I'd agree with that. I think when I run the next group through, I'll start with the second and skip the first one and The Marsh Bell (perhaps using the locations as off-the-cuff encounters).

Quote from: Thalaba;572139I'd agree with that. I think when I run the next group through, I'll start with the second and skip the first one and The Marsh Bell (perhaps using the locations as off-the-cuff encounters).

It might be worthwhile just using the encounters from the first adventure as extended travel hazards for some variety.

Well if they want me to invest a little more into it, they need to advance the story along the way to the western regions of Arnor, I find that area a little more interesting.

The One Ring has some nice things going for it:
1. Nice maps
2. Has a good Middle-earth "feel" to the product
3. I think they picked a good era for adventure

I haven't really played it much, so it's possible I'll hate it if I try it regularly, but it seems to be a good resource and is well written.

My only problem with it is that the company has not been reliable at putting out products in anything close to a timely manner, and by presenting the game as they did, with the core product only covering a very small portion of the game world and adventures outside of that area depending on future products, I fear that the game will always remain incomplete.

Their other big lisence game, Dr. Who, has gotten 1 supplement published in the 3 years since it came out.

That's a fair call.

Quote from: TristramEvans;573142My only problem with it is that the company has not been reliable at putting out products in anything close to a timely manner, and by presenting the game as they did, with the core product only covering a very small portion of the game world and adventures outside of that area depending on future products, I fear that the game will always remain incomplete.

Their other big lisence game, Dr. Who, has gotten 1 supplement published in the 3 years since it came out.

I think thats because they are publishing way too many games at the same time from FATE stuff, Dr. Who, ToR, D6 stuff, Supers, BASH and a host of other books, they just can't seem to concentrate on any one or two systems and get things out for them in a timely manner.

Quote from: flyingcircus;573160I think thats because they are publishing way too many games at the same time from FATE stuff, Dr. Who, ToR, D6 stuff, Supers, BASH and a host of other books, they just can't seem to concentrate on any one or two systems and get things out for them in a timely manner.

It's worth noting that C7 only distributes most of those games, so they don't require much time from C7 itself. It only creates and designs a handful of RPGs itself.

Have they said why they had to withdrtaw pdf support?

Quote from: Ghost Whistler;573394Have they said why they had to withdrtaw pdf support?

No, which is why I'd put money on it being licensing and them being contractually barred from saying anything.

FFG's Star Wars licence also has no PDFs. I am assuming that C7 unexpectedly found itself under the same restriction.

Quote from: Skywalker;573431FFG's Star Wars licence also has no PDFs. I am assuming that C7 unexpectedly found itself under the same restriction.

FFG said they were not due to their contract with Lucas Arts able to publish any pdf's of the new SW game, thats why they are doing the book only thing, at least thats what they're saying at Gen-Con.

Quote from: Skywalker;572124I think TOR is a very good Tolkien RPG. Its does have an odd mix of old and new mechanics but it hews closer to my preference for the traditional and preserving GM discretion at all steps.

It plays very well IME. Better than it reads by some way.

PDFs for the line have been pulled for licencing reasons that C7 are unable to reveal. This includes Words of the Wise.

Tales from Wilderland is an excellent adventure book. One of the best prewritten adventure books I have read. Providing 6 decent one shot adventures or a loose campaign spine.

Young Skywalker gives a fairly accurate description, to add more thoughts:

The rule books are in dire need of a good editor.  Fortunately there's a fan-instigated index that's now been published, but as it extends to 14 pages, that should give you some idea of how hard work the books can be.

That said, once you've got to grips with how it all works it pretty good.  Core and combat rules are good - I didn't like the journey rules so much, but my players loved it, so I've left them in.  Social mechanics didn't make much sense until some adventures cames out with examples, and now they're okay, but a bit too woolly really and could do with a rework to either involve less rolls, or make it more of a sub-system.

Fights are quite fluid with abstract ranges (so you can be in the thick of it or firing from range, or whatever - exact feet and inches don't matter - who's in your face does), and characters moving between range bands to defend each other, protect archers, or get in close and act badass.  There are some foibles too, but largely it works well with options and decisions to be made each round.  I like that monsters get a bonus when a character "fumbles" (rolls a Sauron rune), and other touches like that.

It emulates the feel of Middle Earth well, so if you're into Tolkien, its great.  If you're just looking for a general fantasy game, its probably not the best though.

Having good adventure support means you don't have to worry about "what to do", there's loads of examples of how an adventure might pan out - although obviously that will mean buying the adventures book, but its well worth it.

The whole line looks sexy gorgeous, the maps are good looking, the art is constitent and of good quality, etc.

The PDF issue does seem to be related to who's got rights to produce electronic content (which is not C7 currently), but with any luck they can sort that out, as getting PDFs with the hardcopy books was great.

I think its well worth playing if you're into your Tolkien type stuff and don't mind sticking some effort into wrangling the system to get to grips with it.