LOTR D20? [Archive] - Wizards Community - Pages Merged by Solauren

LOTR D20? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
tenguroEd
10-26-07, 02:04 AM Ok, so if this is the wrong place I am posting this I am sorry. Anyways I just learned on gamefaqs that there is a LOTR D20 system, and I was wondering if the products are still in print? or at least tell me what it consisted of?
Ranger REG
10-26-07, 03:33 AM It's an unofficial version, somewhere on the internet. Try google "Middle-Earth d20."
metalmayhem80110
11-21-07, 05:17 PM I was looking at those earlier actualy. They are pretty cheap to buy on amazon, I almost picked them up.
Ranger REG
11-21-07, 09:11 PM Buy? Don't recall Tolkien Enterprise or Tolkien Estate authorizing a d20 RPG publishing of Middle-Earth.
Tristan_Dag1
11-22-07, 08:45 AM There's an unofficial version to download, but I didn't know of any official game.
Prime32
11-22-07, 03:51 PM Just remember, Gandalf's class is paladin...

*runs*
Alpha_Moose
11-23-07, 03:34 PM The links are in my sig. Unfortunatly Dicefreaks is down for some reason, and he hasn't finished the updated version of it.

Also, Gandalf's a Druid 20 with the Istar template and 2 DvR. I posted the build somewhere. Give me a minute to find it.
fudgethepolice
12-18-07, 07:46 PM $#1+! 3R1( #3R#,W45 Up?
Giradius
12-18-07, 09:49 PM I do remember some discussion about gandalfs class, i found the paladin idea so utterly ridiculous that for 24 hours i refused to eat grapes as a protest.

So i take it 20 level druid and 2DvR (divine rank I take it) was the final conclusion then.

Druid makes sense based on the general theme of middle earths magic, but I dont see the need for a divine rank, (I know he is an angelic being, I dont feel he qualifies as a demigod) but the whole purpose of sending the Heren Istarion to middle earth was to avoid a repeat of the wars against morgoth in the first age, they were sent into middle earth with no access to their native powers, and were sworn to use only the powers that could be found in middle earth (and so therefore learned mortal ,elven and even orcish magic),they also had all the weaknesses and failing of mortals which is why every member of the Istari was corrupted except for gandalf...who died instead,( but thanks to playing in character was reincarnated by DM intervention so as to maintain party balance :D)

My suggestion was if i remember correctly, Modified Aasimar (giving favoured class as sorceror) Sorceror (with spell lists modified removing most of the flash bang stuff to make it fit with middle earth), and levels of loremaster, also uses the variant familiar rules from Dragon magazine which substitutes a familiar for a staff which increases as you gain levels.

Essentially D&D is based modern fantasy (which is mostly derived from Tolkien anyway, although there are others, the Elric books for example) and it doesnt require much tinkering to make a workable LOTR, juggle the racial stats a bit, edit the spell lists, use variant classes (such as spell less paladins for the rohirrim), and allow one character to be a fiendish lich, with a small gold phylactery that is enchanted and nearly indestructible, guess who that is :D)
Prime32
12-19-07, 12:00 PM The paladin thing is mostly because he kicks but in combat :P
Giradius
12-19-07, 02:20 PM I think the fact he has special horse was also mentioned,
He does kick butt and this is shown in the films as melee skill, but you have to ask how much of that was enhanced by magic?, his staff could give a defence bonus, his sword is known to be magical,and he could be buffed to the eyeballs with mage armour and bullstrength type spells.

and despite that, elsewhere in the book he is clealry a spell caster, such as while trying to open the gates of Moria,fighting the Ringwariths, and numerous times in the hobbit.
And according to Tolkien he is unable to use his Maiar powers while in humanoid physical form as where all the Istari (otherwise saruman would have used them as he is exactly the same race as sauron, not only a Maiar but specifically a Maiar of Aule whic Sauron was before joining Morgoth) and can use only magic that is found in middle earth (so his magic is probably arcane and not divine, or a least divine in the same way that a druids magic is divine)
Puritan13
12-19-07, 10:39 PM I'd put Gandalf the Grey as a Planetar, and Gandalf the White as a Solar. No class levels. He's taken human form. The planetar/solar spell-like abilities can account for the spells he cast in the novels iirc.

