What do you expect or want in a Gondor source book?

[Otaku-sempai]

This question has come up in the AiMe forums and it seems relevant here as we would most likely first see a Gondor region guide for TOR. My take:

I am assuming that any region guide for Gondor is going to be set starting around the year 2965 when Aragorn leaves the service of King Thengel of Rohan and journeys to Minas Tirith. However, it could start as early as 2953 with the beginning of the rule of Ecthelion II, the twenty-fifth Ruling Steward and father to Denethor II. We would certainly get a sidebar for the "The Errantries of the King (2965-2980)", covering Aragorn's time in Gondor as Thorongil.

I think that, in addition to the Men of Minas Tirith we might get an additional Heroic Culture for the Men of the Southern Fiefs. Variants might be included for the Rangers of Ithilien; Knights of Dol Amroth; and, the Merchants of Pelargir. There will probably be notes on the Woses of the Druadan Forest and maybe other Drúedain (inhabiting the Cape of Andrast and/or Enedwaith), but I would be very surprised to see them presented as an Heroic Culture.

Geographically speaking, I think a Gondor region guide would cover:

• Anórien, with notes on the Druadan Forest and the Woses, Cair Andros, the Firien Wood.
• North Ithilien, with a detailed guide to Minas Tirith and a map of Osgiliath, notes on Minas Morgul, maybe Cirith Ungol.
• South Ithilien, with coverage of the Rangers of Ithilien, Crossings of Poros. Emyn Arnen.
• White Mountains and the Beacons of Gondor.
• Lossarnach, with the Crossings of Erui.
• Lebennin, with notes on and map of Pelargir.
• Belfalas, notes on and map of Dol Amroth, notes on Ethring and the Hills of Tarnost.
• Tolfalas.
• Lamedon, with Calembel, Tarlang's Neck, and Erech.
• Pinnath Gelin (the Green Hills).
• Anfalas, with the remains of Edhellond and the estuary of the River Lefnui.
• Andrast, possibly with notes on the remaining Drúedain.
• Old Pukel-land, which might also shelter remnants of the Drúedain.
• Harondor (South Gondor): more of a long shot that it would be included as it is presently controlled by the Haradrim.

New rules might include rules, options and suggestions for large-scale combat.

[Falenthal]

I think you've got it all covered.

If there's a bonus, I think the Corsairs of Umbar as playable culture could belong here. Were they not intended to appear in Journeys&Maps?

[Otaku-sempai]

If there's a bonus, I think the Corsairs of Umbar as playable culture could belong here. Were they not intended to appear in Journeys&Maps?

There was a mention in Game Trade Magazine back in January of 2015 of the Corsairs of Umbar being introduced in Journeys & Maps, but it never said that they were being presented as a Heroic Culture (which would seem strange in any case). As it stands, the Corsairs barely got a mention in the booklet. I doubt that any Heroic Culture was ever intended to be introduced in J&M.

The Corsairs of Umbar are firmly in the Enemy camp and I would be very surprised to see them presented as a Heroic Culture. Also, there is so much material to cover for Gondor that I don't think there would be room for much about Umbar or the Corsairs. I have no confidence that even the region of Harondor will make the cut except, perhaps, as an historical note.

[Terisonen]

Just remember that C7 is strictly confined by their licensing right about what they have the right to publish. MAy be some of your wish might be out of scope.

[Glorelendil]

Brothels, casinos, and dentists of Minas Tirith.

[farinal]

Apart from Men of Minas Tirith, variants for Rangers of Ithilien, Knights of Dol Amroth and men from places like Pelargir would be great. It would make it more fun to run an all Gondorian campaign.

[Falenthal]

I want naval battles, a la Pirates of the Caribbean:
Pelargir Navy vs. Corsairs of Umbar, The Search for the Palantir of Osgiliath.

[Zulgolra]

I'm probably a minority, but I don't ean't to see anymore heroic cultures. I just don't think we need them (what would be nice would be maybe one or two subcultures like it happend before with men from mountain hall, wayward elves or changelings...).
In my opinion to many choices are a big threat to balance in a game, so it would get probably messy with five more cultures...

Almost a third of the book has to be about Minas Tirith! And Osgiliath. Then the question would be if Ithilien is also in the book..? If so Ithilien and Minas Morgul would need some pages...
And then of course something about Dol Amroth and the other regions of the realm gondor.

From the rulewise side I hope/expect rules for mass battles, naval battles and more about ships.

At last I have to say, that I hope there are other blank gapes on the maps, that will be filled first: The Shire and Lothlorien are big gapes for me...

[Otaku-sempai]

Just remember that C7 is strictly confined by their licensing right about what they have the right to publish. MAy be some of your wish might be out of scope.

From my own list, I think only the Drúedain (other than the Woses) might fit that description.

[Glorelendil]

Upon more reflection, I'd like to see two different books:

1) Gondor, which would be a source book sort of like Heart of the Wild. It would have a chapter on each region, including a brief treatment of Minas Tirith, with notable personalities, ideas for travel Hazards, etc. Maybe a big section on Osgiliath.

2) Minas Tirith, which would be more like Erebor, detailing the city itself. With loads of NPCs and plot hooks and some fellowship undertakings. Details about houses of healing, and the archives of the white citadel, etc.
And a big 'ol fold-out map.