The Splatbook Interview: Gareth Hanrahan on Moria
Mar 7, 2025
Gareth Hanrahan, lead writer for The One Ring – Moria: Through the Doors of Durin, brings his deep knowledge of Tolkien’s world to this engaging conversation. They delve into the challenges of designing gameplay in Moria, blending lore with adventure. Gareth discusses the haunting presence of the Balrog and the intricacies of monster encounters. The impact of shadow mechanics on character choices adds depth, while the evocative artwork and maps enhance the exploration of this legendary setting.
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Tolkien's Style
- Tolkien's writing is unique due to his self-referential style and focus on language.
- This approach created a depth and complexity that's hard to replicate.
Moria's Design Challenge
- Designing Moria for The One Ring RPG required balancing player agency with Tolkien's established canon.
- Hanrahan compared this to building a "roller coaster inside a museum."
Creating New Monsters
- Tolkien's "restrained monster palette" makes adding new creatures to Moria challenging.
- Hanrahan sought inspiration from Tolkien's lesser-known works and source materials.
