a one-two punch. After the specter is dealth with, the wolves suddenly attack! I know from my experience as a player and Narrator, that the second conflict will definately keep them on their toes and make them realise how dangerous their adventure is.
I particularly enjoy the fact that you purposefully put the Ice Giant in as someone the players could befriend. I enjoy situations in chronicles where violence clearly doesn't solve everything, and I feel the encounter with the Ice Giant is a great example of this. BTW, the Black Knife sure is a badass weapon for the enemy!
I like the happy ending if the battle goes well. The cheiftan smiles, backs away.. and there's the ring! A token of what they came for, and an old debt repaid.
As for criticisms, Erestor already accurately pointed out some canonical flaws already and geographical problems, which could be fixed if you feel necessary. From my standpoint, I am perfectly fine with "what if" chronicles that dare to change the history of Middle-Earth. As long as your players are fine with taking part in things that weren't necessarily envisioned by Tolkien, than all is good.
I plan to print this out and reread it all, and if any other things come up be sure I'll post them.
P.S. Thank you for mentioning me in the acknowledgements, that meant alot! I have only so much time, and I don't sift through everything that gets posted on these boards, but whole adventures/chronicles always catch my eye. Please keep bringing on the great work, and thanks for contributing to the community bro!

[AslanC]

Reading it right now.

I notice you mention it is in the possession of Aragorn... But I can find no reference to that fact.

Help me out?

[Meneltin]

I haven't read the complete version yet, but I liked the first one a lot. I'll give a full opinion when I've read it.

[ben hur]

Thanks Alathriel for reading it all through and commenting. And I look forward to hearing your comments after you've read it through, AslanC and Meneltin.

Oh, and AslanC... turn thine eyes to Appendix A of the Return of the King, to "Here follows a part of the tale of Aragorn and Arwen", and the beginning of the seventh paragraph says "Here is the Ring of Barahir" (Elrond speaking to Aragorn).

[AslanC]

Thanks.

I shall remember to look for that when I get there (rereading the triology after about 12 years or so).

[ben hur]

Originally posted by AslanC
Thanks.

I shall remember to look for that when I get there (rereading the triology after about 12 years or so).

No problem at all.

You haven't read it for 12 years? Wow! That's a long time... I've pretty much read parts of it every day for the past couple years...