Originally published on JRR Tolkien Examiner on 6/9/09.

Pre-registration will end soon for MerpCon V, a Middle-earth role playing convention to be held this July 24th-26th in Spokane, Washington.

MerpCon (Middle-earth Role Playing Convention) is an annual international event dedicated to Tolkien enthusiasts, scholars, fans, and role-playing gamers. Gaming events are set anywhere in Tolkien’s expansive universe. Guest speakers are noted (and often published) Tolkien scholars. The event is meant for all levels of enthusiasts from just a passing interest in Tolkien and his works, to the dedicated Tolkien scholar, linguist or gamer.

The following role-playing games will be hosted:

Eä RPG (a d20/Dungeons & Dragons mod) [What is Eä?]

MERP (Middle-earth Role Playing) from Iron Crown Enterprises

The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game by Decipher

Ambarquenta, a fan-created modification of Iron Crown’s Rolemaster

Hitherlands, an unofficial Tolkien RPG

GURPS (Generic Universal RolePlaying System) by Steve Jackson Games

…and others.

The event is free and open to the public, but most events and games require pre-registration.

The first MerpCon was held in 2005. Each year the event hosts published Tolkien scholars.