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

[Terisonen]

Region of Gondor who matter in TLOTR were Minas Tirith, Ithilien, Rammas Echor, Pelennor Field, and by a lesser degree, ruin of Osgiliath. We know that Aragorn move through Gondor by Erech, Ethring, Pelargir where the Corsair were, but we neither have description nor fact about what happen there. We do know that Pelargir is a great haven, as Dol Amroth is, but not much else. Not to say that they deserve some description, but they are not in the focus of the story. In my opinion

[torus]

Region of Gondor who matter in TLOTR were Minas Tirith, Ithilien, Rammas Echor, Pelennor Field, and by a lesser degree, ruin of Osgiliath. We know that Aragorn move through Gondor by Erech, Ethring, Pelargir where the Corsair were, but we neither have description nor fact about what happen there. We do know that Pelargir is a great haven, as Dol Amroth is, but not much else. Not to say that they deserve some description, but they are not in the focus of the story. In my opinion

That doesn't make any sense. Are you saying we should only have sourcebooks about places that featured prominently in The Hobbit/LotR?

In fact I'd argue almost the opposite. Including Tolkien's writings there's already plenty of material about Edoras, Minas Tirith, Rivendell etc; I can already set a game there without much effort. What would actually be useful is game material about one of the many other places mentioned but not described.

[Otaku-sempai]

Region of Gondor who matter in TLOTR were Minas Tirith, Ithilien, Rammas Echor, Pelennor Field, and by a lesser degree, ruin of Osgiliath. We know that Aragorn move through Gondor by Erech, Ethring, Pelargir where the Corsair were, but we neither have description nor fact about what happen there. We do know that Pelargir is a great haven, as Dol Amroth is, but not much else. Not to say that they deserve some description, but they are not in the focus of the story. In my opinion

The story is whatever the LM wants it to be, not re-creating the events of the War of the Ring. Any place in Gondor could be the setting for an adventure, not just Minas Tirith, the Druadan Forest, or Southern Ithilien. An LM might very well want to run an adventure that involves smugglers in Pelargir, or court intrigue in Dol Amroth. A company might take ship at Pelargir or Dol Amroth, bound for the Grey Havens, only to be attacked by pirates off the Cape of Andrast.

[Glorelendil]

To play Devil's Advocate, some LMs might only find descriptions of known places and people useful, to avoid contradicting canon. The undescribed places are wide open to the LMs imagination, and therefore don't need official coverage.

That's not me...I want descriptions and NPCs and plot hooks for everywhere. But I could see it the other way as well.

[Kurt]

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.

I like the above idea too.

In addition, I'd like to see some content around politically intriguing urban adventures, or ideas/frameworks about creating them in a way that is suitable for Middle-earth. Perhaps something regarding the use of information and spread of misinformation between the Enemy and the powers in Gondor. Some urban, espionage and political traits would be interesting too.

Cheers,
Kurt

[torus]

To play Devil's Advocate, some LMs might only find descriptions of known places and people useful, to avoid contradicting canon. The undescribed places are wide open to the LMs imagination, and therefore don't need official coverage.

That's not me...I want descriptions and NPCs and plot hooks for everywhere. But I could see it the other way as well.

Yes I imagine there are such people, who essentially want a sort of Cliff's notes version of the LotR. Seems totally pointless to me - if you can use your imagination to fill out the uncharted regions (and sure, we all can with effort), all the easier to do so with places and characters described in detail by Tolkien.

[Glorelendil]

Yes I imagine there are such people, who essentially want a sort of Cliff's notes version of the LotR. Seems totally pointless to me - if you can use your imagination to fill out the uncharted regions (and sure, we all can with effort), all the easier to do so with places and characters described in detail by Tolkien.

Sure. I tend to agree.

And Terisonen has long been a valuable contributor to these forums (in a second language, no less), so I’m inclined to assume there is thoughtfulness and insight to his posts, rather than dismissing them as nonsensical.

[Kurt]

Yes I imagine there are such people, who essentially want a sort of Cliff's notes version of the LotR. Seems totally pointless to me - if you can use your imagination to fill out the uncharted regions (and sure, we all can with effort), all the easier to do so with places and characters described in detail by Tolkien.

One of the things that I enjoy about these forums is that there are people here passionate enough to read everything there is to read on Middle-earth and Tolkien. They read the novels, all the appendices, have read The History of Middle Earth, other books published by other authors and the list goes on ... and on ... and on. I'm not one of those people and generally take advantage of insights provided here by forum members. I see the supplement products produced by Cubicle 7 in the same way. They are taking material from a plethora of books that I have little time to read and present it in a clear easy to digest manner that is relevant to roleplaying in Middle-earth using their game system. One of the advantages is that I get to be selective and time efficient in conducting further research on locations and people in Middle-earth. Another advantage is that I don't have to spend the time creating system specific material that may end up killing a party (or make them too powerful) if not done carefully. Cubicle 7 provide content in a manner which makes it so convenient for me as an LM that I am willing to part with good coin. As long as they are producing these books, I will keep buying them. So in that respect, I don't see it as being pointless at all.

Cheers,
Kurt

[Terisonen]

Yes I imagine there are such people, who essentially want a sort of Cliff's notes version of the LotR. Seems totally pointless to me - if you can use your imagination to fill out the uncharted regions (and sure, we all can with effort), all the easier to do so with places and characters described in detail by Tolkien.

Sure. I tend to agree.

And Terisonen has long been a valuable contributor to these forums (in a second language, no less), so I’m inclined to assume there is thoughtfulness and insight to his posts, rather than dismissing them as nonsensical.

Thank you Glorelendil. I'm not upset at all, I'm just sharing what my thought are.

Think about were danger come from in Middle Earth: invariably from the East, the South and from below and mountain, too. And from within, I would add. Chasing Smugglers in Pelargir would be interesting, but it must have something Tolkienesque in the flavor. Which I doubt there be many. Pelargir is a remote location, as is Dol Amroth, not in the very heart of the late Third Age. This said, Cubicle7 as the very ability to surprise me for the best

[Terisonen]

Pelargir might be an interesting place to be prior to the year 2980, when Gondor send a raid in the haven of Umbar. Preparation for this strike could be linked to a serie of adventure linked to this event...