Middle-earth Role-Playing

Middle-earth Role-Playing (abbreviated MERP) is a fantasy role-playing game by Iron Crown Enterprises, first released in 1984. The game was an officially licensed game set in Middle-earth; in 1997, Iron Crown Enterprises lost the license and the game line was discontinued.

MERP is based on Rolemaster, of which it is a simplified version. Though the rules have been changed to better fit the flavour and atmosphere of Middle-earth, many Tolkienists have criticized the game for introducing notions to that world that are alien to Tolkien's creation, such as much more common and powerful magic than what is found in The Lord of the Rings.