Hi everyone, I'm new here, I thought I'd share some ideas I've had for TOR since buying the book.

I'll start with a new background ideas for each culture. Please let me know what you think and please feel free to post your own ideas here.

Here is a link to the finely made Pdf that Rich H has assembled, which includes both my Backgrounds and my extra adversaries work, and much, much more.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/79541775/Additiona...use%20Rules.pdf




Bardings

Rovers Return

Long have your kin wandered in distant lands, never settling in one place for any great length of time. You saw many strange sights as you grew up, and far and wide have you travelled. Yet now with the death of the dragon and the rebuilding of Dale your family has at last returned to the lands of their forefathers. A time of renewal is at hand, yet the wanderlust in your own heart is not easily quenched.

Basic Attributes
Body 4, Heart 6, Wits 4

Favoured Skill
Travel

Distinctive Features
(choose two traits from those listed)
Adventurous, Clever, Determined, Fair-spoken, Just, Lordly, Reckless, Robust


Battle Veteran

You were there standing shoulder to shoulder with your fellow warriors on the slopes of the Lonely Mountain as the goblins and wargs marched upon you. Led by your Captain, now, King you witnessed many great deeds and much sorrow that day. The Battle of the Five Armies was a glorious turning point in the fortunes of the people of the North. Yet evil still threatens the land and the day is still long off, you fear, before you can hang up your sword.

Basic Attributes
Body 6, Heart 6, Wits 2

Favoured Skill
Battle

Distinctive Features
(choose two traits from those listed)
Determined, Energetic, Forthright, Hardened, Hardy, Just, Stern, True-hearted



Beornings

Guardian of the High Pass

It is from his most formidable followers that Beorn, the great chieftain, choose who will watch the mountain passes. It was with great honour you accepted your charge and for nearly two years you fought side by side with your brothers to clear the goblins and wargs from the mountains. During one such skirmish your flesh was pierced by a poison arrow and you were carried away from the battle by your brethren. For long months your body fought the wicked goblin poison until finally you felt your old strength return. Now you are once more ready to serve your people.

Basic Attributes
Body 5, Heart 5, Wits 4

Favoured Skill
Battle

Distinctive Features
(choose two traits from those list)
Bold, Eager, Fierce, Grim, Gruff, Hardy, Reckless, Steadfast

Forgotten Way

Old tales speak of a forgotten pass over the Misty Mountains, a secret way to the lands of the West. Some say you’ve spent far too long searching for the lost pass, ignoring the advice of your brethren and your other duties. You will not give up hope of finding the forgotten way. Yes you have yet to find it so far but you know in your heart that one day you will, or something equally as important to your people.

Basic Attributes
Body 6, Heart 5, Wits 3

Favoured Skill
Explore

Distinctive Features
(choose two traits from those list)
Curious, Determined, Patient, Proud, Robust, Stern, Swift, Wilful


Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain

Wandering Loremaster

They say that the memory of a Dwarf is long, yours in longer than most. You spent many of your younger years during your wanderings learning the histories of your people, every hold taken from them, every wrong done to them and every debt owed to them. In time even the accounts of other folk drew your interest. The tale of years fascinates you and you know that in learning the secrets of the past you can help restore the Kingdom under the Mountain to its former glory.

Basic Attributes
Body 5, Heart 4, Wits 5

Favoured Skill
Lore

Distinctive Features
(choose two traits from those list)
Cunning, Curious, Eager, Fierce, Honourable, Proud, Secretive, Vengeful

Restless Runner

Your forefathers dug deep and far when they carved out the great realm of Erebor. Numerous are the vast halls and vaulted chambers, wondrous splendours and reclaimed marvels. During your short time as a resident in these immense halls, you have served as a tireless messenger and runner for your elders. For a dwarf can run all day with little or no rest. You have served your people unfailingly in that time, yet now you have a longing to do so in the wider world.

Basic Attributes
Body 7, Heart 3, Wits 4

Favoured Skill
Athletics

Distinctive Features
(choose two traits from those list)
Bold, Curious, Determined, Eager, Energetic, Fierce, Hardy, Proud







CHANGED BASIC ATTRIBUTES TO MATCH THOSE IN BOOK.

