[LOTRO] 1/21 - 1/25 Free Return Weekend

Triple B

LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE
MINES OF MORIA

because these ugly bastards aren't going to kill themselves

It makes sense.
The fantasy universe conceived by J.R.R. Tolkien known as 'Middle Earth' is heavily influential in most modern fantasy-influenced stuff. World of Warcraft, I'm looking at you. Did you know the mines of Moria was the dungeon crawl before there were dungeon crawls? So it seems pretty natural that this work of fictional gold would eventually make its way into the massively multiplayer online realm. The guys at Turbine (Asheron's Call, AC2, D&DO) have done a great job translating the immaculate world of Tolkien's creation and presenting Windows PC users with a massively multiplayer Middle Earth. They released Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar in April 2007 and have since released the first major expansion Mines of Moria. For their efforts Turbine has earned the following Reader's Choice Awards from MMORPG.com: [Best Overall Game] of 2008, [Best Expansion Pack] of 2008, and [Favorite MMO Studio] of 2008. Quite impressive given the stiff competition.

There is stuff.
This is a casual, quest-driven MMO that is fine for solo-play but more fun with friends. Built-in voice chat for you social butterflies out there and DX10 graphics that blow plenty of other games out of the water - water that is inferior to what you will see in Middle Earth when you start playing, trust me. Everything you could want exists in this game in some form or another: instances, quests, raiding, player housing, kinships, crafting, PVP and legendary weapons you can customize. The player vs. player combat is given a separate zone to avoid interrupting or impeding on casual play while allowing those with a competitive edge a chance to get their kill on.

Lots of stuff. [Monster Play] [Books] [Roleplaying] [Player Housing] [Fellowship Manuevers] [Music]

Spoiler:

As for PVP, this is called [Monster Play] and it is very much what it sounds like. Allow me to explain: At level 10, players are given the option from their Character Selection screens to choose to play a Monster in that specific zone. Higher-level Elves, Dwarves, Hobbits and Men have a special area to slay Orcs, Spiders, and other 'evil' races played by real people. The success of those fighting for good can effect the rest of the players on that particular server by giving a buff such as +5% XP Gain - and that is the most PVP will effect you if you choose to steer clear.

Lord of the Rings Online sets itself apart from other games in the genre with quest lines called [Books] which contain solo and group quests that tend to culminate in wonderfully executed story-driven instances. Each patch brings with it content rife with themes and recurring characters that really help to flesh out the lore-based experience Turbine is going for. This occurs approximately every two months, and subscribers can continue to receive the free 'Book' updates without purchasing the Mines of Moria expansion but they'll miss out on areas further than Eregion and the use of Legendary weapons.

For [Roleplaying] or just fashion, Turbine has given us cosmetic outfits so that you may customize your appearance to your liking without sacrificing the benefits of top-quality gear. The unofficial Penny Arcade server for U.S. players -Landroval- is also the unofficial roleplaying server - allowing all who have wished to roleplay within the realm of Frodo, Legolas, and Aragorn the ability to do so without worrying about too much 'LOL' and 'BRB' cluttering chat. It helps that most of the users on this server are mature, nice, and helpful, providing for a wonderful RP experience. There's room in your character panel for your character's biography as well as a system for establishing generations and families. If any of that sounds appealing to you, be sure to stop in to the Prancing Pony in Bree, a common gathering place for roleplayers in Middle Earth.

LOTRO uses instanced neighborhoods to keep things compact for [Player Housing]. Your character can buy a house that is shared amongst all other characters on your account so long as they share the same server. Regular houses hold one extra chest and room for decorations while deluxe houses hold two extra chests and even more room for decorating. Kinships that reach a high enough lifespan can purchase a kinship house that comes with not one, not two, but three chests for all your storage needs. With use of travel rations you can quickly port to your house or your kinship house.



There are times during combat where you can shatter your enemy's defenses and perform a [Fellowship Manuever]. This happens due to a special attack from a burglar or guardian, or by random luck. When it happens you will see a manuever wheel with four buttons. [RED] indicates instant damage, [YELLOW] is strong damage over time, [GREEN] means restoring health and [BLUE] brings back some power. You can simply press the button you need as an individual or coordinate as a team to pull off certain combinations that do much more. More information can be found here.

