1: We don't want to put a limit on someone who has a particular character they want to play. Even if that character is a very minor character, if you are able to provide some proof of their existence, however small, in the series, then the mods will take the character. However, fanon is a little bit more of a complicated issue, as it really borderlines into OC territory, so it would be a safer bet to go with a character like Anna if she has more canon base, if that makes sense. In summary, it's okay to play very minor characters, as long as we have some proof of canon, and it being more canon then fanon.

2: It would be the latter. While Lord of the Rings is a fantasy, it isn't something we are particularly looking for/the focus of the game.

I hope this answers your question, and sorry for the wait!