Playing in other eras of middle earth with the TOR rules

[Anachronist]

Hi guys, I'm planing a middle earth campaign in TA 1974, in which the characters are supposed to witness the end of Arnor, the end of Angmar, the end of Khazad Dum and maybe the expulsion of the necromancer from Dol Guldur by Gandalf. Although I'm not to sure if the last one will be part of the campaign as there is a huge time gap between the events (over 80 years). The idea for this campaign is several years old, but I lacked the time or the will to really start it. I intend to be as precise in all matters Tolkien as possible.

Originally I planned to use the Savage Worlds rulesset for the campaign (with several modifivations and house rules) but now I really fell in love with TOR. I bought the boxed set the day it released in the LGS around the corner for my collection, because I really like the artwork and atmosphere. But I never considered running it or using it for another era. I kept it save an secret on my bookshelf.

Now I wonder if it is possible to use it for my purposes. It seems to be a really major workload to invent or modify the backgrounds and folks. I will need Dunedain and Dunlendings, Rivendell and/ or Lindon Elves etc. Even the Hobbits of TA 1974 will be different to those of the time around The Hobbit. Much more warlike I guess.

So did anyone try to use the rules as they are for other eras or modify or invent rules? What are your experiences? If you didn't, what ideas and opportunities do you see? Thank you very for your input!

PS: I did not find relevant threads in this forum or another. This is probably the result of my weak searching skills. Please feel free to share any links, that would help in my quest.

[Beran]

In his Resources thread Rich H has a write up for the (Dunedain) Rangers of the North. Not sure where you would find the other information, though.

[Elmoth]

I would check the old MERP supplements. They are more in line with what you plan than the current books

[Anachronist]

Thanks for the replies. I downloaded the Rohirrim and the Rangers of the north but they do not fit in. Both groups didn't exist in Ta 1974. And I own quite a bit of the old merp stuff. Unfortunately that doesn't help me at all with a rules matter.

[Beleg]

Rules wise I think you're probably not going to have to meddle with much. Most of the work will have to be sunk into cultures, and tbh you can make that a bit easier by taking the existing 6 and just altering the backgrounds and possibly tweaking their skill sets.