Below are some example characters and backstories to use as inspiration for your player character. Feel free to change names, genders, and other details to suit your tastes.

Hobbits of the Shire

  1. Milo Brandybuck
    From the Eastfarthing, Milo grew up hearing tales of strange ruins across the Brandywine. When a traveler shared a map of “Deadmen’s Dike,” his curiosity overcame his love of home. Determined to see the world beyond Hobbiton, Milo took the map and set off to explore.
  2. Rosie Goodchild
    Raised near Michel Delving, Rosie’s idyllic life was shattered when her father vanished on a trade journey east of Bree. Believing the truth lies in the dangerous Lone-lands, Rosie left her quiet life to uncover his fate.
  3. Togo Proudfoot
    An avid gardener from Hobbiton, Togo discovered an ancient Dúnedain artifact buried in his fields. Drawn by dreams of distant lands and untold histories, he decided to seek answers beyond the borders of the Shire.

Men of Bree

  1. Wyl Barrowfield
    A shepherd from Bree-town, Wyl’s flock was attacked by wolves unlike any seen before. Angered by the growing threat near his home, Wyl took up his spear and began wandering the Lone-lands to eliminate the danger.
  2. Eadwyn of Staddle
    Eadwyn’s family suffered greatly after bandits raided their farm. With nothing left to lose, he set out to find those responsible and protect others from suffering the same fate.
  3. Mara Hillfoot
    Mara grew up listening to Dwarven travelers at The Prancing Pony. Longing for adventure and stories of her own, she set out to follow the East Road, seeking the marvels whispered about in her youth.

Dwarves of the Blue Mountains

  1. Dáin Stonehelm
    Born in Thorin’s Halls, Dáin learned of his forebears’ grandeur and loss. With whispers of ancient Dwarven relics in the Lone-lands, he has set out to recover what his people once held dear.
  2. Bruni Ironfist
    A skilled smith, Bruni heard rumors of an abandoned forge in the ruins of Eregion. Hoping to reclaim the craft of old, he journeyed east to unearth forgotten techniques.
  3. Ragna Deepdelve
    The daughter of miners, Ragna dreams of finding Mithril-rich veins in Eriador’s hidden depths. A stranger’s tale of treasures beneath Weathertop sent her on a dangerous path into the wild.

Elves of Lindon

  1. Caladwen of the Havens
    A scholar in Mithlond, Caladwen stumbled upon a reference to an Elven artifact lost near Deadmen’s Dike. Compelled by duty and lore, she took up the road to reclaim what was forgotten.
  2. Faelon Stargazer
    Faelon has long wandered the Tower Hills, studying the stars above. When a shadow began to dim the skies, he left his quiet life to uncover what dark power now threatens the heavens.
  3. Elriel Sunstrider
    A guardian of Lindon’s borders, Elriel was ambushed by Trolls near the North Downs. Surviving the ordeal, she resolved to track the creatures and prevent others from suffering her fate.

Rangers of the North

  1. Hirion son of Halbor
    Hirion grew up in the Weather Hills, learning the ways of the wild from his father. After spotting a shadowy figure near a ruined watchtower, he took up arms to defend Eriador from encroaching evil.
  2. Morwen of Fornost
    Morwen, a descendant of ancient kings, felt her lineage’s weight when dreams of a forgotten crown haunted her. Believing the dream a summons, she ventures to recover what was lost in Arnor’s fall.
  3. Arathor of the Greenways
    Arathor, raised on tales of Elendil’s glory, swore to protect Eriador’s scattered folk. Upon finding an abandoned farm tainted by evil, he vowed to root out the source and keep the land safe.