Ruins of the North - Available for Pre-order now

[Majestic]

From that description, I can guess who the mystery person is. I'm very much looking forward to that Encounter!

[Late edit: Whoops, missed Rich's post when I wrote that]

BTW: What's Marmite? Google definition is an earthenware cooking container and Urban Dictionary says it's a yeast extract (sounds like vegemite)

[Rich H]

BTW: What's Marmite? Google definition is an earthenware cooking container and Urban Dictionary says it's a yeast extract (sounds like vegemite)

... Yep, it's very much like vegemite. So, Marmite... You either love it or hate it. Other things and people get compared to it if they provoke a similar reaction - DJ Tommy B being a character that, in my experience, does.

[Majestic]

BTW: What's Marmite? Google definition is an earthenware cooking container and Urban Dictionary says it's a yeast extract (sounds like vegemite)

... Yep, it's very much like vegemite. So, Marmite... You either love it or hate it. Other things and people get compared to it if they provoke a similar reaction - DJ Tommy B being a character that, in my experience, does.

Okay, I know this is veering way O/T, but - as an American - you'll probably find my first experience with vegemite amusing. Many years ago my friend and I spent a month backpacking and hitchhiking around Australia and New Zealand. When offered vegemite, we spread it on our toast like you would jam or jelly. I can bet you can predict how well we 'liked' it!

As for Tommy B. I've loved him from the books, but understood why no filmed version has included him. I'm imagining that there's no stats for such a character, as he'd be extremely difficult to define in game terms.

[Rich H]

Okay, I know this is veering way O/T, but - as an American - you'll probably find my first experience with vegemite amusing. Many years ago my friend and I spent a month backpacking and hitchhiking around Australia and New Zealand. When offered vegemite, we spread it on our toast like you would jam or jelly. I can bet you can predict how well we 'liked' it!

Heh, heh... Yep, Vegemite/Marmite - the secret is using them with restraint; a bit like magic in Middle Earth! Even people that love the stuff (me for one) use it in small quantities. It's actually a really good example of a food with that special 'umami' taste.

[We don't half chat about some varied crap on this site! ]

[Glorelendil]

Anybody else see the illustration of Tom B and think, "Whoah...that is not what I was picturing at all..."

My favorite illustration, on the other hand, was page 103. (No spoilers!)

[roodie]

My favorite illustration, on the other hand, was page 103. (No spoilers!)

I agree, absolutely stunning picture!

[Terisonen]

Remind me of troglodyte habitations in Perigord (France)

[DavetheLost]

Page 103 is a great illustration. It really helps convey a sense of the age of this setting.

I expect page 109 to scare the crap out of my players when I show them...

As for Tom B, The picture is pretty much what I was expecting, but my perception of him was shaped by an old, old paperback of the poem which had a similar look. He is a bit of a silly looking chap.

The 'Lurker in the Valley" is a good example of how to design a new and unique monster and have it fit very well in Middle Earth. I do strongly feel that part of the key to its success for me is its uniqueness. Put one of those in every remote valley and they will rapidly become passe, but as a one off, fantastic.

[jamesrbrown]

The 'Lurker in the Valley" is a good example of how to design a new and unique monster and have it fit very well in Middle Earth. I do strongly feel that part of the key to its success for me is its uniqueness. Put one of those in every remote valley and they will rapidly become passe, but as a one off, fantastic.

So glad you liked the creature! The idea originally began as a nameless subterranean, burrowing monster with a massive jaw that was so powerful it couldn't be fought. The only option was to flee, so I didn't even make up stats. As the player-heroes would make their way through the pass, the creature would follow them under the snow. They would need to run and slide down the mountain to escape being swallowed whole. This would be accomplished by making several individual Athletics rolls, but if they were to roll an Eye and fail, the creature would thrust upward and eat them entirely! (On playtest, this actually happened to one of my players on his last roll. Everyone laughed so hard!)

Needless to say, Francesco preferred more flavour, so he gave the creature and the valley a name and history. What you read in my adventure about the Lurker is mostly his creation. He made it possible to battle the thing and incorporated the more powerful adversary Special abilities introduced in Rivendell (which was not available to me at the time of writing).

My idea of a creature guarding the pass remained in tact, however. I had been inspired by the Watcher in the Water near the Westgate of Moria. The thing was supposed to be protecting an ancient hoard of gold under an abandoned Orc guard tower built on the wall of the pass. The treasures had been taken from the Dwarves during the War of the Dwarves and Orcs, but the guard tower was forgotten when the Orcs were called to away to fight and perished.

Ultimately, I love what Francesco did with my thought. It turned out marvellous! At first I thought the creature may be impossible to defeat, given its stats, but the group who played through the adventure at GenCon last summer were able to reduce it to half its Endurance and it went away; but not before absorbing much damage themselves. (It is important to note they were playing experienced adventurers with better Weapon skills, however.) In fact, the fight was so devastating, they were afraid to explore the cave further and they missed out on what comes next!

[Majestic]

What a fascinating and compelling peek behind the curtain, james. It's fun to hear some of the thought process that went into your adventure. Thanks for sharing that!