The Official Rulebook
For the Lord of the Rings Extended Edition Marathon
"The Quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and it will fail."
Before the marathon begins, the Fellowship must be formed:
The Game Master speaks the ancient words: "Who will take the Ring?"
If none step forward, fate decides through the casting of lots:
"Even the smallest person can change the course of the future."
The Game Master maintains The Ledger—a record of all deeds, heroic and dark. All scores are public at all times.
| Deed | Points |
|---|---|
| Quiz - Correct answer during meal breaks | +1 |
| Bingo - Each validated cross-off | +1 |
| Bingo - Complete row or column | +5 |
| Bingo - Full card completion | +10 |
| Ring Lure - Accepting a Bribe | +10 |
| Ring Theft - Taking the Ring by force | +5 |
| Successful Hunt - Corrupted player discovered | +10 (all Faithful) |
| Successful Deception - Corrupted survives a movie | +15 (Corrupted only) |
| Transgression | Points |
|---|---|
| Possession - Per minute holding the Ring | +1 |
| The Lure - Accepting a Ring Bribe | +10 |
| Names of Power* - Forbidden words spoken | +10 (all players) |
| Names of Power* - While Corrupted holds Ring | +20 (all players) |
| The Black Speech - Ring Verse spoken | +20 Bearer / +10 all others |
| False Accusation - Voting guilty on innocent | +20 (guilty voters) |
Mordor • Sauron • Mount Doom • The One Ring • My Precious
These words carry weight whether spoken by the films or by any player.
The Penalty: Breaking ANY rule in this book or failing a Ring-bearer's Decree results in -5 Heroic Points.
The Call-Out: The GM does not moderate rule-breaking. Players must "Catch" violators. If caught, you lose points. If none notice, you walk free.
"It wants to be found."
While holding the Ring, you command its dark authority:
You may claim any seat. Others must yield and move.
Once per Quiz round, silence one player completely. They may not answer.
Create ONE house rule that all must follow while you bear the Ring.
Choose an action (e.g., "bark like a dog") that replaces drinking rules for those who abstain.
"Always after a defeat and a respite, the Shadow takes another shape and grows again."
Secret roles are assigned at the start. Some among you serve the Enemy...
Once per movie, the Corrupted may text the GM a secret word. If that word is spoken in the film or by any player, +5 Corruption to all others.
Corrupted players who remain hidden are immune to the "Highest Corruption" cleaning penalty at game's end.
During breaks, a vote may be called to expose the Shadow:
"I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam."
When the credits roll on The Return of the King, fates are sealed:
The player with the highest Heroic Points wins eternal glory and the Prize.
The non-corrupted player with the highest Corruption Points must clean and serve the others.
If NO Traitor is ever discovered throughout the marathon, ALL Faithful must clean and serve the Traitor(s).