MerpCon IV / TolkienMoot 2008 Summary

MerpCon IV (2008)

Guest Speakers: John D. Rateliff and Michael Martinez

Theme: Dwarves

Campaign: Various Campaigns from each Game Master.

Video: John D. Rateliff Solo Speech | Michael Martinez Solo Speech | John D. Ratelifee & Michael Martinez Co-Speech Together

Audio: John D. Rateliff Solo Speech | Michael Martinez Solo Speech | John D. Ratelifee & Michael Martinez Co-Speech Together

Photos: MerpCon IV Photos

Location: Spokane, WA. 2714 N. Division (Kung fu for life School building).

Dates:

Media/Review/Report: Report on MerpCon IV by Hawke Robinson

Details

MerpCon IV had a heavily Dwarven themed, but also had some non-dwarven themed adventures. It was also the first year we had a youth table for players under 18 years old.

The guest speakers were:

• John D. Rateliff
• Michael Martinez

MerpCon IV provided several different adventures from different campaign authors and Game/Dungeon Masters. This was also the first year a youth table was provided (players ranging from 8 to 17 years of age). Whereas previous MerpCon events were mostly centered around the Númenóreans and the descendants, MerpCon IV's theme was heavily focused on J.R.R. Tolkien's Dwarves both for adventuring and for the guest speaker topics.

One campaign was provided by published author, John D. Rateliff, set in the Long Lake area. The Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 and Eä d20 3.5 rules were used.

Another campaign was provided by Chris Wade, his infamous Tol Fuin campaign. TheRolemaster Fantasy Role Playing rules were used.

The youth campaign was set in the Iron Hills. The Eä d20 3.5 rules were used.

John D. Rateliff, and Michael Martinez both spoke. First each had a separate solo session on each day, then to wrap up the final day, both spoke together. Mr Rateliff's session was focused primarily on "A Brief History of Tolkien Role-playing Games". You can read his followup from this speech here. The audio and video is available on the MerpCon website.

Role-playing Game Systems Used
MerpCon I and II only used one RPG system, ICE's MERP (Iron Crown Enterprises Middle-earth Role Playing). Since MerpCon III (2007) however, we now run with offerings for multiple role playing gaming systems. Systems have/may include (but are not limited to):