Elves of Mirkwood

Ancient Heritage

Your mother was one of many Sindar who followed Oropher from Lindon and eventually settled in Green Wood the Great, amongst the Silvan Elves where Oropher was taken as their lord. Your mother can trace her heritage to the ancient realm of Doriath and that heritage can be at times glimpsed in your lordly demeanour. Although much of the Green Wood has fallen into shadow and is better known as Mirkwood, you would see the splendour of the Woodland Realm renewed.

Basic Attributes
Body 6, Heart 2, Wits 6

Favoured Skill
Awe

Distinctive Features
(choose two traits from those list)
Determined, Fair, Fair-spoken, Keen-eyed, Lordly, Nimble, Stern, Tall


Songs of the Fading Years

Many of the silvan folk have fair singing voices, yet yours is counted amongst the fairest of all. You have a rare talent, your songs evoking the joy and wonder of the eldest days and the melancholic change of the fading years. For long years you have wandered the glades and pathways of the Woodland Realm singing your poems and songs, nevertheless knowing that your greatest work still remains unsung, waiting to be discovered.

Basic Attributes
Body 6, Heart 2, Wits 6

Favoured Skill
Song

Distinctive Features
(choose two traits from those list)
Clever, Fair, Fair-spoken, Honourable, Merry, Proud, Quick of hearing, Wary




Hobbits of the Shire

Curious Curator

Your early years were spent working as a curator at the Mathom-house in Michel Delving. You’d spend long hours cataloguing and caring for the various treasures left to the Mathom-house. You got to know each item like the back of your hand, but in time you felt a burning desire to add to the collection. Knowing it unlikely that many new mathoms would come to you, you decide you would go looking for them out beyond the boundaries of the Shire.

Basic Attributes
Body 2, Heart 6, Wits 6

Favoured Skill
Search

Distinctive Features
(choose two traits from those list)
Clever, Curious, Eager, Generous, Just, Keen-eyed, Merry, True-hearted


Beyond the Boundaries

You joined the Shirriffs at an early age and spent a good portion of your time serving as a Bounder. Tasked with keeping an eye out for undesirables and chasing off dangerous animal, you reckon you’ve led a pretty exciting life by Shire standards. That was until Mr Baggins came back from his travels, if half the things he tells are true... You know there is only one way to find out for sure.

Basic Atrributes
Body 4, Heart 6, Wits 4

Favoured Skill
Awareness

Distinctive Features
(choose two traits from those list)
Adventurous, Bold, Curious, Honourable, Keen-eyed, Merciful, Steadfast, Wary



Woodmen of Wilderland

One with the Woods

A natural affinity with the creatures of the wild has always run in the blood of your family. When you pass through the forest neither bird or beast stirs at your passing. It takes keen senses indeed to notice your approach when you wish to be quiet. Whilst in the past you’ve used your stalking skills to provide meat for the family table, the time is on hand to use them to defend your lands.

Basic Attributes
Body 4, Heart 5, Wits 5

Favoured Skill
Stealth

Distinctive Features
(choose two traits from those list)
Bold, Cunning, Forthright, Patient, Robust, Stern, Swift, Wary


Dark Forebodings

Grim days lie before your people, of this you are sure. Although the Shadow has seemingly departed from all but the deepest recesses of the woods you still council caution to your people. You believe that if your people are to survive then they have need of steadfast friends. Priding yourself on your ability to see into the hearts of others, you have taken it upon yourself to travel abroad in search of allies.

Basic Attributes
Body 2, Heart 6, Wits 6

Favoured Skill
Insight

Distinctive Features
(choose two traits from those list)
Bold, Forthright, Hardened, Grim, Steadfast, True-hearted, Trusty, Wary

CHANGED TO MATCH BASIC ATTRIBUTES IN THE BOOK

These are really nice Poosticks7. Only problem for me is that I'd have to assign new attributes as I'm a bit of a stickler for new options not to stray outside the normal parameters. The background blurbs are well thought out and inspiring though.

