Lord of the Rings RPG D&D 101: The Dark Forest, and intro adventure

Welcome to Lord of the Rings RPGs! This is a lot like the Dungeons and Dragons RPG, and also different. It's a roleplaying game, and it fosters a more immersive, narrative driven story, with greater character options. It will feel more like the Rings of Power or Skyrim in tone. The flow of the game is similar to D&D, and “how” the game is played is a bit different. But we’ll cover all that. 

In The Dark Forest, characters take on the role of adventurers, but they are not super heroes (as they often feel like in D&D). This style of game is considered a "Cinematic RPG": slightly more mature than D&D, a bit more serious in tone, and with rules that reflect players who want something more immersive. Corruption lurks around every decision, and the Dark Forest of Eriador draws adventurers with its ancient treasures and mysteries. 

In this Introduction, players will learn about the core ideas of this new system and go on an introductory adventure. Those who have played D&D will recognize many concepts. They will also learn some new ideas. Players brand new to cinematic roleplaying are absolutely welcome as we’re all here to try something new.

Course outline:

Our classes are highly interactive, and focus on teaching ideas through interactive storytelling and gameplay samples. In the 101 session, there is some direct instruction to present the different options specific to the The One Ring 2e system and game world. 

The session will cover the following concepts as they relate to The Lord of the Rings:
-What is a Roleplaying game, and if you’ve played D&D, how is this one different?
-The “main rules”/mechanics of this system 
-Character archetypes and the races of The Lord of the Rings world.
-Gameplay example: The Road Across the Forest

This class is designed for teens. Age range exceptions will not be granted.

This class is a one time session that is a combination of tutorial and adventure. We'll hook you up with a premade character of your choice (there are options, but not enough to feel overwhelmed). We’ll help you modify their appearances as well to fit your personal style. 

Who will like this class?
1) Players who have played D&D and want something new and engaging.
2) Players new to RPGs who want to experience an immersive, group based adventure. 
2) Players who enjoy Lord of the Rings and Skyrim adventuring worlds. 
3) Players who are interested in developing a “dark fantasy” story, with serious villains, dark magics, and dangerous worlds. 
4) Players who are interested in working together with other players to solve problems, and overcoming challenging obstacles in the process.
5) Players who want to support other teens as they take their first steps into roleplaying. 

As professional teachers and RPG club organizers at our schools, we know how to make this game all about your experience, as you share and grow together.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS: Students agree adhere to our core philosophy that roleplaying games are team based, inclusive, and supportive of fellow players. Students will strive, to the best of their abilities, to help each other both in and out of game. Any deliberate behavior to negatively impact another player's character or make students feel excluded will be cause for potential removal from the course without refund. This is at the discretion of the DM and Adam Scott, the DnD Club head teacher. 

Note regarding late arrivals:  As this is a roleplaying experience that is based on the personalities of the players, abrupt inclusion of a new participant often disrupts the quality of the session for all involved. Students who arrive late to a session will be admitted at a time that does not disrupt the action. Accordingly, they may be asked to wait until next meeting or session. Refunds will be granted at the discretion of the instructor. Please communicate ahead of time if there are any potential scheduling/tech challenges for a scheduled section.