The One Ring / A Journey in the Dark/ Otsuka RPG Day

It is the year 2965 of the Third Age and the Shadow is returning. Twenty-four years ago, an alliance of Elves, Men and Dwarves defeated a horde of Orcs and Wild Wolves, at the foot of Erebor, the lonely mountain, inaugurating a new ear of prosperity for the Free Peoples. But twenty years is a long time for peace to last, and in many dark corners of the Earth a shadow is lengthening once again.

Players will play a company of young dwarves from Ered Luin, the Blue Mountains, (hobbits also welcome!) made bold and restless by news of great events that no one imagined would come to pass - a King under the Mountain, the revelation of the return of the Dark Lord in Mordor and, most tantalising of all, the rumour (or hope) that the great Battle of the Five Armies emptied the ancient dwarven citadel of Khazad-dum and that the time to reclaim one of the dwarven homelands of the First Age has finally come.

In a slight change to last months cancelled game I’m running this as a one shot with the option to extend into a short campaign where players will be entering Moria. If you just want to play it as a one shot, that’s fine! If you sign up thinking about the campaign but changing your mind by the end that’s fine too! If there’s enough interest, though, I’d like to try out a campaign as I think that’s where the game really seems to shine but I want the game to be inclusive so, by signing up, all youll be commiting yourself too is a few hours on a Saturday afternoon.

I'll be providing pre-generated characters for everyone but I thought I'd let you know what the 'Callings' (TOR's version of classes) are in the game so you can let me know if there's a particular kind of dwarf that you'd like to play.
CAPTAIN
When the world is on the brink of ruin, it is the duty of all individuals of worth to rise and take the lead, whatever the risk. You have chosen to put your judgement to the service of others, to guide them in this dark hour. But you don't want others to heed your commands out of fear or obedience - you want them to follow you because they trust you.
CHAMPION
You deem that there is but one way to oppose the return of the shadow and that is to conquer it by strength of arms. You are recognised as a warrior among your folk, a valiant fight, onward into battle. For you, the road to adventure leads straight to wherever your foes prowl or hide.
MESSENGER
The Wise hold that evil days lie ahead, and that to keep hope all who fight the Enemy must be as one. Yet, many miles and centuries of isolation seperate the Free Peoples, and estrangement breeds mistrust. You have decided that it is your duty to travel to distant lands, carrying tidings and warning people of the coming danger.
SCHOLAR
For you, knowledge makes the wild world a less threatening place. Yellowed maps in lost books replace a fear of the unknown with curiousity and wonder, songs composed in ages past strengthen the weariest of hearts. A love of learning guides your every step, and illuminates the way for you and those who listen to your advice.
TREASURE HUNTER
The world has seen the passing of the glory of many Dwarven kings and Elven lords, and their heritage is now buried in Orc-infested dungeons. Hoards of stolen gold and jewels, guarded by fell beasts, beckon to all who dare to find them. You seek to recover what is lost, even when it means braving unspeakable dangers.
WARDEN
In this age of the world, when shadows grow deeper with every passing year, you have sworn to defend all who cannot defend themselves. Often, your choice forces you to forsake civilised areas, to better guard their inhabitants from what lurks right outside their fences. This has a made you a stranger in the eyes of the common folk, a threatening figure like those you are protecting them from.

Also let me know if you have any random preferences as regards to gender, back story etc and I'll try to accomodate your wishes. The One Ring can be quite a deadly game in terms of combat so you'll need a fairly balanced group in terms of abilities so, for example, if you all choose to be a group of Scholars, I may need to make one or two of you a Champion or something. Having said that, there's not really a weak, robe-wearing magic user class in the game so all characters have some kind of weapon proficiency.

Please bring the usual pencil and eraser. The game uses a pair of d12s and a bunch of d6s so bring some along if you have any. If not, I’ll bring some spares.