Men are a varied race, from the great Dunédain of the North to the skilled Horselords of Rohan, and from the proud soldiers of Gondor to the mysterious Haradrim far to the east. They are capable of great courage and honour; yet they can also easily fall prey to ambition, deceit, and betrayal. Known simply as the “Big Folk” to the Hobbits of the Shire, Men are characterized by a large, strong frame and a driving will borne out of a relatively short life span.

Men are also easily swayed and exceedingly ambitious. Many have been corrupted by promises of power and these make up a sizable portion of the armies of the Dark Lord, along with the other, more outwardly monstrous races of Middle-earth. The Men that populate the game as NPCs are particularly interesting, since the motivations of Men are often unknown and appearances can easily deceive. Conversations with Men met in Bree, for instance, can be challenging to the unwary; for within that city’s walls there reside both Free People fighting for good and also a dark element of corrupted Men fighting against the light.

Starting Stats: Might 14 - Agility 14 - Vitality 8 - Will 11 - Fate 10

Racials:

Dimishing of Mankind: Substracts 8 from Will
Easily Inspired: Heals heal for more on men
Gift of Men: Adds 15 to Fate
Strong Men: Adds 15 to Might

Throughout the ages, the deeds and struggles of the noble race of Elves have been entwined with the very history of Middle-earth.  They remember all too well the devastation caused by the tides of evil that once darkened the land - a shadow which threatens to do so once again.  In ages past, the Elves divided into many different groups, and settled throughout Middle-earth, primarily in the ancient forested realms where they yet live.  Tall and strong, fair and graceful, Elves have keen senses and a deep affinity for the beauty of the natural world around them. Elves do not “die” in the way understood by Men; Elves often live in the lands of Middle-earth for thousands of years, suffering neither the effects of time nor disease, though the body of an Elf may be struck down in battle.  At the end of their days in Middle-earth, the Elves travel to unknown realms across the western sea.

Long ago, the Elves welcomed the “younger” races of Middle-earth and allied with them when the need was great, but centuries of war, betrayal, and hardship have made them fiercely protective of their seclusion.  Now, as the Third Age draws to a close and the War of the Ring is at hand, the Elves are once again stirring from their forested realms and hidden valleys, allying with the Free Peoples of Middle-earth against the darkness which grows from both the North and East.

Starting Stats: Might 8 - Agility 14 - Vitality 10 - Will 14 - Fate 11

Racials:

Agility of the Woods: Adds 15 to Agility
Fading of the Firstborn: Substracts 8 from Fate
Sorrow of the Firstborn: Substracts 20.0 from Max Morale, Substracts 1.0 from Morale Regeneration in non-combat
Suffer no Illness: Adds 1.0% to Disease Resistance, Adds 1.0% to Poison Resistance

The stout Dwarves of Middle-earth are known for their steadfast determination, hearty strength, and commitment to all things found in the world’s deep places.  Living a secretive life in their homes beneath the great mountains, Dwarves are expert miners and workers of stone and metal, capable of crafting with great strength and renown, along with unparalleled beauty and intricacy.  Unwavering and proud, the Dwarves fight for the Free Peoples of Middle-earth (although an ages-old mistrust exists between Dwarves and Elves), emerging from their deep dwellings to bring their strength and fierce combat skills to bear in the battle against the Darkness in the East.  Dwarves stand on average approximately 4½ to 5 feet high and typically live long lives of 250 years or more.

The Dwarves are excellent warriors and master craftsmen, displaying unique toughness in battle and the ability to create great things. Ever secretive, Dwarves oft begin their adventure in the soaring halls carved from beneath Ered Luin (The Blue Mountains), a land steeped in history and natural beauty near the western shores of Middle-earth.

Starting Stats: Might 11 - Agility 8 - Vitality 10 - Will 14 - Fate 14

Racials:

Lost Dwarf Kingdoms: Substracts 8 from Fate
Stocky: Substracts 8 from Agility
Sturdiness: Adds 15 to Might, Adds 10 to Vitality, adds 1.0% to Common Mitigation
Unwearying in Battle: Adds 0.5 to Morale Regeneration in Combat, Adds 0.5 to Power Regeneration in Combat

There are few recorded deeds of Hobbits until late in the Third Age of Middle-earth, which is just the way Hobbits would prefer it.  They are simple, quiet folks, preferring to dwell in hillside holes in and around the area known as The Shire in western Eriador. Called “Halflings” by some due to their size relative to Men, these small folk enjoy the peaceful endeavors of farming, eating, and gift giving, rather than concerning themselves with the dangerous affairs of the rest of Middle-earth (save the legends of Hobbit bowmen in the wars of Fornost).  In these dark days, however, it is the unassuming Hobbits, with their often surprising adeptness of both word and action, that will have the greatest impact in the war between the Free Peoples and the lengthening Shadow from the North.

From the most modest of beginnings, Hobbits are capable of the grandest of deeds.  Their nimbleness and quick-thinking are well documented of course, but Hobbits are not to be underestimated.  Hobbits, although small in size relative to the other races, are sturdy of body, determined in their actions, and good with bow or knife (when they have to be).  Their small frame belies a toughness and spirit of a capable adventurer in the lands of Middle-earth.

Starting Stats: Might 11 - Agility 8 - Vitality 10 - Will 14 - Fate 14

Racials:

Hobbit Courage: Adds 1.0% to Fear Resistance
Hobbit Toughness: Adds 15 to Vitality
Rapid Recovery: Adds 1.0 to Morale Regeneration in non-combat
Resist Corruption: Adds 1.0% to Shadow Mitigation
Small Size: Substracts 8 from Might