Well I wouldn't get too hung up on them being outside the original parameters set down in the book.

I believe I made sure the primary attribute for each culture was in the right range (I think that's that ).

Though it would be easy enough to just sub in one of the original sets if you prefer.

Like Halbarad, I enjoy the material of your backgrounds but prefer when additional material follows the game's guidelines.

There are some potential balance issue, based on the fact that some virtues and rewards compensate for the culture's otherwise low attribute. For example, a Barding swordmaster with a wall shield can crank its parry bonus pretty high, which could get out of hand if the character's wits is very high in the first place.

Although it didn't come-up in your new backgrounds, I would also avoid having Elves and Dwarves end-up with high (read 5 or above) Heart score, because Heart is "Mankind"'s thing (which ties in nicely with the "gift of man" and all...)

Glorfindel

Ah yes, I see your point there about balance issues Glorfindel, with virtues and rewards. I must admit I didn't consider that. Having a high wits on a Barding could be a problem.

Hmm... I'll change them then.

Thanks for feedback guys.

I'VE CHANGED THEM.

Love the "guardian of the high pass"!

Added a second extra new background for each culture. I must say I'm quite happy with them and hope people find them useful.

I posted them in the first and second posts of this thread.

Hey Poosticks, I've put these into a (printer friendly) pdf for you:

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/79541775/Additiona...Backgrounds.pdf

Hope that's okay.

Rich

Thank you again Rich H, great work.

You should have given yourself a formatting credit.

No worries, a pleasure!

Nah, its okay.

Great work Poosticks7! I love to have a wider choice of backgrounds.
And thanks Rich for the nice layout!

You're welcome.

I might do some more if inspiration hits.

I am currently working on some more backgrounds (will post them when finished)and whilst doing so I noticed an error I made on the two elven backgrounds. They both have the same attribute array. I'm not sure how it happened but it did.

Anyway the Songs of the Fading Years background should have the following.

Basic Attributes
Body 5, Heart 3, Wits 6

I hope Rich H sees this and amends his pdfs. (Though he might as well wait until I post the new ones ).

I'm also having a little creative difficulty coming up with a nice background for the following 3 backgrounds:

An elf that has the battle skill as their favoured skill.
A Barding who has awareness.
A woodsman that has persuade.

If anyone has the time to come up with a few suggestions for concepts for these three I'd appreciate it. Just a nifty title might be enough to get the old brain fired up.

Okay I've finished the new backgrounds. With these additions each culure from the Adventurer's Book now has a pick of 10 backgrounds. Hope people find them useful, I've certainly enjoyed writing them.

Bardings

The Hearts of Strangers

After the death of Smaug your family faithfully followed Bard the Bowman and worked hard to accomplish the dream of rebuilding the city of Dale from the dragon scoured ruins. Now Bard is King and Dale prospers with the friendship of the Dwarves of the Mountain and the Elves of the Woodland Realm. Yet that same prosperity attracts the attention of others, many strange folk have come from distant lands to trade with the flourishing city and you have grown wary of the intentions of some of these new visitors. With a troubled heart you have decided to travel abroad and learn more about these distant peoples and ascertain whether they can be trusted or whether they pose a threat to the Kingdom of Dale.

Basic Attributes

Body 5, Heart 5, Wits 4

Favoured Skill
Insight

Distinctive Features

Cautious, Determined, Forthright, Honourable, Just, Proud, True-Hearted, Wary


Rediscovering the Past

Now that the dragon is dead, the city of Dale has been rebuilt anew. Yet the task was an arduous affair even with the help of the dwarves. You were one of those tasked with the exploration of the ruins of the old city, mapping out the foundations and details of the old town so that work could be begun by the dwarven masons. During your endeavours you discovered many secret cellars and hidden vaults within the ruins and after your part in the undertaking was complete you began to feel restless. You believe that there are other ruins and forgotten places throughout Wilderland, and many discoveries yet to be made.