Aragorn: Multiclass Ranger/Paladin
Boromir: Fighter
Legolas: Fighter
Frodo: Rogue
Sam: Multiclass Rogue/Fighter/Expert
Pippin: Rogue
Merry: Rogue
Gimli: Fighter/Dwarven Defender
Giradius
12-20-07, 10:36 AM I would agree with those classes for the most part, but with Gandalf being a solar, still makes him a celestial with access to his inherent divine powers which he is forbidden to use, He has access only to powers that are achievable in middle earth (otherwise he could have crushed the Witchking, and saruman could have become as powerful as Sauron) he only gets ressurected because he is the only Istari not to become corrupted, Which is why i thought a modified Aasimar best suited the Istari there divine origin gives him a little boost but they are still mortal and have mortal weaknesses and frailties (which is why they become corrupt).

When gandalf uses his magic in moria, he states clearly that he is casting spells to try and open the door (he even mentions orcish spells), which in my opinion makes him an arcane spellcaster, when he uses fire magic it is using a magic item, the Elven ring of Fire.

He is powerful and has a divine empowered race (as do the Dunedain) probably a few celestial blooline feats, but is in my opinion an epic level spell caster.
In terms of the arcana of middle earth, i think that Bard is probably a good move, but replace the Perform check for bardic music with a knowledge arcana check and a verbal component (this gives Gandalfs inspiring presence,a dn in the film his attempted counterspell of sarumans storm, also Sarumans charm/suggestion ability), the Bard spell list is devoid flashbang spells and is very middle earth friendly (even the illusion spells can be considered part of Gandalfs "firework" skills,maybe add a few spells from other lists), Bardic knowledge is renamed ancient Lore, they have good skill ranks and selection of class skills (but drop the rogues one like pick pocket etc)

combine these with other classes and you can make a workable Istari,
Druid for radaghast, Loremaster for Gandalf, Loremaster and maybe Ebberon Artificer for Saruman.
Prime32
12-20-07, 11:56 AM The "aura of courage" effect Gandalf seems to have (read the battle of Minas Tirith) is supposed to be a result of the ring of fire, and it certainly explains his flashier spells. In fact, Gandalf doesn't really seem to cast any "arcane" spells which couldn't be explained by the ring, so he definitely seems to be a divine caster.

So, in short, we all agree that the archetypical wizard... was not a wizard. :P
Giradius
12-20-07, 01:34 PM With regard to Narya ,Gandalf uses a magical device which others would not be able to use without his knowledge of ancient lore,
When he is trying to open the Gates of Moria he says that he says "I once knew every spell in all the tongues of Elves or men or Orcs that was ever used for such a purpose, i can still remember ten score of them without searching my mind".
He threatens to turn sam into a Frog (though this may have just been a bluff on Gandalfs part)
Radaghast is an Istari and is described by gandalf as a shapeshifter (master of shapes and hues)
Sarumans use of Crebain as spies (familiars)
in addition to this Toliens repeated reference to the wizards staff as a wand (which is associated with wizardry and magic)

And we also come back to the point that ALL the Istari were forbidden to use their Maiar divine power when they were given mortal form, although the distinction between divine and arcane magic is a D&D mechanic, there is little president for this elsewhere, magic is magic! remove the word divine and arcane from cleric and wizard and they are more or less the same, they cast spells.

The fact of it that the Wizards in Tolkien are not D&D wizards, Magic in LOTR is not the same as D&D magic, to use D&D to play LOTR requires a lot of tinkering but in terms of mechanics, I think Bard, and have also thought that modified Favoured soul is the way to go in terms of mechanics,as each of the Istari has a particular sphere of expertise which is nicely reflected by choosing domains .
Prime32
12-20-07, 02:06 PM each of the Istari has a particular sphere of expertise which is nicely reflected by choosing domains .

