‘Middle-earth Role Playing’ is a modification for ‘The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion’ that aims to recreate the fantastic world that J.R.R. Tolkien imagined. We thought it would be great to find out more about the mod, so we contacted the MERP development team and they graciously agreed to answer our questions for this interview. They even threw in a bunch of exclusive, never before seen, screenshots for your viewing pleasure! Read on to find out what they had to say!
MR. How would you, in a paragraph or three, describe Middle-earth Role Playing?
Large Jack: MERP (Middle Earth Roleplaying Project) There and Back Again is quintessentially a HUGE Total Conversion mod for Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion set in Middle Earth.
It means more than that though to anyone deeply involved in this project. On a personal experience, since I was a boy, (I’m 35 now so I’ve waited a long time) I’ve dreamed of exploring Middle Earth top to bottom, visiting all the famous places, and meeting all the famous characters (yes that’s right, even on my ZX Spectrum 48) . “Ooohh how long has it been made to suffer for … preciousss???” However, modern technology has now made that dream a reality, though the challenge is still enormous, but equally fun.
Suffice to say MERP will be that dream and the dream of many others… I hope. It will also prove what can be achieved with the right dedication, enthusiasm and commitment, (and we’ve been wrote off by many in the past… with phrases like “This will go the same way as other ambitious projects!”) and we aim to ensure that doesn’t happen and to be able to say at the end of it that ‘nothing’s impossible.’
There have been many attempts by professional software companies to recreate Middle Earth, and apart from the online version (which is not my forte really) nothing has come close to that ultimate Middle Earth adventure in my opinion. It will also be nice for those like myself who were disappointed when the White Council was aborted, or more likely never got off the ground. Also in these troubled times we live I hope we can bring as much pleasure to those who wish to immerse themselves in this legendary story.
I also want to say we have a wonderful team and whatever the outcome I’m really proud of them. I give special thanks to Jnor and disturbed, who without there administration and modding skills none of this would be possible. I also thank NAU for reorganizing the team and Ced for his determination on Moria.
Bree
MR: When is the starting date of the mod? Will it, and it will if I remember correctly, take place during the War of the Ring?
Large Jack: This mod will definitely take place during the War of the Ring period of the Third Age
Jnor: The events will however not be scripted to happen on the actual date it should. Even though the map is huge it is still smaller than 1:1 scale so trips are faster.
MR: Will it be possible to encounter characters – both major and minor – from the book? Personally, I’d love to have a beer or two with Barliman Butterbur or the Gaffer…
Jnor: Yes, that will be possible. We will try to add every single character mentioned in the trilogy or any other of Tolkien’s works if they are still alive by the time the game starts. Barliman Butterbur and the Gaffer will probably be included in the next release.
Desolation of the Morannon
Tags: Arthedain, Bethesda, Blue Mountains, Bree, Celduin, Dale, Desolation of the Morannon, Ered Luin, Ettenmoors, Fantasy, Harlindon, Interview, Lord of the Rings, LotR, MERP, Middle-earth, Middle-earth Role Playing, Minas Tirith, Mirkwood, River Running, TES:IV, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, There and Back Again, Tolkien
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