Basic Attributes

Body 4, Heart 7, Wits 3

Favoured Skill
Awareness

Distinctive Features

Cautious, Clever, Energetic, Keen-eyed, Nimble, Patient, Robust, Wary

Beornings

Battle Scarred

Your thrice marred flesh is a record of the constant struggles of your people and proudly do you hold yourself, with an air that adds confirmation of the hardiness of the Beornings. None can be in any doubt of the dangers you have faced and survived. Each scar having been collected in the defence of your people’s lands. Some are cowed by your battered visage, whilst others stare in wonder at your battle crafted features. You know that your disfigurements are just another weapon you can use to keep your people safe.

Basic Attributes

Body 7, Heart 5, Wits 2

Favoured Skill
Awe

Distinctive Features

Determined, Fierce, Grim, Hardened, Steadfast, Stern, Tall, Wilful

Tracking the Trackless

As one of only a brave few of your people who dare to wander under the eaves of the forest, your kin are forever worrying when you disappear into its depths for long periods of time on hunting trips. It was on one of these sojourns that you beheld a marvellous sight, a small band of elves making merry within a woodland glade. Approaching in wonderment you called out to them. The next thing you remember is awakening from a pleasant dream in the same glade. There were no signs of the elves, or of their passing. Many times since that day you have returned to the glade in the hope of finding signs of those fair folk.

Basic Attributes

Body 6, Heart 6, Wits 2

Favoured Skill
Hunting

Distinctive Features

Adventurous, Curious, Determined, Elusive, Forthright, Keen-eyed, Patient, Trusty

Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain

A Return to the Glories of Old

Now that the Dragon is dead and there is new King under the Mountain you see that the fortunes of your people are once again waxing. Yet there are many mansions and halls that could in time be once again reclaimed by Durin’s folk, including the vaulted halls of Khazad-dum itself. Clearly the harsh memory of the war with the orcs and the coming of the dragon have cowed the hearts of many of your people but you known deep down that the fires still burn brightly in the breasts of many. All that is needed is for someone to stoke those fires and show them that the splendours of old are just waiting to be reclaimed.

Basic Attributes

Body 6, Heart 4, Wits 4

Favoured Skill
Inspire

Distinctive Features

Bold, Determined, Eager, Lordly, Proud, Robust, Steadfast, Wilful

Companion of the King

As a member of Dain Ironfoot’s household guard, you were amongst the host that marched to the Lonely Mountain to answer the call of Thorin Oakenshield. The battle that followed, which was later called the Battle of Five Armies, was a grim affair and many brave deeds were done that day. Many noble folk also died, including the rightful King under the Mountain. As a survivor and some would say hero of the battle your word and presence now carries great weight amongst your people and your proud demeanour leaves a lasting impression on all those you meet.

Basic Attributes

Body 7, Heart 2, Wits 5

Favoured Skill
Awe

Distinctive Features

Fierce, Grim, Gruff, Hardy, Lordly, Proud, Steadfast, True-hearted

Elves of Mirkwood

Diligent Defender

Many foul orcs have fallen to your arrows during your time as one of the vigilant wardens of the Woodland Realm. You have honed your skills for many years and tireless used them to defend the ever diminishing borders of your home. For some time now you have felt in your heart that your efforts and those of your fellow wardens are not enough to keep the northern parts of the forest safe from the encroachment of the shadow. There seems little hope left, yet you will not forsake Middle-earth and leave for Valinor like so many of your kin are now choosing to do.

Basic Attributes

Body 5, Heart 4, Wits 5

Favoured Skill
Battle

Distinctive Features

Cunning, Clever, Determined, Hardened, Steadfast, Suspicious, Swift, Wary,

Watch on the Mountains under Night

Since the shadow fell over Greenwood the Great your people have been repeatedly driven northward by the taint that grows within the forest. You remember when your folk retreated from the homes around the Emyn Duir the mountains that are now know as the Emyn-nu-Fuin, the Mountains of Mirkwood. Now a blighted place the home of spiders, orcs and other foul creatures the mountains are a constant source of danger to your people and other folk who brave the forest path. You have work long and hard for many years to track and kill as many foul creatures that come north from the mountain range and encroach on the Woodland Realm. You have also at times followed and helped those of fair demeanour who have wandered from the path and set them on their way.

