Hi folks.

I want to GM a game that tells a story I've been wanting to tell for more than a decade - now's the time!

Between JRR Tolkien's story of The Hobbit, and the Lord of the Rings, the ancient Dwarf-home of Khazad-Dum, or Moria as it is sometimes called, is re-taken by Lord Balin, one of the Dwarves from The Hobbit.  By the time Frodo the Ringbearer passes through Moria, Balin and all dwarves in Moria had been killed.

But before that doom befell them, Balin must have sent at least one, or maybe several, scouting expeditions...

The story I want to tell is of one of those expeditions...

There's a few different ways to go about this, and that's what I want to IC before I start.
The simplest is that of an All-Dwarf, All-Male scouting party circa 2971 T.A. headed from Erebor to Khazad-Dum, and back again.

But there are several variations on that, starting as early as 2952 as a scout with Bofri on the Old Forest Road through Mirkwood; that could be open to all free folk, and all genders.

There are other vectors as well; like working with Frar into the Greydelve in 2956 or 2964, or the defense of the Mountain Hall in 2957.  I'm sure we can come up with others too.

What say you?

OCC: For system, I plan on using the 'Adventures in Middle Earth' system which is like a fun re-engineering of 5e to the Tolkien world.  It's really good, and I can help.  The key isn't the system, it's the story.  I'm going with a goal of 2-4 posts of quality per week.  So much depends on you.

At risk of repeating myself, I know I’ve been wanting to see this story told forever, and now is the time. But it has to be a story we tell together.  Make it easy on yourself: if you’re usually the kind of person who will post every other day, this is perfect for you.  If your mark is usually 1-2x a week or less, this is a bad fit. Don’t change who you are for me.

https://c.tenor.com/c73vuk4e1_...-say-you-aragorn.gif

(Repeated from Facebook comment concerning this campaign).

If you don't already have a lineup, I'd be willing to join as a player.  I'd have to do some thinking for a character, but I'd be interested to join in.
This message was last edited by a moderator, as it was against the forum rules, at 08:59, Sat 09 Oct 2021.

Interested... happy to go with whatever theme you go for.

New "The One Ring" system coming out soon, but AiME still has the new car smell... would be nice to blow the dust off a barely opened cover!
This message was last edited by a moderator, as it was against the forum rules, at 09:00, Sat 09 Oct 2021.

thx all.  I think with a smaller party I'd also want to start with a smaller scope, and lower in level, like maybe a 2nd or 3rd level start.

I'd definitely be interested!

We're getting closer.  Anyone has a though about my hoped-for restrictions on all male all dwarf? Too restrictive? Or better to start mixed group /lower level & ease into the setting?

In reply to Arkyn (msg # 7):

Honestly, I would say that as you are the GM it has to be a game that enthuses you. You will find a group of players no matter what you go for, and I'm happy to go for a dwarf or a not-a-dwarf depending upon the setting. So work out what concept you most want to run and go for it!!!

^--- Solid advice right there.

but we all know pbp - it's a challenging beast.

rn, I'm leaning starting smaller, and mixed, and build up to Moria.  Am still checking interest, but hopefully a next week start is in order!!

In reply to Arkyn (msg # 9):

Sounds good!

Maybe as a compromise suggest a mainly dwarf group but maybe a couple of non-dwarves with a good reason for being there... So maybe 3-4 dwarves plus 1-2 others (probably men or hobbits). I guess it also depends on how many PCs you want (you can always add a few NPC dwarves to bulk out the party if needed).

I'd agree with Jarodemo's comments.  Ultimately, it's up to you, Arkyn, what you want the general composition to be.  That said, I'm fine with either a dwarf or non-dwarf.  My really basic character concepts as they stand right now (I can give you more detail / make some adjustments this weekend):

I'm fine with either scenario.  Whatever you'd prefer, I can flesh out better, I just don't want to come up with more specifics for several characters, I don't have time for it (but I wish I did)! :)
This message was last edited by a moderator, as it was against the forum rules, at 09:03, Sat 09 Oct 2021.

This message was deleted by a moderator, as it was against the forum rules, at 09:01, Sat 09 Oct 2021.

How are we handling stats?  Are we rolling somewhere, doing standard array, or doing point buy?  I'm getting a couple builds using standard array and point buy to be ready, as well as a couple potential characters in mind (I'll send via DM's, my character concepts kept getting marked as "character calling").

In reply to Lewnatic (msg # 13):

I guess whatever the GM decides. Once they launch the game hopefully all will be clear.

Personally I vote for 27-point buy, but that's just my opinion...

Would be very excited to join your game.

I'd be very excited too to play. I have a campaign or two I'd like to run with AiME but I definitely need more experience as a player before I feel good taking that challenge.

This message was deleted by a moderator, as it was a bump, at 03:12, Thu 14 Oct 2021.

In reply to flelm (msg # 16):

I understand that! I have just one; but while I could use/would like more, the time has come.  I hope to have stuff together today? But because of an evening work event, might be tomorrow.

In reply to Arkyn (msg # 18):

Will look out for it!

Based on feedback here, going to start earlier/lower-

Apply within: Seven against Moria

link to another game