If I may make a suggestion?


Middle-Earth at the time of LotR is a world where the magic is on life-support. The time of the elves and ents, goblins and dragons has ended, and they are fading from the land. The only thing maintaining the very last breath of the old times are the Rings themselves, for this was the purpose the elves intended for them.

I would recommend that you base your campaign in Beleriand instead. (It's where 90% of the Silmarillion takes place, and it gets destroyed in the last battle with Morgoth.)

There's a lot more room for D&D-type campaigns there. For instance, in the tale of Beren and Luthien, just two people (and a dog) manage to beat Sauron in personal combat, infiltrate Angband (literally "iron hell") and most of all steal one of the gems from Morgoth's crown... While he is wearing it.


I suggest looking into the Fall of Gondolin. An adventure set during the battle would be an epic one, if unsuited for a lasting campaign.