Third Age Campaigns

There are more Third Age campaigns than campaigns set in other eras for various reasons. Firstly, the ICE modules are almost all set in TA1640 and so it makes it much easier to work with them if you set your own adventures in or around the same time. Secondly, it has a more detailed history than the ages either side of it and is more familiar to most people, from reading The Lord of the Rings. Thirdly, in the Third Age, geography is constant throughout and the same as dealt with in the Lord of the Rings, something that cannot be said for the First or Second Ages. Finally, in my view the Third Age offers the best mix of races and cultures, with things finely balanced to avoid too much power landing in the hands of small groups of players.

Third Age 1100

This campaign begins in the north, in the realm of Arthedain, but moves gradually southwards as the adventurers grow in experience. In TA1100, the three kingdoms of the north are in a state of tension and growing discord, and there are disturbing reports from the deserted lands to the north. Meanwhile, away to the south, Gondor prospers and the possibilities for adventure and reward seem endless... [more]

Third Age 1440

It is a period of Civil War... a dark time for Gondor and its people as the Kin Strife pits man against brother.

Third Age 1640

This is the period in which most of the original ICE MERP modules are set. It therefore has the most detailed background material to work with, allowing for richly woven adventures. TA1640 is a period shortly after the Great Plague, and as a result of the shortages in manpower, opportunities are many and varied.

In the North the Kingdom of Arthedain is assaulted by the armies of Angmar. ...[more]

Third Age 3017 - The War of the Ring