Merp

[Fatty]

Anyone used to play MERP?

I did for a while, then rolemaster. Though it is a bit over the top in detail and makes for qwuite slow games. We ended up using the MERP ststem bu tin the Warhammer world. Sinc I think Middle-earth is a bit limited for Roleplaying.

I suppose it is because the society is relatively simple. Warhammer is set in a sort of 15Cen Europe, so allows for more political intrigue etc.

What do you reckon?

[thehobbitelf]

What are the URLs? Or what game system?

[Fatty]

Well these are not computer or console games. They are traditional paper based (and imagination based ;-) ) games.

To get more information on MERP try a search in google.

Rolemaster can be seen at ICE (http://www.ironcrown.com/)

For info on the new Roleplaying game check out Decipher's (http://www.decipher.com/lordoftherings/rpg/index.html#rpg) site.

[Algamesh]

Fatty,

Yeah, I used to play MERP and I agree with you about the restrictive nature. I always felt like "geez ... I know what's going on already and the characters can't deviate too much or become too grand ...".

They are preparing to release a new updated version ... 106 page behemoth of a rule book I think. I'm sure I'll pick it up. I still dabble in a lil' D&D once in a while (I'm always a DM ... I like the creative aspects of the role). I think I may try to run MERP again. After reading some of the other ME resource material and discovering that Tolkien had plans for a 4th Age saga (can't remember which book this came from ... I'll dig up the resource if you're interested), I believe I'll just run something in the 4th Age that way I won't feel so limited :naughty: !

Algamesh
He rides from the North like swift wind upon the grass ...

[The Mystic]

times new roman 12 blue
As for a MERP game I have not tried that, but you did mention the Warhammer Fantasy (I assume fantasy, not the historical) table top wargaming, I have been playing the Lord of the Rings version of the game (designed by the Games Workshop) myself with modified rules to add to more of a role playing game with new characters (usually conversions of other characters) and small new adventures, and if you just take the map of Middle Earth and have the player plan from location to location he is traveling base the scenerio about how they are getting from place to place; say every inch or 20mm you stop, get an idea of the terrian, and set up a small game according to the terrian and what creatures you may encounter then continue until the location is reached and meet a new character to add to your party along the way, even include stopping at places such as Rivendell and Bree, even make some scenes non-violent, just gaining equipment or new missions. Be creative really. A good tip is to also giving each wizard (or any creature with magic abilities) a select amount of power (say 60 points for Celeborn) and have small spells that cost like, 2 magic points, using the same rules of shooting arrows and add this phase of the game just after (or before) the shooting phase.

~ The Mystic ~

[Fatty]

SOunds interesting Mystic, as I say I have not tried the game yet, though I am a big Warhammer Fantasy fan. I might get it soon, also Orc is going to make up some guidlines for battle in Middle-earth.

[Orofacion of the Vanyar]

I believe an article from an October issue of "Wired" magazine sums up MERPS pretty well.

A collective hallucination

Haha! That says it all doesn't it. But one could say the same for all the hard-core Tolkien fans out there that live by his work.

I myself have never been involved in a MERP but have read many and actually am using a few in a RP that I am currently leading. In the RP, there is a great deal of involvement in Umbar, and with the lack of information Tolkien gave on this subject, another source was necessary.

I just hope people will realize that MERPs are only fanfic and not reliable sources.