The One Ring 2e
Twenty-four years ago, an alliance of Elves, Men, and Dwarves defeated a horde of Orcs and Wild Wolves, under a sky darkened by Giant Bats, inaugurating a new era of prosperity for the Free Peoples. But twenty years is a long time for peace to last, and in many dark corners of the earth a shadow is lengthening once again. Enter the world of Middle-earth with The One Ring™, the official tabletop roleplaying game based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Designed specifically to evoke the atmosphere of The Hobbit™ and The Lord of the Rings™, the game contains rules for creating heroes and sending them off on adventures in a land threatened by the growing Shadow.
Originally created by Francesco Nepitello, Marco Maggi
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The One Ring 2e Reviews (8)
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Listen, if you're looking for a game that captures the spirit of being an adventurer in Middle Earth, you can stop. It's here, you've found it. Everything in this game feels like it's pulled directly out of Tolkien's stories (even when it's not) and the tools it gives you are all keenly designed to make you feel like your a character in the world of the Lord of the Rings. Do yourself a favor and book your journey today.
This game has mechanics that are different enough that they help transport players into the world of Tolkien, both alive and ancient. I love the unique 12-sided die with Sauron and Gandalf faces, representing a zero or a success depending on the roller’s alignment. A the choice of stances for combat are like verses, the distinct adventuring phases, like chapters of a book. Players new to the system: try the Roll20 module so you can experience this game as it was intended. Don’t settle for the adapted “Lord of the Rings 5E Roleplaying” rules.
This game has all the feel of being Tolkien’s world. The mechanics take a bit to get used to but it catches on quickly. I really like how the game lends mechanics to almost everything without being too rules heavy. The great prt about playing on line is it removes a lot of the background mechanics and allows you to just enjoy the game.
The hype is, and I agree with this, One Ring 2e really creates the feel of Tolkien. Epic scope, cozy professorial aesthetic. It lends itself to sandbox campaigns, because the resources available for the Loremasters are mostly just parts: locations, adversaries, magic wondrous items, group patrons. So the GM really has to do the work of crafting a group story, but if the players are good at creating their own goals and agendas, then the campaign is going to be phenomenal. The game really shines in character creation and travel, but I think one of the coolest mechanics of the game is Shadow points, which functions kind of like Sanity in Call of Cthulhu. Each character gets a Shadow path, and depending on how they roll on resistance to sorcery, horror, or temptation, they might end up with kind of spiritual effects that lead them further down the dark path of succumbing to the Shadow. You can recover from the Shadow through the power of your Fellowship! I'm sure you can see how fun that can be for the right players.
If you like gritty, low magic settings that encourage your imagination with lots of roleplay and you happen to LOVE Tolkien then there really isn't anything like this on the market. In this game you take on the life of an adventurer and campaigns will see your character over decades, which for men is a lifetime and for Elves but a drop in river Baranduin. You don't have to be know the complete works of Tolkien to make this work as it encourages it's own canon and stories to be played out. Mechanics are simple enough and the rules are easy to learn. Unlike other big ttprgs this system uses one book to rule them all. And when your purchase it from a registered publisher you get the PDF included!!
A popular joke in D&D communities is that groups expect Lord of the Rings, but gameplay turns the game into Monty Python. The One Ring gives you that cozy, perilous, and familiar feel of Lord of the Rings. There aren't extensive mechanics to get lost in; there's just enough depth and variance to make unique Tolkien-esque characters come to life. When I need a rules-lite adventure RPG, for playing with little cousins or casual gamers, this is my go-to for maximizing the fun at the table while minimizing the extra work of running RPGs. I love the cycle of Adventuring, Council scenes, and Fellowship scenes in the game, and the gameplay loop is enough to keep the players engaged in a Middle Earth story.
How to play The One Ring 2e
The One Ring 2e uses two types of dice; regular six sided dice (d6), and twelve sided dice (d12). When your characters encounter something that requires them to roll, you will roll your d12 (referred to as your "feat die"), and a number of d6s (referred to as your "success dice") equal to the relevant modifier. If the total of your roll is higher than the difficulty level of the check, then you have succeeded!
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Explore The One Ring 2e Callings
Captain
When the world is on the brink of ruin, it is the duty of all individuals of worth to rise and take the lead, whatever the risk. You have chosen to put your judgement to the service of others, to guide them in this dark hour. But you don’t want others to heed your commands out of fear or obedience, you want them to follow you because they trust you.
Champion
You deem that there is but one way to oppose the return of the Shadow, and that it is to conquer it by strength of arms. You are recognized as a warrior among your folk, a valiant fighter, onward into battle. For you, the road to adventure leads straight to wherever your foes prowl or hide.
Messenger
The Wise hold that evil days lie ahead, and that to keep hope, all who fight the Enemy must be as one. Yet, many miles and centuries of isolation separate the Free Peoples, and estrangement breeds mistrust. You have decided that it is your duty to travel to distant lands, carrying tidings and warning people of the coming danger.
Scholar
For you, knowledge makes the wild world a less threatening place. Yellowed maps in lost books replace a fear of the unknown with curiosity and wonder, songs composed in ages past strengthen the weariest of hearts. A love of learning guides your every step, and illuminates the way for you and those who listen to your advice.
Treasure Hunter
The world has seen the passing of the glory of many Dwarven kings and Elven lords, and their heritage is now buried in Orc-infested dungeons. Hoards of stolen gold and jewels, guarded by fell beasts, beckon all who dare to find them. You seek to recover what is lost, even when it means braving unspeakable dangers.
Warden
In this age of the world, when shadows grow deeper with every passing year, you have sworn to defend all who cannot defend themselves. Often, your choice forces you to forsake civilized areas, to better guard their inhabitants from what lurks right outside their fences. This has made you a stranger in the eyes of the common folk, a threatening figure like those you are protecting them from.