Rules:

Mostly taken from minor adjustments - http://www.warhammer40k.com/members/wh40k/charotius/LOTR/ru/R1.html

In either edition of the rulebook, you will see many troops which can have various upgrades (eg. throwing spears, spears) for 'free' - you simply have to represent them on the model and voila, they are now better at fighting at no extra cost to you! Needless to say this can quickly unbalance 'points match' games. I think it is far better to have to pay for everything you want. Want to give your man of Gondor a spear? Then pay for it - or don't, if you decide it's suddenly not worth it.

The following costs are 'house rules' that we use, allowing all models access to a wider range of equipment, but forcing them to pay appropriate points for any weapons they may carry. They REPLACE the existing arrangements for buying weapons. Specifically, if you read the entry for a Rider of Rohan and it states that he comes with a sword, but may have a bow or a throwing spear for free, then you would ignore that rule and instead consult the list below. You will see that he can purchase either weapon for +1 point. In addition, we have removed the ambiguity that seemed to allow one model to take both at the same time!

In short, these rules replace those in the rulebook. But I would encourage you to give them a go - they result in a fairer, and therefore more fun, game.

All models as listed in the main rulebook are assumed to be supplied "as is" with only a sword or similar hand weapon. For each model, choose one of the following primary options, and then pick any number of the associated secondary options that are allowed with that primary armament.

* a sword is equivalent to any one-handed weapon - axe, hammer, club (except dagger)

Any Figure

• Replace Sword with a Two handed weapon… FREE
  (no further options)
   

• Keep the model armed with a Sword… FREE

  • Add a Shield… 1 POINT

  • Add a Throwing Weapon... 1 POINT
     

• Replace Sword with a Crossbow… 2 POINTS

  • Add a Sword… 1 POINT

  • Add a Shield… 1 POINT
    (nb. Does not get +1 Defence, but may "Shield")
     

• Replace Sword with a Spear… 1 POINT

  • Add a Shield… 1 POINT
     

• Replace Sword with a Pike… 1 POINT
  (no further options)
  (nb. not available for Goblins, Hobbits, or other small races)

Hobbits Only (for now):

• Replace Sword with a Sling throwing weapon (Str 2)… 1 POINT

  • Add a Sword… 1 POINT

  • Add a Shield… 1 POINT
    (nb. Does not get +1 Defence, but may "Shield")

Orcs And Goblins Only:

• Replace Sword with an Orc Bow… 1 POINT
  (nb. Orc Bow does not come bladed)

  • Add a Sword or Bladed Bow… 1 POINT

  • Add a Shield… 1 POINT
    (nb. Does not get +1 Defence, but may "Shield")

Human and Urak-Hai Models Only:

• Replace Sword with a (Man) Bow… 1 POINT

  • Add a Sword… 1 POINT

  • Add a Shield… 1 POINT
    (nb. Does not get +1 Defence, but may "Shield")

Wood Elf And High Elf Models Only:

• Replace Sword with an Elf Bow… 2 POINTS

  • Add a Sword… 1 POINT

  • Add a Shield… 1 POINT
    (nb. Does not get +1 Defence, but may "Shield")

For Heroes, Captains and other Characters, multiply all costs by 5.

EXAMPLE: a basic High Elf costs 9 points. He takes the option "keep the model armed with a sword" (for Free) but then chooses to take a Shield (for 1 Point). His total cost is now 10 points. He may NOT choose another primary option (eg. He cannot also have a bow or spear). He could take a Throwing Weapon for 1 Point as that is an allowed secondary option; further, he could take this IN ADDITION to taking a Sword and Shield.

These rules replace the individual entries in the rulebooks. All model costs cover the man, elf or orc, and any armour they are wearing. All weapon options must be selected as above.

This does mean that you may have, for instance, Elves armed with Pikes and Orcs armed with Throwing Weapons!