The despair wrought by Sauron is a heavy burden indeed, which is why it is important for those with a penchant for artistry to remain hopeful and fight back with [Music]. LOTRO has harps, horns, drums, bagpipes, cowbells, and more. Music can be performed manually by note or with convenient ABC files and other players can hear you play. If you're in a fellowship, you can sync up with them to play separate instruments. Or if you're just passing by you can join in and improvise, though it's polite to ask first. This helpful link explains it rather well.

Summary of the .abc music system and what it can do for you:

The .abc system allows you to add .abc files to your MyDocuments/Lord of the Rings Online/Music folder, and play them in-game.

There are several ways to get your slimy little meathooks on these so-called ".abc files":

-Transcribe your own. Unfortunately you'll have to look elsewhere for information on this method, seeing as I don't know jack shit about manually transcribing .abc files. D: Though if anyone who reads this has helpful information, I'll be glad to edit this OP to include it.

-Download 'em! There are several websites dedicated to providing .abc files for use in LOTRO. The best of which is TheFatLute.com. Not only does this site have an awesome name, but also a metrick fuckton of .abc files just ripe for the pickin'. Simply save the file to the folder specified above, and you're ready to go.

-Convert them from MIDI files. This is my personal favorite method. If you can find a MIDI of a song you want to play in-game, all you have to do is save it to your hard drive and use a program such as LotRO MIDI Player to convert it to .abc format. This marvelous little piece of software is nothing short of genius. It's user-friendly, easy to figure out, and it bloody works. Be sure to keep the MIDI preview box checked at all times, otherwise it'll attempt to play the song in-game. From there, just tinker around with which instrument channels you want to remain in the .abc file (drums are turned off by default when you import a MIDI, seeing as they wreak havoc when played on a lute or somesuch.) When you're satisfied with how your song sounds, just save the converted .abc in your LOTRO Music folder as previously specified, and you're golden.

Good places to find MIDI files include (naturally) Google, and MidiDB, along with many others.

But...but...how do I *play* them?!

I'm glad you asked.

First, you have to own an instrument. If I really *had* to tell you this part, maybe you should go back to the World of EverHammer or whatever you were playing before you realized you were playing the wrong game and decided to rightfully join the LOTRO community. Instruments can be purchased from Bards, which are present in damn near all the towns in the game. They're represented on your map/radar as an icon of a lute. Note: You *can* learn more instruments than what are initially available to you. Simply ask a Minstrel of decent level to teach you. They can mentor almost every instrument in the game.

Once you have acquired your instrument(s) of choice, equip one and enter music mode. Do this by typing "/music" in the chat box.

From there, you can do one of two things:

-If you know which song you want to play, simply type "/play songname". Note that you will need to know exactly how the name of the .abc file is formatted in order for this to work.

-If you want to see all the .abc files you have in your music folder, type "/playlist" and it will bring up a list of all the songs available to you. Once you've picked your song, once again type "/play songname", and enjoy the music!

Do keep in mind that you will not be able to move without interrupting the song until it is over. You also won't be able to use most of your keyboard until the song has finished. If you need to type during a song, use the mouse to click the chat box. I figured this one out the hard way. Also, if you need to reply to someone sending you a tell, but you're still playing a song, type "/r" in the chat box. Once you hit the space bar after typing "/r", you will be able to type your reply message.

The possibilities are endless, so if you're still wasting your time crafting, questing, or leveling up in any way, knock that shit off and do something productive like playing music by the fire at the Prancing Pony!


Example: "My Name Is Jonas" by Weezer

Spoiler:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epved3_Mfmw&feature=related

The race card. [Men] [Dwarves] [Hobbits] [Elves]

Spoiler:

The Race of Men
Not as long-lived as Elves, sturdy as Dwarves, or resilient as Hobbits, Men are renowned for their courage and resourcefulness.
Passive Skills
Diminishing of Mankind - Decreased Will (-8).
Easily Inspired - Increased Morale Restoration.
Gift of Men - Improved Fate (+15).
Strong Men - Improved Might (+15).
Playable Classes
[Burglar] [Captain] [Champion] [Guardian] [Hunter] [Lore-master] [Minstrel] [Warden]
[Cannot play as Rune-Keeper]


