 | |
| Video game | |
| The Lord of the Rings: Realms in Exile | |
|---|---|
| Details | |
| Platform | Microsoft Windows |
| Release Date | November 18, 2020 |
| Genre | Grand Strategy |
The Lord of the Rings: Realms in Exile is a modification for the PC-game Crusader Kings III of the Crusader King series by Paradox Development Studio. It changes Europe's map to a map of Middle-earth, while retaining grand strategy and character-based simulation of the original.
It features an extensive, detailed map of Middle-earth for players to engage with, including extensive non-canon south-western geography. It has drawn (non canon) supplemental material from the Middle-earth Role Playing tabletop RPG and Lord of the Rings Online to flesh out the expansive world.
Realms in Exile refers to the kingdoms that formed after the destruction of the isle of Númenor. These are Arnor, Gondor, Umbar, Bellakar and Thôn an-Khârlôkh. Gondor features in the third book of The Lord of the Rings. It is ruled by the stewards of Minas Tirith, as their king was lost in a duel with the Witch King of Minas Morgul. Arnor is the lost realm of the north, Aragorn is chieftain of its few survivors. Umbar was once a city of the Númenóreans at the height of their power in Middle-earth, now it is a mighty haven of corsairs. Bellakar and Thôn an-Khârlôkh are former colonies, far to the south, and the books do not mention their names.
The current version of the game allows players to begin simulating the world starting in T.A. 3000, with future plans to allow for playing as early as S.A. 3320 and as late as Fo.A. 120. It includes lore and quotes from The Lord of the Rings, with character adaptations and interstitial stills inspired from the Lord of the Rings film series.
The mod offers an extensive amount of characters and realms (some canon, others not) to simulate leading. For the War of the Ring campaign, the featured characters are:
- The Lost Realm of Arnor
- Over Misty Mountains Cold
- Brokkr (Dwalin's folk)
- Gorkil (Goblin town)
- Gorgol (Gundabad)
- Úri VI (Firebeards)
- Mazog (Roaming with host)
- Balin (Longbeards)
- Dáin (Longbeards)
- Battle Under the Trees
- The Siege of Gondor
- The Horse and the Rider
- Shadow on the Sands (non-canon southern lords)
- Princes of the South (non-canon south-western lords)