Basic Attributes

Body 5, Heart 2, Wits 7

Favoured Skill
Hunting

Distinctive Features
Bold, Elusive, Grim, Hardened, Honourable, Keen eyed, Patient, Wary

Hobbits of the Shire


Good Manners Cost Nothing

Your family has for many years been traders, bringing batches of your farms pipe-weed Hornpipe Twist to other parts of the Shire. Alongside your father you have travelled around the Shire and even on occasion beyond its borders to such out of the ordinary places as Buckland and even as far away as Bree. Your father has always instilled in you the need for good manners and to always make first impressions count and you’ve taken his words to heart. You have begun to feel that the wider world would offer many more opportunities for you to show off your family’s famed civility and have a mind to set off on an adventure.

Basic Attributes

Body 3, Heart 6, Wits 5

Favoured Skill
Courtesy

Distinctive Features

Adventurous, Eager, Fair-spoken, Just, Merciful, Merry, Quick of hearing, Trusty

Friends with one of the Wandering Folk

You have always enjoyed meandering around the Shire on long walks, drinking in the beauty of your home and enjoying the many wonderful sights. Whilst out on one of your excursions near the North Downs you rather embarrassingly took a nasty tumble and hurt yourself quite badly. With no help within sight you lay in agony for a good while, berating yourself for your clumsiness. It wasn’t one of your own folk who eventually found you but rather one of the Tall Folk, a grim faced man rough and worn in appearance. He saw to your injury, applying a wondrous concoction of herbs that dulled the pain admirably. Since that fateful meeting you have struck a friendship with the wanderer and he has shown you much herb lore. Although many of your friend and kin have labelled you as a little queer for seeking such company, you are honoured to call the man a friend.

Basic Attributes

Body 2, Heart 7, Wits 5

Favoured Skill
Healing

Distinctive Features

Adventurous, Curious, Eager, Fair-spoken, Keen-eyed, Robust, True-hearted, Trusty

Woodmen of Wilderland

Vengeance Driven

Long have your people lived near the shadow that lingers in the forest and long have your people battled the orcs and spiders that come forth from its depths. On returning to your home from a long hunting trip and finding all of your kin slain by orcs you vowed to fight with your last breath to rid the land for many leagues of those vile creatures. Knowing you could never achieve this alone and realising that first the woodsmen must unite in mutual protection if any hope remains to keep their lands safe. Since that dreadful day you have travelled from village to village promoting the need to unite against the foul darkness of the forest. Soon you will leave your lands and travel farther abroad to encourage all free-folk to face the shadow.

Basic Attributes

Body 3, Heart 5, Wits 6

Favoured Skill
Inspire

Distinctive Features

Cunning, Determined, Fierce, Hardened, Patient, Stern, Vengeful, Wrathful

Wise Words in these Uncertain Times

From a young age you have always been wild and restless. Rarely do you stay in the same place for more than a season or two. Your restiveness has served the Brown Wizard well over the years and you have acted as a messenger and envoy for him, accomplishing tasks that he could not entrust to his animal friends. You have wandered far and wide across Wilderland and have learnt many effective ways of dealing with its diverse inhabitants, swaying them to approaches that are beneficial to all good free folk.

Basic Attributes

Body 2, Heart 5, Wits 7

Favoured Skill
Persuade

Distinctive Features

Adventurous, Cunning, Eager, Fair-spoken, Just, Robust, True-hearted, Trusty

Great Backgrounds. I am truly impressed. I guess unlike many other rpg's having a common cannon to pull from makes fan based works easier to honor the original.


HN

Hi Poosticks... I've updated the pdf:

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/79541775/Additiona...Backgrounds.pdf

You do realise that you need to do 4 Lakemen Backgrounds now for parity?

Sorry about the delay by the way. Been very busy!

Well I made the mistake of ordering off Amazon and they said my Laketown book won't turn up till December (for reasons unclear). So I haven't got the book yet.

