Decipher Unveils Product Plans for
The Lord of the Rings™ Roleplaying Game License!

(NORFOLK, Va., October 16, 2001) The Lord of the Rings Adventure Game, the first of Decipher's roleplaying games (RPGs) for New Line Cinema's epic adventure, The Lord of the Rings, will hit stores December 2001, offering both RPG and movie fans the excitement and exhilaration that Tolkien's Hobbits, Dwarves, and Men face as they journey through the mythic expanses of Middle-earth.

The new The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Games from Decipher transport readers and game players alike to J.R.R. Tolkien's wondrous world of Middle-earth for the ultimate fantasy gaming experience. Featuring in-depth information about the people, places, history, creatures, and magic of Middle-earth, combined with cutting-edge graphics and game design, these games have something to offer both gamers and Tolkien fans alike.

"The Lord of the Rings Adventure Game is intended to help gaming novices and Tolkien fans who are not gamers become familiar with the world of RPGs. It will also introduce experienced gamers to the Tolkien legacy," shares Christian Moore, head of the Decipher RPG Studio.

The Adventure Game will be followed up with a 300-page, full-color RPG core game in February 2002.

The Adventure Game includes a complete adventure narrative, Through the Mines of Moria, drawn from The Fellowship of the Ring, the first film of the trilogy. Players who choose to travel Through the Mines of Moria assume the roles of the members of the Fellowship of the Ring, and relive their dangerous and legendary adventures. Through the Mines of Moria begins at the western doors leading into Moria, takes players through several encounters with servants of the Shadow, and culminates with a climactic battle against the dreaded Balrog.

When the players finally emerge through Moria's eastern gates, they will have fought four distinct battles, survived using their skill, wits, and teamwork in the dark caverns of Moria, and played through the most exciting action sequence ever seen in a fantasy film.

Through the Mines of Moria uses rules that are easy to understand, flexible, and fun. The instructions are designed to prepare novice gamers and Tolkien fans ages 12 and up to delve into play in less than half an hour.

The Lord of the Rings Adventure Game box contains:

• The 32-page Through the Mines of Moria adventure that takes players through the most stunning action sequence of the film.
• Welcome to Middle-earth, a 24-page guide to the lands and peoples of Middle-earth.
• What is Roleplaying, an explanation of the basic principles of roleplaying games.
• Full-color Character Sheets that include pictures and game data describing each character.
• Four full color Tactical Maps for use in the major action sequences of the adventure.
• Cut-outs of the characters and monsters in the adventure.
• A Poster Map of Middle-earth.

In addition to the roleplaying games license through New Line Cinema and Tolkien Enterprises, Decipher proudly holds international licenses for The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game and The Lord of the Rings Fan Club.

The Fellowship of the Ring is set for release by New Line Cinema on December 19, 2001. The other two films in the trilogy, The Two Towers and The Return of the King will premiere December 2002 and 2003, respectively.