Mr Underhill: a game about hobbits

This is a game mostly about hobbits. It is set in Tolkien's Middle Earth, but academic knowledge of Tolkien's work is not required, and we welcome player contributions to world-building. Themes included: making a living in a new land, village politics, wonder, promises, secrets, riddles in the dark, hobbit wholesomeness and common sense. Themes not included: quest to save the world.

Long Description

It is rumored that long ago one of the Took ancestors must have taken a fairy wife. Did he now? How does that even work? Why would he do a thing like that when there are plenty of eligible rosy-cheeked hobbit girls whose fathers have a share in a very attractive hillside construction business.

More importantly, is it true that his cousin twice removed, no, the other one, I mean her older step-sister, once said over breakfast that her brother, and he said... Where was I?

"Mister Underhill" is set in the days of very early hobbit history, when myths, legends and silly songs were literally true. The game is set in Tolkien's Middle Earth, but chosen time period allows us to treat exact chronology of events casually, invent parts of history, and welcome participation regardless of player familiarity with the books. Academic knowledge of Tolkien's work is not required!

Human lands of Arnor are in decline, fall of Arthedain did not happen yet.

Thirty-three years ago brothers Marcho and Blanko crossed Baranduin. Children born to a new settlement are considered adult this year. This year's harvest of pumpkins was particularly good. Dark shadow of Angmar looms. This barrel of salted fish comes all the way from Gladden river, I swear by my grandmother, precious. There are rumors of a dragon.

Three of the most influential families of the Shire take counsel to decide who will settle disputes and lead them in war. They agree to resolve it sensibly: whoever lays out the most generous table of food should rule.

Impartial dignitaries from Men, Dwarves and Elves are invited to judge. Wait. Are Elves real?