Recently, at Mythmoot, our staff writer Jacob Rodgers gave a wonderful talk on the history of The Lord of the Rings™ roleplaying games. As you can imagine, The One Ring featured prominently in this discussion as it has served as a vehicle for thousands of players to explore Middle-earth. As part of his talk, those in attendance got a first look at the some of the new art that you will see in the second edition of The One Ring. This week, I’m excited to be able to share it with you!

A Single Dream is More Powerful Than a Thousand Realities

Though a roleplaying game is born of imagination, the art helps players to visualise the world. As well as being beautiful illustrations in their own right, they contribute enormously to the feel and mood of the setting. Visually bringing to life the worlds our games explore is something that Cubicle 7 has always cherished and valued – you should see the stampede in the office when someone calls out that new art is in!

The second edition of The One Ring moves the focus of the game further south, and also further along the timeline – closer to the The Lord of the Rings™ than The Hobbit™. With the growing Shadow, the lands of Middle-earth have become a darker and more dangerous place, and the art needs to reflect that. There is still magic and wonder, but there is also a looming threat and a distrust in the world. This balance of light and dark, warmth and Shadow, has allowed us to create some truly striking pieces of art.

It Is The Job That is Never Started That Takes Longest to Finish

Creating this new look for The One Ring has been a mighty task, and we have a wonderful team of artists to help us realise the world. Below are a few of the pieces you will find in the core rules for The One Ring – The Lord of the Rings™ Roleplaying Game. There are dozens more incredible pieces being created and we can’t wait to share them with you over the coming weeks.

MINAS TIRITH

Tall ships and tall kings

Three times three,

What brought they from the foundered land

Over the flowing sea?

Seven stars and seven stones

And one white tree.

Minas Tirith is integral to the history of Middle-earth, and fans have been wondering for years how The One Ring would approach one of the most iconic locations from The Lord of the Rings™. With second edition, players will be able to choose Minas Tirith as one of the locations where the Company first meet, opening it up as a Sanctuary in times of rest. As well as the information provided in the core rules we will also be releasing Minas Tirith – The Tower of Guard, a supplement detailing Minas Tirith and the lands of the Steward, as well as The Errantries of the King, a campaign adventure in the vein of The Darkening of Mirkwood.

‘O Gondor, Gondor! Shall Men behold the Silver Tree,

Or West Wind blow again between the Mountains and the Sea?’

The Men of Minas Tirith made their appearance in the first edition Adventurer’s Companion. As The One Ring moves further south with second edition, they have been added as one of the eleven core cultures for players to choose from.

‘Hobbits are an unobtrusive but very ancient people, more numerous formerly than they are today; for they love peace and quiet and good tilled earth: a well-ordered and well-farmed countryside was their favourite haunt.’

Hobbits of the Shire were one of the six core Cultures of first edition, and of course return for second edition. It’s a dangerous business, going out your door. Always better to have a hobbit along to make sure you keep your feet when you step on the road.

‘And here in Rivendell there live still some of his chief foes: the Elven-wise, lords of the Eldar from beyond the furthest seas.’

The High Elves of Rivendell first appeared in the Rivendell supplement for The One Ring. They are an Advanced Culture that Loremaster’s can offer as options to players during character creation. They present a unique point of view when adventuring in Middle-earth and offer a wealth of roleplaying potential.

Let us know what you think of our new art over on our Facebook page!

Until next time,

Emmet Byrne.