>>11192775The set splits in modules meant to be separated. The whole point is that it's an entire microcosm of adventure combined. Even if you ignore the actual dnd aspect with the specific rules and dice roles and whatnot you still get the sense of a quest progress starting at the inn -> wilderness -> dungeon -> tower -> final confrontation with the evil wizard/dragon and you have all sort of equipment/items to discover and pickup along the way while meeting with friendly npcs and fighting all sorts of creeps. And that's not to mention the aspect of character creation with the heros specifically designed with male/female heads, swappable torsos of different classes and many equipment options for maximum customization.
You mention Rivendell but think about it, what really happens in Rivendell? Characters meet/plan the journey, that's it really, not very fun is it? Just pretty to look at. The real action/adventure of the lotr story comes afterwards. In that sense Rivendell is the equivalent of the DnD inn where characters meet and embark on a journey, except here the set actually provides the rest of the adventure.
Like with all lego its a symbolic abstraction not to be taken literally(as in the tower isnt really supposed to be inches from the inn(and it literally doesn't have to be since you are supposed to split the set and imagine larger scenarios)
I think the appeal is obvious but maybe it's just me who still thinks of Lego as a plaything and not just a pretty scale model that goes on the shelf.