Yeah, Saruman's is epic magic items, and Gandalf's is... hobbits. :uh-huh:
Giradius
12-20-07, 06:08 PM Never underestimate a hobbit, they have the awesome power of narrow mindedness and small horizons, coupled with their great powers of apathy and a mastery of petty and unimportant skills.

add to this a quiant and irritating dialect of archiac english cliches and you have a small fat furry footed menace.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
tenguroEd 10-26-07, 02:04 AM	Ok, so if this is the wrong place I am posting this I am sorry. Anyways I just learned on gamefaqs that there is a LOTR D20 system, and I was wondering if the products are still in print? or at least tell me what it consisted of?
Ranger REG 10-26-07, 03:33 AM	It's an unofficial version, somewhere on the internet. Try google "Middle-Earth d20."
metalmayhem80110 11-21-07, 05:17 PM	I was looking at those earlier actualy. They are pretty cheap to buy on amazon, I almost picked them up.
Ranger REG 11-21-07, 09:11 PM	Buy? Don't recall Tolkien Enterprise or Tolkien Estate authorizing a d20 RPG publishing of Middle-Earth.
Tristan_Dag1 11-22-07, 08:45 AM	There's an unofficial version to download, but I didn't know of any official game.
Prime32 11-22-07, 03:51 PM	Just remember, Gandalf's class is paladin... runs
Alpha_Moose 11-23-07, 03:34 PM	The links are in my sig. Unfortunatly Dicefreaks is down for some reason, and he hasn't finished the updated version of it. Also, Gandalf's a Druid 20 with the Istar template and 2 DvR. I posted the build somewhere. Give me a minute to find it.
fudgethepolice 12-18-07, 07:46 PM	$#1+! 3R1( #3R#,W45 Up?
Giradius 12-18-07, 09:49 PM	I do remember some discussion about gandalfs class, i found the paladin idea so utterly ridiculous that for 24 hours i refused to eat grapes as a protest. So i take it 20 level druid and 2DvR (divine rank I take it) was the final conclusion then. Druid makes sense based on the general theme of middle earths magic, but I dont see the need for a divine rank, (I know he is an angelic being, I dont feel he qualifies as a demigod) but the whole purpose of sending the Heren Istarion to middle earth was to avoid a repeat of the wars against morgoth in the first age, they were sent into middle earth with no access to their native powers, and were sworn to use only the powers that could be found in middle earth (and so therefore learned mortal ,elven and even orcish magic),they also had all the weaknesses and failing of mortals which is why every member of the Istari was corrupted except for gandalf...who died instead,( but thanks to playing in character was reincarnated by DM intervention so as to maintain party balance :D) My suggestion was if i remember correctly, Modified Aasimar (giving favoured class as sorceror) Sorceror (with spell lists modified removing most of the flash bang stuff to make it fit with middle earth), and levels of loremaster, also uses the variant familiar rules from Dragon magazine which substitutes a familiar for a staff which increases as you gain levels. Essentially D&D is based modern fantasy (which is mostly derived from Tolkien anyway, although there are others, the Elric books for example) and it doesnt require much tinkering to make a workable LOTR, juggle the racial stats a bit, edit the spell lists, use variant classes (such as spell less paladins for the rohirrim), and allow one character to be a fiendish lich, with a small gold phylactery that is enchanted and nearly indestructible, guess who that is :D)
Prime32 12-19-07, 12:00 PM	The paladin thing is mostly because he kicks but in combat :P
Giradius 12-19-07, 02:20 PM	I think the fact he has special horse was also mentioned, He does kick butt and this is shown in the films as melee skill, but you have to ask how much of that was enhanced by magic?, his staff could give a defence bonus, his sword is known to be magical,and he could be buffed to the eyeballs with mage armour and bullstrength type spells. and despite that, elsewhere in the book he is clealry a spell caster, such as while trying to open the gates of Moria,fighting the Ringwariths, and numerous times in the hobbit. And according to Tolkien he is unable to use his Maiar powers while in humanoid physical form as where all the Istari (otherwise saruman would have used them as he is exactly the same race as sauron, not only a Maiar but specifically a Maiar of Aule whic Sauron was before joining Morgoth) and can use only magic that is found in middle earth (so his magic is probably arcane and not divine, or a least divine in the same way that a druids magic is divine)