The Race of Dwarves
Dwellers of stone and miners of metal, the Dwarves are a doughty folk, resistant to the corruption of the Enemy -- but not to greed.
Passive Skills
Lost Dwarf-Kingdoms - Reduced Fate (-8).
Stocky - Reduced Agility (-8).
Sturdiness - Increased Might (+15) and Vitality (+10), improved Common Damage mitigation (+1.0%).
Unwearying in Battle - Morale/Power regeneration (+0.5 each) in combat, reduced out of combat (-1 m, -0.5 p).
Playable Classes
[Champion] [Guardian] [Hunter] [Minstrel] [Rune-Keeper]
[Cannot play as Burglar, Captain, Lore-Master, or Warden]


The Race of Hobbits
Happiest when enjoying a simple life with six square meals a day, Hobbits are solid and dependable when called to action.
Passive Skills
Hobbit Courage - Improved Fear Resistance (+1.0%).
Hobbit Toughness - Improved Vitality (+15).
Rapid Recovery - Improved out of combat Morale Regeneration (+1.0).
Resist Corruption - Improved Shadow Mitigation (+1.0%).
Small Size - Reduced Might (-8).
Playable Classes
[Burglar] [Guardian] [Hunter] [Minstrel] [Warden]
[Cannot play as Captain, Champion, Lore-master, or Rune-Keeper]


The Race of Elves
Long ago, the Elves, also known as the Fair Folk, welcomed the younger races of Middle-earth and allied with them when the need was great, but centuries of war, betrayal, and hardship have made them fiercely protective of their seclusion.

Tall and strong, fair and graceful, Elves have keen senses and a deep affinity for the beauty of the natural world.
Passive Skills
Agility of the Woods - Improved Agility (+15).
Fading of the Firstborn - Reduced Fate (-8).
Sorrow of the Firstborn - Reduced Morale (-20) and Out of Combat Morale Regeneration (-1.0).
Suffer no Illness - Improved resistance to Disease (+1.0%)and Poison (+1.0%).
Playable Classes
[Champion] [Guardian] [Hunter] [Lore-master] [Minstrel] [Warden] [Rune-keeper]
[Cannot play as Burglar or Captain]

The class system. [Burglar] [Captain] [Champion] [Guardian] [Hunter] [Lore-master] [Minstrel] [Rune-keeper] [Warden]

Spoiler:

[Burglar]
The Burglar (de-buffer) is a master of stealth and misdirection. Burglars are able to confound foes with a variety of clever and debilitating tricks. They also excel at attacking from the shadows, allowing them to take enemies by surprise. A burglar is also known as an Expert Treasure-hunter, able to use their Track Treasure skill in order to seek out those valuables.

The burglar role is to rob monsters of the ability to deal damage and attack at full strength. As the only class that can reliably create conjunction opportunities (high-yield group-based attacks also known as Fellowship Manuevers), their role in groups is a coveted one.

[Captain]
The Captain (buffer / pets) is a masterful leader, a commanding presence who strengthens allies, but is also skilled in the use of arms. Their battle cries strike fear into the hearts of their enemies, while their allies rally to their banners of war.

The armoured Captain possesses some of the most potent enhancements to the heroes of Middle-earth, this makes the Captain a key member of any fellowship. The Captain's ability to summon a Herald pet at later levels, plus the ability to bring fallen heroes back into the fight, make it a desired group class. The masters of buffing and wipe prevention, Captains can eventually absorb their entire group damage for a short period without succumbing to defeat.

[Champion]
The Champion (AOE/DPS) is the consummate warrior, unrelenting in battle. His fervour allows him to make increasingly powerful attacks. The Champion excels at melee combat and can absorb punishment with his Heavy Armour.

The Champion trades survivability for the ability to deal explosive amounts of damage to multiple foes. Although a fully armoured class when not in fervour mode, it is when Champions enter this state that they deal out the greatest damage, both to single and multiple foes.

[Guardian]
The Guardian (tank) is a protector of the weak and defender of those in need. He is capable of withstanding mighty blows and retaliating in kind. The true Guardian stands to the forefront of battle, shielding his allies from the blows of their enemies.