It's not too bad because my One Ring game is on hold at the moment, due to changes in our gaming group.

I will likely do four more backgrounds for the Lakemen when I do get the books. I enjoy doing them.

If anyone has any ideas for any backgrounds let me know.

That's great news.

You seem to have a really good knack with them. I really like some of the new ones you've done - which is a surprise from the point of view that the later backgrounds could just be fillers where you're running out of ideas... But no, they were excellent as always!

As promised four new Lake Men backgrounds. I'm fairly pleased with them, was suffering from a little bit of insomnia, so I thought I'd do something creative.


Men of the Lake

A Place in the Stories

Though not one for boasting, you do take a certain amount of pleasure when someone praises your exploits at previous Dragontide festival, when you out ran, out swam and out rowed everyone in the series of challenges held during the celebration. Only the Champion of the Black Arrow earned more renown that day. You come from a long line of hardy folk and you’ve shown your mettle, now you dream of winning more fame by accomplishing some great deed such as those from the stories. You believe that your courage matches your physical prowess.

Basic Attributes
Body 6, Heart 6, Wits 2

Favoured Skill
Athletics

Distinctive Features
(choose two traits from those listed)
Bold, Energetic, Hardy, Proud, Robust, Steadfast, Tall, True-hearted


Stepping Forth from the Firstborn’s Shadow

As the second born or a respected merchant family you have done your fair share of travelling to distant market beyond the Sea of Rhun. You have served your family’s interests well for a number of years, but of late you have not been able to quell the growing feelings of resentment that you will always be in the shadow of your elder sibling. Nor ignore the tug of adventure that stirs in your heart whenever you listen to tales of far off places that you have yet to see. The world around you is changing and you are no longer content to live the life of a simple trader.

Basic Attributes
Body 5, Heart 6, Wits 3

Favoured Skill
Travel

Distinctive Features
(choose two traits from those listed)
Adventurous, Cunning, Energetic, Fair-spoken, Honourable, Merry, Reckless, Wilful

Hands of a Healer

Your mother is considered amongst the wisest of the wives who run the house of healing in the residential quarter of Lake Town; she knows much of herb-lore and of the correct remedies for many aliments. Although in your heart you have always wished to see more of the world, you have listened attentively to her teachings and those of her fellow wise women and have learnt much. You are also counted amongst those few entrusted to go out into the marshes and even further afield to collect herbs and reagents needed for the hospital’s stores. With the recent appointment of two new gatherers, you have at last decided that you must follow your own wishes and take up a life of adventure, but you will not forget what you’ve learnt.

Basic Attributes
Body 5, Heart 5, Wits 4

Favoured Skill
Healing

Distinctive Features
(choose two traits from those listed)
Adventurous, Clever, Generous, Merciful, Patient, Robust, True-hearted, Trusty

Soft Step and Quick Fingers

It would be fair to say you’ve followed a far from virtuous path so far in your young life. From an early age you’ve had a propensity to take things that don’t strictly belong to you, and to go places you’re not really supposed to be. It’s not that your wicked, well not really anyway, it’s just that you find it so easy to do the things you do; besides it always gets your pulse racing when you set yourself a new challenge. You know your mischief will likely land you in hot waters one of these days, and you must admit that there is certainly something lacking in your life; so you’ve decided to take to a life of adventure and find something else to challenge you.

Basic Attributes
Body 4, Heart 6, Wits 4

Favoured Skill
Stealth

Distinctive Features
(choose two traits from those listed)
Cunning, Curious, Eager, Elusive, Nimble, Quick of Hearing, Reckless, Wilful


So there we are. Now new players have a choice of 70 Backgrounds - from the Adventurer's Book, The Lake Town Book and the stuff I've done.

As always feedback is appreciated.

I'm Baaaaaaaaaaaack!

I've added these to the other backgrounds you've done, Poosticks, but only to the Additional and House Rules document so as to avoid unnecessary duplication effort on my part:

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/79541775/Additiona...use%20Rules.pdf

Hope that's okay.

Yeah that's fine.