Free League Publishing has announced a 2 June launch for a trio of new titles within their Middle-earth roleplaying range. The upcoming releases include Hands of the White Wizard for The One Ring, Trials of Saruman for The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying, and a Shire-centric supplement titled Hobbit Tales.
The June lineup offers a rare narrative pivot for the franchise, focusing on the period between 2965 of the Third Age and the onset of the War of the Ring. While traditional Tolkien gaming focuses on the clear-cut battle against the Shadow, lead designer Francesco Nepitello is steering this campaign into the moral ambiguity surrounding Saruman the White. Players are invited to journey into Isengard to serve or observe the wizard before his definitive fall, deciding whether his fate is fixed or if his pride can be tempered.
The Isengard Campaign
Both Hands of the White Wizard and its 5E counterpart, Trials of Saruman, contain six interconnected adventures. The content promises new lore, allies, and mysteries specifically tied to the Orthanc and the surrounding vale. This focus on the “White Wizard” era allows players to interact with one of Middle-earth’s most complex figures during the height of his influence and the beginning of his secrecy.
Return to the Shire
Complementing the weight of the Isengard campaign is Hobbit Tales, a supplement designed for The One Ring. It provides a detailed description of the four farthings of the Shire alongside five ready-to-play adventures. Players can take on the roles of established figures such as Bilbo Baggins, Paladin Took, or Primula Brandybuck.
Free League has noted that the material within Hobbit Tales was previously available in the original starter set for The One Ring. This standalone release serves as a collection for players who may have bypassed the starter box but wish to explore the hyper-local geography of the Hobbit homelands.
Pre-orders and Access
All three titles are currently available for pre-order through the Free League webshop. In line with the publisher’s standard digital-first policy, customers who pre-order physical books receive immediate access to the PDF versions to begin preparing for the June launch.
Quick Links
- Free League: Webshop
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