River Running (Middle-earth Role Playing)

River Running is a location detailed within the Middle-earth Role Playing (MERP) game system published by Iron Crown Enterprises (ICE). It refers to the swift-flowing river originating in the Grey Mountains (Ered Mithrin) and flowing generally south towards the Long Lake (Esgaroth) and eventually the Celduin (River Running).

In the context of MERP, River Running is not just a geographical feature but also a potential setting for adventures. Modules and sourcebooks associated with the game often provide information on settlements, hazards, and creatures found along its banks. This includes details on local inhabitants, potential dangers (like rapids, orc ambushes, or dangerous river creatures), and important locations such as fords and riverside villages.

The river's strategic importance for trade and travel, particularly in the northern regions of Wilderland, is highlighted in MERP materials. It provides a relatively quick route compared to overland travel, but also exposes characters to unique challenges related to river navigation and the threats that lurk along its course. MERP supplements detailing Wilderland and the regions around the Lonely Mountain (Erebor) often include specific information relevant to encounters and scenarios centered on River Running.