Table Top Fantasy Wargaming Question

[uneducated]

Hi!
I would like to hear which set of:

a) Rules
b) Figurines

is best for Table Top gaming. This would be for a youngster about 10. Hopefully the figurine options and rules would be good for Lord of the Rings stuff.

Maybe you can suggest good sites to review what is available and where to source stuff too. I have a feeling that a lot of "games" these days have degenerated into thinly veiled marketing /nag-ware, though not Slitherine stuff of course!

[uneducated]

Also, if you have experience with casting/pouring your own figurines, do you have any suggestions or recommendations?