[Who Fancies a Game?] My Custom War of the Ring Boardgame

[Rich H]

Thought I'd share here as it is of related interest what with it being Lord of the Rings *and* designed by Francesco who also, you know, created that little RPG we all play!

This has been a bit of an epic in putting together, a bit like the novel it is based upon, but at last I've actually managed to finish off my custom War of the Ring boardgame pieces. Some of you may remember me posting pics of some of the strongholds used in the game but, as well as finishing those off and some mountain ranges, I've now also replaced the main characters and armies with painted miniatures using 28mm for the main characters (so they stand out) and 15/18mm for the regular, elite, and leader armies; which were far harder to source than I initially anticipated.

Finally though, my work is done - a mixture of my own painting, large scale commission (for the armies) and help from others with regard to the strongholds.

See what you think... And, who fancies nipping over to mine to play a campaign?

[Pics to follow]

[Rich H]

[You can right click and 'view image' on these to zoom in if you wish]

Some opening (full board) shots first...







And the opening disposition of forces...

Frodo and Sam prepare for their great quest, ready to depart Rivendell:



With the Fellowship they must go:



To Mordor where the Shadows lie:



The Dark Lord's allies in the South prepare:



And the Men of Gondor stand ready:



Its northern borders and Edoras to the West at peace:



While Saruman threatens the Fords of Isen:



The free peoples' of Wilderland safe in the Northern strongholds:



While one of The Nine gathers about him an army to the South:





Will post more pics of the miniatures when I can but thought folks here may like to take a look at my efforts.

[Winterwolf]

Amazing work Rich!
Really brings the game to life. I'd be over for a game or two but you're a bit far away.
My gaming table is currently unusable or I'd break out my copy in honour of your effort...

[Otaku-sempai]

And here I thought it would be great to have the LotR Trilogy Edition of Risk. This is fantastic!

[NIÑO]

SUPERB...!


Not even the Collectors Edition comes close!



Ñ

[Majestic]

Amazing work, Rich!!!

[zedturtle]

That looks awesome! Great job on everything and definitely a game that's worth going all-out on.

— • —

Google says about 20 hours of travel time and a shade under a $1000 if I'm willing ignore petty things like no checked bags and a 4.5 hour coach ride from London to Sheffield, and all my responsibilities. Hmmmmm....

[Falenthal]

Congrats!

I wonder if you're going to continue the work and add in the Lords and the Warriors expansion... I'd be amazed to see cobwebs over Mirkwood, and salted waves licking the Umbar coastline!

[Rich H]

Cheers all, it was certainly a labour of love and it took me ages to source the right kind of miniatures for it. It is the anniversary edition but I really didn't like the quality of the pre-painted miniatures that came with it. The mountains were a bit of a fluke; they were part of a 3d puzzle of Middle-earth which I saw in a toy shop and just took a punt on. Really glad I did.

I already have the Lords and Warriors of Middle-earth expansions and I've used some of the figures out of those (Corsairs, Eagles and Ents as these were very difficult to find in a scale that could still fit on the board and those figures aren't too bad) and sourced others.

I'll have to post further pics of the different miniatures and when I play some pics of specific events in the game.

And if anyone is ever passing near to Sheffield they're welcome to pop in and play.

[Wbweather]

That looks amazing. I was happy just to get my armies painted in the right colors. I can only begin to imagine the work you put into that.