Adventurer's Companion - Speculation

[Deadmanwalking]

Some speculationon Cultures:

Elves of Lorien will probably have the same stat-layout as Elves of Mirkwood (Wits>Body>Heart) but otherwise be a completely different Culture, likely with Sword and Bow skills (though which'll be a weapon group who knows). They'll have a Lembas Virtue that seems likely to be mechanically similar to Twice-Baked Honey Cakes (though not actually the same), and likely an Elven-Cloak Reward. Other Virtues might overlap with Elves of Mirkwood...but I'd bet not, based on the complete dissimilarity of those of Bardings and Men of the Lake. They'll likely be Martial or Prosperous...probably Martial

Men of Rohan will have a Body>Heart>Wits stat layout and a Cultural Blessing involving both having a horse and bonuses while riding. They'll have at least one Virtue to enhance that, and likely more. Definitely a Martial culture, with Spear and Sword skills (one Favored, one a weapon group), most likely.

Men of Gondor could have almost any stat layout, though either Body>Heart>Wits or Heart>Body>Wits seem most likely. Definitely a Prosperous Culture...maybe even Rich, though I doubt that. Weapon skills will include swords, obviously, but aside from that I'm unsure...bows maybe? I suspect they'll have at least one semi-overtly magical Virtue inspired by Denethor's more mystical inclinations.

Men of Bree seem likely to have Heart>Wits>Body for stats...both because that's the one stat layout not featuring low Heart that no Men have, and because of the Hobbit connection. They're probably Prosperous. Weapon-wise...I have no idea. Spears and Bows, maybe? Their Virtues will likely focus on common sense, and vaguely rural stuff.

Dwarves of the Blue Mountains will probably have the same stat layout as those of the Lonely Mountain. Their Cultural Blessing might be the same, too. Their Virtues and especially Rewards are likely to be completely different, though...no idea on details. Their weapon skills might also be very different, though axes are still likely an option, and their standard of living could be anywhere from frugal to Prosperous (I doubt they're Rich).

[Blubbo Baggins]

Nice speculation, Deadmanwalking!

I think Men of Rohan will be like Men of the Lake for weapon options - no weapon groups, because they will need to use ones that work while mounted. Meaning, Sword 2, Bow 1, OR Spear 2, Sword 1. Just a guess.

People of Gondor will have some ability with healing probably. They will probably also be more general than any other Man culture...having the most possibility for customization, since their kingdom would allow for more specialization.

Dwarves of the Blue Mts will be traders and probably be able to get along better with Elves/Hobbits (slightly?)

[Jussi Marttila]

I hope the Men of Bree will have a Bree Brie virtue.

[Deadmanwalking]

Nice speculation, Deadmanwalking!

Thanks.

I think Men of Rohan will be like Men of the Lake for weapon options - no weapon groups, because they will need to use ones that work while mounted. Meaning, Sword 2, Bow 1, OR Spear 2, Sword 1. Just a guess.

Possible. They might also introduce a Lance or equivalent as a new weapon and give them a (Spears) skill option to go with Sword. That'd contrast well to Men of Gondor is they get a (Swords) skill option.

People of Gondor will have some ability with healing probably.

That seems possible, but I could also see no Healing to speak of. There's that whole scene where they have no idea how awesome athelas is...

They will probably also be more general than any other Man culture...having the most possibility for customization, since their kingdom would allow for more specialization.

I'm not quite sure how to reflect that mechanically...I'd personally just expect good Personality, Custom, and Vocation skills plus Insight and maybe Healing, and less good Movement, Perception, and Survival skills.

Dwarves of the Blue Mts will be traders and probably be able to get along better with Elves/Hobbits (slightly?)

Yeah, probably. A social Virtue or two seems very possible.

[Rôg]

I hope the Men of Bree will have a Bree Brie virtue.

Nonsense.

Bree Beer on the other hand...

[Glorelendil]

Maybe Gondorians will break the rule/pattern about attribute ranges, and offer a wider variety than other cultures. That is, two backgrounds with high Body, two with high Heart, two with high Wits. Or something like that.

[Deadmanwalking]

Maybe Gondorians will break the rule/pattern about attribute ranges, and offer a wider variety than other cultures. That is, two backgrounds with high Body, two with high Heart, two with high Wits. Or something like that.

That'd be very interesting indeed. Not sure they'll break the pattern like that, though...

On the other hand, they did already sorta break it for Dunedain and High Elves of Rivendell, so I suppose it's possible.

[Terisonen]

Boating and Craft for Dunedin, for their love of Sea and for all the fortification that they have dotted their land... Angrenost is one of their famous craft.

[Michebugio]

Elves of Lorien will probably have the same stat-layout as Elves of Mirkwood (Wits>Body>Heart) but otherwise be a completely different Culture, likely with Sword and Bow skills (though which'll be a weapon group who knows). They'll have a Lembas Virtue that seems likely to be mechanically similar to Twice-Baked Honey Cakes (though not actually the same), and likely an Elven-Cloak Reward. Other Virtues might overlap with Elves of Mirkwood...but I'd bet not, based on the complete dissimilarity of those of Bardings and Men of the Lake. They'll likely be Martial or Prosperous...probably Martial

Nice speculation. I also bet on Mallorn Bows as a Reward

Men of Rohan will have a Body>Heart>Wits stat layout and a Cultural Blessing involving both having a horse and bonuses while riding. They'll have at least one Virtue to enhance that, and likely more. Definitely a Martial culture, with Spear and Sword skills (one Favored, one a weapon group), most likely.

Good bets, but I guess they'll be very likely taken out from the Adventurer's Companion and put in the Riders of Rohan supplement...

Men of Gondor could have almost any stat layout, though either Body>Heart>Wits or Heart>Body>Wits seem most likely. Definitely a Prosperous Culture...maybe even Rich, though I doubt that. Weapon skills will include swords, obviously, but aside from that I'm unsure...bows maybe? I suspect they'll have at least one semi-overtly magical Virtue inspired by Denethor's more mystical inclinations.

I agree on everything, and I put my bets on armor/helms Rewards. And a battle horn like that of Boromir!

Men of Bree seem likely to have Heart>Wits>Body for stats...both because that's the one stat layout not featuring low Heart that no Men have, and because of the Hobbit connection. They're probably Prosperous. Weapon-wise...I have no idea. Spears and Bows, maybe? Their Virtues will likely focus on common sense, and vaguely rural stuff.

I wonder what kind of adventurers could Bree produce... this Culture would be totally built from scratch, since I can't recall detailed mentions in Tolkien's stuff. I'm quite curious.

[Deadmanwalking]

Nice speculation. I also bet on Mallorn Bows as a Reward

Very possible.

Good bets, but I guess they'll be very likely taken out from the Adventurer's Companion and put in the Riders of Rohan supplement...

Possibly. The schedule still has them listed in the Adventurer's Companion, though, so I feel free to speculate.

I agree on everything, and I put my bets on armor/helms Rewards. And a battle horn like that of Boromir!

Oh heck yeah. I actually meant to mention the idea of a horn, but apparently forgot.

I wonder what kind of adventurers could Bree produce... this Culture would be totally built from scratch, since I can't recall detailed mentions in Tolkien's stuff. I'm quite curious.

Yeah, I really don't know quite what direction they'll go with that myself...