The Guardian's ability to wear heavy armour and defensive skills enable the Guardian to face creatures that would make other heroes' morale fail. Guardians also have the ability to draw foes' attention away from their allies and to themselves. They also feature the handy ability to give or send an acorn to someone allowing them to be summoned later. Handy if you want to repair and return quickly.

[Hunter]
The Hunter (nuker) is a master of field and forest, unmatched with the bow. Hunters use their survival skills to guide their companions and lay traps for their enemies. The Hunters are at their strongest when attacking from a distance, but they are able to defend themselves in melee combat, when needed.

The Hunter is proficient at dealing out damage to single foes at both range and melee. When Hunters are at range, they can unleash devastating arrow shots that do high damage to single targets. When the lone enemy manages to close into melee range, the Hunter is well-equipped to deal the finishing blow with some melee skills. Hunters can also port the party to various camps becoming the taxi drivers of Middle Earth.

[Lore-master]
The Lore-master (crowd control / pets) is a seeker of knowledge and a guardian of wisdom. He wields ancient secrets and lore to confound his foes and aid his friends, protecting them against the dark powers of the Enemy.

Lore-masters are the masters of crowd-control, with the ability to trap creatures and keep them from hurting their allies. They have many skills that invoke the natural world of Middle-earth but it is draining on the will thus costing them morale to fuel some of these powerful skills. Because of this, they must rely on their pets to supplement their ability to take damage.

[Minstrel]
The Minstrel (healer) is the heart of a fellowship, a herald of hope and renewal. He uses his knowledge of ancient songs and lore to ward against the forces of darkness and bring relief to his companions.

The Minstrel is the master of maintaining the survivability of the heroes of Middle-earth. Minstrels also are able to deal damage to their foes by using their damaging light-based attacks in the forms of songs of power. They have the nifty ability to remove dread from defeated allies as well.

[Rune-Keeper]
The Rune-Keeper (nuker / healer) is a mystical linguist and master of true names. Rune-keepers can heal in one battle and hurl destructive magic in the next using an innovative attunement system.

In lore terms, the Rune-keeper marks the game's first true "magic user." The Lore-master class had his or her powers explained as the harnessing of the traditional powers of nature -- calling down lightning, using water to make foes stick in the mud, or throwing a fireball made from a chemical concoction. In short, the class is more of a combat chemist than a true magician. The Rune-keeper, on the other hand, actually taps into the primal physics-altering powers of creation. It's the same kind of power (though to a far, far lesser degree) as that tapped into by powerful elves like Galadriel (who serves as the model for the class).

[Warden]
The Warden (buffer / pets) is armed with a spear and uses a gambit system to fire off powerful combo attacks at the front lines. Unlike other classes, which have to wait for opportunities, the warden creates his own openings and then capitalizes on them.

Wardens are limited to medium armour so that they can travel swiftly and silently to defend those they protect from threats. Wardens depend on their Determination for protection rather than heavy shields and armor. Wardens all have some military training and have mastered a style of combat that uses combinations of basic attacks to create masterful Gambits.

Your legacy awaits. [Traits] [Deeds] [Hope and Despair]

Spoiler:

Aside from selecting your character's race, gender, class, and appearance, [Traits] are how you customize your hero. As you progress your character he or she will gain trait slots with which to assign virtues, racial traits, class traits and Legendary traits. These serve to give you new abilities or improve the abilities you already have.

LOTRO's advancement system comes with a secondary form of quests known as [Deeds]. These do not count as regular quests and are not considered a primary source of experience for gaining levels, but often are achieved regardless of intention. (Deeds ask that you kill a certain number of a type of enemy, travel to a certain set of locations, do a certain area's quests, or use a certain attack several times.) What they lack in XP they make up for in building your character's individuality. Certain deeds only reward you with a title, the aesthetic attachment to your floating name (such as Vegetarian, if you eat a selection of vegetarian dishes). However, other deeds may give you new traits or level up current traits. To assign new traits, visit your local bard. Easiest to find is the bard in Bree's Prancing Pony.

