Thoughts on The One Ring (New Lord of the Rings RPG)

[Libertad]

http://www.cubicle7.co.uk/our-games/the-one-ring/

Many years ago Decipher created the Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game.  It was set in the newest Age, after the One Ring was tossed into the volcano and Sauron's forces were defeated.

They idea was novel, yet it seemed lacking direction.  The bad guys were defeated, what do we do now?

There's some excitement over the newest incarnation of LotR for table-top.

The One Ring is published by Cubicle 7.  It's getting a lot of hype on places like rpgnow, and many reviewers said it remains easy for new players to get into.  It's set after the events of the Hobbit.

Has anybody tried this new RPG yet?  How was it, mechanics-wise?

[professorgear]

I just hope magic is harder to acquire. I know RPGers naturally prefer lots of magic, but Tolkien pretty clearly created a low-magic world.

[Libertad]

I just hope magic is harder to acquire. I know RPGers naturally prefer lots of magic, but Tolkien pretty clearly created a low-magic world.

In the Decipher RPG, magic was pretty much low-powered "hedge magic" stuff for the PCs.  The real Wizards, like Gandalf and Saruman, got their own non-playable race (I think it's the Valar).

Anyway, I only think that six "real" spellcasters lived in Middle Earth during the Third Age.

[savagehominid]

Magic in The One Ring is subtle. Many of the people of Middle Earth have small, natural magics.

The Istari are the only "wizards", along with those who make pacts with dark beings (The Witch King, Necromancer, etc). Traditional Roleplaying Magic paradigm has no place in Middle Earth.

[Libertad]

What do you mean by "natural magics?"

Also, how powerful are the Elves in comparison to the Men, Dwarves, and Hobbits?  I may be wrong, but I always got the idea that the Elves are like some sort of advanced progenitor civilization that has unique stuff and can do things the other races cannot do.

[savagehominid]

Natural Magics, magic inherent in a people or culture. For instance...

Beornings for instance can spirit walk during the night.

The Mirkwood Elves can create lights that attracts mortal men.

Hobbits are good at disappearing from sight, etc.

Its all out of the books, very little to fabrication on the designers part. 

Also on power levels, from my read no one really outshines the other a lot. Since the game isn't about "party tactical balance" but about recreating the fell of middle earth. Each people have their strengths, so spotlight time (the best kind of balance) can be passed around easy enough (without having to rely totally on the GM).