[Rumil]

I'm interested in why you dislike this Elanor.

For those not in the know, I expect a brief (OK not so brief)explanation is needed....

Various companies have obtained licenses through the years to make Middle Earth related merchandise, roleplaying games, boardgames, computer games etc. (there's even a film or two out apparently [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] ). One of the major interests inspired by Tolkien is in roleplaying games (check out the v. thinly veiled allusions in Dungeons and Dragons for example). Many roleplayers like to use figurines (toy soldiers really) to represent the characters so an industry has grown up making elf, orc, hobbit figures etc. Parallel to this has been the development of historical wargaming, using hundreds of figures to replay battles such as Waterloo, Gettysburg etc.

Naturally the two hobbies collided with one another to create fantasy wargaming. Licensing difficulties meant that companies had to make generic rulesets which didn't obviously quote from Tolkien (eg. Warhammer).
Now that the films have seen interest in ME explode, Games Workshop have obtained the rights to make a range of figures, rules and supplementary info for skirmish wargames, based on the films.

To comment on these, the rules are well produced but rather simple (perfect for the market they hope to capture) and are very expensive. The figures are similarly expensive but are really nicely done (although Mithril Miniatures, the previous licenceholders didn't do a bad job either.) I've played one game with them, which was very entertaining (escaped from Moria but lost Merry - oh well).

A major criticism is that they are, of course, based on the film, not the book. Therefore PJ's dubious decisions are perpetuated (elves with katanas, Haldir at Helm's Deep etc.)

The magazine supports all this and will no doubt aim to part obsessed gamers from more of their cash. (I must admit to wondering if 12 goblins for £2 was a good deal though). In the fine tradition of RPGs, expect many extra supplements (see D+D, Warhammer etc.).

On the subject of cashing in on Tolkien, well, the films are obviously the biggest culprits. Don't forget though that JRRT certainly made a few quid from the books, (though I'm sure it wasn't his motivation) and the Tolkien estate does not seem averse to making a few dollars more.

On the subject of representing violence, I think the films and the computer games do a far 'better' job.

In conclusion, I've got my reservations about Games Workshop (I remember being outraged when they hiked the price of figues from 30p to 50p, which was a very long time ago), but I see no reason for singling out this enterprise for condemnation. (Even the esteemed Barrow Downs provide links to buy trinkets and to a wargames site).

Please respond, one and all!