It is not enough that you raise your blade to fight the evil of Sauron, you must have the will to swing it without fear. Lord of the Rings Online takes from the lore a heavy emphasis on [Hope and Despair] allowing you to gain hope from the presence of good NPCs and despair from the wicked. Despair can build unless you have armour or items laden with hope. You will gain despair from dying, encountering overwhelming evils, or traversing the worst of places - too much despair and your morale/power will begin to drain. Soon, the fiery, lidless eye sees you from where your mini-map ought to be. And then, you will cower in fear and ultimately render yourself vulnerable. In this instance, hope is your anti-drug.

Get a job. [Armourer] [Armsman] [Explorer] [Historian] [Tinker] [Woodsman] [Yeoman]

Spoiler:

[font=book antiqua"]Armourer[/font] [Prospector] [Metalsmith] [Tailor]
An Armourer knows that all that stands between a good soul and the grave is often a thin sheet of metal.

Armourers can create a wide variety of armour, but they specialize in heavy armour and shields. Capable miners and smelters, they can procure and prepare the metal they need. While they can craft clothes and leather armour, they will need to trade for the tanned hides required. This is an excellent choice of trade for one who relies on heavy armour and shields.

[font=book antiqua"]Armsman[/font] [Prospector] [Weaponsmith] [Woodworker]
An Armsman knows the many secrets of weaponry, and can craft almost any weapon imaginable.

Armsmen are capable of crafting any weapon you might ever need, so it's an excellent choice for anyone who relies on a blade. An Armsman is proficient in mining and smelting, but will need to trade for wood with which to make bows, spears, and the like.

[font=book antiqua"]Explorer[/font] [Prospector] [Forester] [Tailor]
These canny travellers know much of the lands of Middle-Earth and its resources.

An Explorer can live off the land, crafting leather armour and clothing while gathering any resource they come across. Explorer is an excellent choice for anyone who wears Light or Medium armour, or wants to specialize in resource gathering. Do you want to learn this trade?

[font=book antiqua"]Historian[/font] [Scholar] [Farmer] [Weaponsmith]
Historians are the caretakers of lore and legend that the forces of light dare not forget.

Historians are unique in that they have access to the Scholarly arts, allowing them to research ancient lore and use their discoveries to the advantage of their fellows. In addition, a Historian has the more practical talents of cultivating land, and forging the blades that are so often spoken of in the histories they study.

[font=book antiqua"]Tinker[/font] [Prospector] [Jeweller] [Cook]
Fascinated by things intricate and beautiful, the Tinker seeks to create great things.

A Tinker's greatest skill is that of jewelcraft, and a skilled Tinker can create baubles of both beauty and utility. A Tinker can harvest the precious metals and stones he needs for his work, and given the long hours this trade requires, it is good that a Tinker is a fair hand at preparing a hearty meal.

[font=book antiqua"]Woodsman[/font] [Woodworker] [Forester] [Farmer]
A Woodsman is trained to survive off the land, and make weapons from natural materials.

Woodsmen are the foremost bowyers in Middle-earth, and are capable of crafting fine weapons from wood, as well as gathering and treating the raw wood they need. Their knowledge of plants and nature also makes them natural Farmers. Woodsman is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to create their own mighty bows.

[font=book antiqua"]Yeoman[/font] [Cook] [Farmer] [Tailor]
Hard-working and knowledgeable about the land, a Yeoman is well versed in farming, cooking, and forestry.

Yeomen are the salt of the earth, tilling soil and preparing food with natural skill. They are also able to create clothes and leather armours, though they need to trade their produce for the hides required.

Scenic world.[Credit to Lowlylowlycook]
The initial launch of the game covered the region of Eriador, including the Shire, Rivendell, Breeland, and other landmarks from The Lord of the Rings. This has been expanded to Moria and Lorien. Open the spoiler below to see some beautiful shots of Middle Earth.

Spoiler:

Angmar:

Spoiler:

The Shire:

Spoiler:

Bree-Land, including the Barrow Downs:

Spoiler:

Misty Mountains

Spoiler:

Rivendel

Spoiler:

Thorin’s Gate

Spoiler:

The Ered Luin

Spoiler:

The Trollshaws, the lands between Bree and Rivendel:

Spoiler:

The Lone-Lands, including Weathertop:

Spoiler:

The North Downs, including the gates to Angmar:

Spoiler:

Ettenmoors with PvMP

Spoiler:

Evendim, the lake country:

Spoiler:

How to play...
You can buy the game at most retailers and online . Seems you can get it for $20 or even less. I'd start by putting the DVD into your computer.