Puritan13 12-19-07, 10:39 PM	I'd put Gandalf the Grey as a Planetar, and Gandalf the White as a Solar. No class levels. He's taken human form. The planetar/solar spell-like abilities can account for the spells he cast in the novels iirc. Aragorn: Multiclass Ranger/Paladin Boromir: Fighter Legolas: Fighter Frodo: Rogue Sam: Multiclass Rogue/Fighter/Expert Pippin: Rogue Merry: Rogue Gimli: Fighter/Dwarven Defender
Giradius 12-20-07, 10:36 AM	I would agree with those classes for the most part, but with Gandalf being a solar, still makes him a celestial with access to his inherent divine powers which he is forbidden to use, He has access only to powers that are achievable in middle earth (otherwise he could have crushed the Witchking, and saruman could have become as powerful as Sauron) he only gets ressurected because he is the only Istari not to become corrupted, Which is why i thought a modified Aasimar best suited the Istari there divine origin gives him a little boost but they are still mortal and have mortal weaknesses and frailties (which is why they become corrupt). When gandalf uses his magic in moria, he states clearly that he is casting spells to try and open the door (he even mentions orcish spells), which in my opinion makes him an arcane spellcaster, when he uses fire magic it is using a magic item, the Elven ring of Fire. He is powerful and has a divine empowered race (as do the Dunedain) probably a few celestial blooline feats, but is in my opinion an epic level spell caster. In terms of the arcana of middle earth, i think that Bard is probably a good move, but replace the Perform check for bardic music with a knowledge arcana check and a verbal component (this gives Gandalfs inspiring presence,a dn in the film his attempted counterspell of sarumans storm, also Sarumans charm/suggestion ability), the Bard spell list is devoid flashbang spells and is very middle earth friendly (even the illusion spells can be considered part of Gandalfs "firework" skills,maybe add a few spells from other lists), Bardic knowledge is renamed ancient Lore, they have good skill ranks and selection of class skills (but drop the rogues one like pick pocket etc) combine these with other classes and you can make a workable Istari, Druid for radaghast, Loremaster for Gandalf, Loremaster and maybe Ebberon Artificer for Saruman.
Prime32 12-20-07, 11:56 AM	The "aura of courage" effect Gandalf seems to have (read the battle of Minas Tirith) is supposed to be a result of the ring of fire, and it certainly explains his flashier spells. In fact, Gandalf doesn't really seem to cast any "arcane" spells which couldn't be explained by the ring, so he definitely seems to be a divine caster. So, in short, we all agree that the archetypical wizard... was not a wizard. :P
Giradius 12-20-07, 01:34 PM	With regard to Narya ,Gandalf uses a magical device which others would not be able to use without his knowledge of ancient lore, When he is trying to open the Gates of Moria he says that he says "I once knew every spell in all the tongues of Elves or men or Orcs that was ever used for such a purpose, i can still remember ten score of them without searching my mind". He threatens to turn sam into a Frog (though this may have just been a bluff on Gandalfs part) Radaghast is an Istari and is described by gandalf as a shapeshifter (master of shapes and hues) Sarumans use of Crebain as spies (familiars) in addition to this Toliens repeated reference to the wizards staff as a wand (which is associated with wizardry and magic) And we also come back to the point that ALL the Istari were forbidden to use their Maiar divine power when they were given mortal form, although the distinction between divine and arcane magic is a D&D mechanic, there is little president for this elsewhere, magic is magic! remove the word divine and arcane from cleric and wizard and they are more or less the same, they cast spells. The fact of it that the Wizards in Tolkien are not D&D wizards, Magic in LOTR is not the same as D&D magic, to use D&D to play LOTR requires a lot of tinkering but in terms of mechanics, I think Bard, and have also thought that modified Favoured soul is the way to go in terms of mechanics,as each of the Istari has a particular sphere of expertise which is nicely reflected by choosing domains .
Prime32 12-20-07, 02:06 PM	each of the Istari has a particular sphere of expertise which is nicely reflected by choosing domains . Yeah, Saruman's is epic magic items, and Gandalf's is... hobbits. :uh-huh:
Giradius 12-20-07, 06:08 PM	Never underestimate a hobbit, they have the awesome power of narrow mindedness and small horizons, coupled with their great powers of apathy and a mastery of petty and unimportant skills. add to this a quiant and irritating dialect of archiac english cliches and you have a small fat furry footed menace.