How do you imagine the Gondorian Culture(s)?

[Otaku-sempai]

Battle should be the favored skill of a Background, imo.

Such as Soldier of Gondor, Ranger of Ithilien, Citadel Guard, Member of the Watch; or Knight of Dol Amroth, for examples. Am I following you correctly?

Other possible Backgrounds: Envoy of the Steward; Family of Merchants; Houses of Healing; Street-rat; Traveling Performer; Wizard's Student.

[Glorelendil]

Yes, Backgrounds.

The thing about one culture is that I see more archetypes in Gondor than just six, or if you did pick six they are so vastly different that it's hard to see them coming from within the usual constraints of a single culture.

And the problem with multiple cultures is that it's hard to see enough archetypes of one sort to make up a whole culture of backgrounds/virtues/etc. For example, a culture devoted to Rangers of Ithilien seems like way overkill.

But maybe this a chance to break new ground, along the lines mentioned above. Maybe you start with a standard culture, then have a few variants, each of which has a unique Background, Blessing, and Virtue from which to choose.

[Valarian]

Being a kingdom (stewardom?)

Regency. The Steward of Gondor is a regent of the crown.

[Terisonen]

For pure blood Numenorean, yes indeed. They are constantly at war with their neighbors. Ex-Dwellers from Ithilien should excel in outdoor skill, too.

[Southron]

Perhaps some of the backgrounds might come under the virtue choices for the culture. Similar to Bowman of the Guild or King's Man for Lake Town and Dale.

So maybe a Knight of Dol Amroth would have horsemanship skills, or Servant of Houses of the Healing might have superior healing skills due to virtue choice leaving more general background choices.

[Glorelendil]

Perhaps some of the backgrounds might come under the virtue choices for the culture. Similar to Bowman of the Guild or King's Man for Lake Town and Dale.

So maybe a Knight of Dol Amroth would have horsemanship skills, or Servant of Houses of the Healing might have superior healing skills due to virtue choice leaving more general background choices.

Variation between backgrounds can also be done through the traits offered. E.g., Knight of Dol Amroth could have Horsemanship on their list of available traits, Ranger of Ithilien could have Elusive, etc.

That said, I have to wonder if the culture won't be "Man of Minas Tirith" to narrow the scope somewhat. That would leave Faramir fans unhappy, of course.

[Otaku-sempai]

Being a kingdom (stewardom?)

Regency. The Steward of Gondor is a regent of the crown.

Gondor was still a kingdom, though a kingdom without a king. During the time of the Ruling Stewards Gondor was ruled by a regency, but the throne was maintained for the theoretical return of a king.

[Southron]

What do you think the cultural blessing may be?

If the era is after 2951,I was thinking something similar to the Barding's Cultural Blessing since that is the year Sauron returned to Mordor openly.

Perhaps an advantage when facing servants of the shadow?

I feel something tied to valor would be appropriate.

[Glorelendil]

What do you think the cultural blessing may be?

If the era is after 2951,I was thinking something similar to the Barding's Cultural Blessing since that is the year Sauron returned to Mordor openly.

Perhaps an advantage when facing servants of the shadow?

I feel something tied to valor would be appropriate.

Oooh...that's a fun question. It should be something related to the fading of past glories, and/or living under the constant proximity of the shadow. So, yeah, I could see it being a Valour mechanic, or something related to Shadow/Hope. Or both.

How about: "When making a Corruption test, on a Great Success you can help one companion, turning their failure into a success, and on an Extraordinary Success you can do this for two companions." That could also be a Virtue, similar to "Endurance of the Ranger".

[Falenthal]

Being a kingdom (stewardom?)

Regency. The Steward of Gondor is a regent of the crown.

Gondor was still a kingdom, though a kingdom without a king. During the time of the Ruling Stewards Gondor was ruled by a regency, but the throne was maintained for the theoretical return of a king.

Thanks to both!
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