Blog Archives
Space-Cast! #52. Fellowship of the Trick
Transforming a work of literature into a trick-taking game is no mean feat, especially when that work is as influential as The Lord of the Rings. Today, we’re joined by Bryan Bornmueller, creator of the trick-taking versions of both The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers. Listen in as we discuss our background with both Tolkien and trick-taking, the difficulties of adaptation, and what’s coming next.
Listen here or download here. Timestamps can be found after the jump.
The Fellowship of Bill the Pony
I’m a sucker for unabashed enthusiasm. The Fellowship of the Ring: Trick-Taking Game, designed by Bryan Bornmueller, is brimming with the stuff.
As you might have gleaned from the title, this is a trick-taking game set in the world of The Lord of the Rings. Except, scratch that, Bornmueller has wisely narrowed his scope to Tolkien’s first volume. This affords him some breathing room. Rather than taking us on a whirlwind tour of the entire trilogy — or all six books, if we want to be pedantic about it — Bornmueller drills down into what makes The Fellowship of the Ring so gripping in its own right. Yes, Tom Bombadil makes an appearance, alongside Goldberry, poor forgotten Glorfindel, and Farmer Maggot (now more than a menacing scythe). Even Bill the Pony is a playable character.

