I think we might use the same concepts as FFH2. I think the themes of the religions are very appropriate. They need tweeking to fit into the theme of LotR but the concepts are valid. I'll try to put some thoughts on each of them here:
- Light of the Valar (Order in FFH2): the really "good" religion which prevents shadow spreading to these civs for example. The light of the valar is also a good name for this one
- Runes of Aulë (Runes of Kilmorph in FFH2): the religion of the dwarves for the Valar who created them. Focused on money and mining. Neutral religion.
- Fellowship of Leaves (don't know a better name): a neutral religion all about reverense with nature and living in harmonie with it. Could be religion of the Woodelves. Neutral religion (but more towards good than Runes)
- Worship of the Shadow (Ashen Veil in FFH2): the religion which worships the shadow. Is an evil religion.
Three religions from FFH2 are not there: Empyrean and Octopus Overlords and Council of Esus (a good religion and a water evil religion and a sneaky evil religion). Maybe there are ideas how to fill the last three slots for religions (maybe something with worship of Illuvatar, the religion of Numenor as mentioned in the original thread. I concur that we shouldn't have missionaries but than we have to balance how fast the religion spreads or maybe find a way to still spread a religion in another way?