...for free.
You can get a 7 day trial http://www.lotro.com/trial. It's a 4.7GB download. The high rez client is even bigger.

Also players that signed up before the game went live have founder's status, that includes a lower monthly cost. If you get an invite from one of these players you get some of the same benefits. If that sounds interesting, just post in the thread asking for one.

Triple B

Imkish wrote: »

Triple B wrote: »

B. A lot of things in LOTRO came from the minds of the Turbine Devs, so not absolutely everything is something you would've known had you read the books.

While that IS true, don't automatically assume that because something was made up by Turbine just because you didn't see it in the movies, or you might make someone's head explode. For example, I forget who, so if you're reading, I apologize: someone in guild chat said that Tom Bombadil was a funny looking guy and asked what he was supposed to be. Someone responded to that by saying they didn't know, and that Turbine just made him up...

I think I about had a seizure. I certainly cried.

If you're trying to suggest that I didn't read the books, you're barking up the wrong tree. Maybe your first sentence was just poorly structured, but that's what it sounded like to me.

That said, there's no reason someone shouldn't be permitted to enjoy LOTRO just because they haven't read the books.

Aumni

I haven't read the books in about 10 years, back in highschool I read them about 6 times...and even after all that time I still remember Tom Bombadil.

Axen

Aumni wrote: »

I haven't read the books in about 10 years, back in highschool I read them about 6 times...and even after all that time I still remember Tom Bombadil.

I didn't even read the books and I was somehow aware of Tom Bombadil.

Imkish

Haha, not poorly structured, just mistaken. It was aimed towards the general audience, not you. Maybe should have thrown an "if you haven't" in there. And I agree they should and certainly can enjoy it, I'm just saying for people not to call out Turbine on things when they HAVEN'T read the book, wasn't trying to imply that's what you were doing. Was really just trying to lead into the anecdote.

Aldo

Just finished v1bk7ch8 Into Carn Dum. Poor man.

Shens

Aldo wrote: »

Just finished v1bk7ch8 Into Carn Dum. Poor man.

I bought the Putrid slime off of the AH for 6 gold because I didn't want to go there. Are you saying in order to complete the book I still do? Oops.

Corvus

Entriech wrote: »

I don't suppose anyone's got one of those fancy Founder invites, do they? WoW's become..problematic for me lately, and I've been looking for a change.

I got a founders invite by posting on their trial forums begging for one. Got one in my email the next day.

Triple B

Imkish wrote: »

Haha, not poorly structured, just mistaken. It was aimed towards the general audience, not you. Maybe should have thrown an "if you haven't" in there. And I agree they should and certainly can enjoy it, I'm just saying for people not to call out Turbine on things when they HAVEN'T read the book, wasn't trying to imply that's what you were doing. Was really just trying to lead into the anecdote.

Well all I meant was that Turbine *did* make up a lot of stuff. That said, I think they did a really good job of integrating their material seamlessly into Tolkien's.

RiemannLives

Aldo wrote: »

Running into Old Man Willow was certainly a shock. Too bad nothing really happens besides a weak debuff.

I thought as you got closer that those debuffs start stacking up and will eventually kill you. Maybe they toned it down a bit from launch though.

Simon Moon

RiemannLives wrote: »

Aldo wrote: »

Running into Old Man Willow was certainly a shock. Too bad nothing really happens besides a weak debuff.

I thought as you got closer that those debuffs start stacking up and will eventually kill you. Maybe they toned it down a bit from launch though.

I'm pretty sure that all it does is drain your power.

Now, those towers out in Angmar...

Entriech

Happily enough when I was able to finally get through to someone in Account Services on the phone, we got everything straightened out. Going to make sure it sticks first, but my wife and I may be harassing you folks soon enough.

Freakinchair

Alright, so me and my friends are level 18 - whats the lowest level dungeon, and do we get quests there?

Also, for the 'epic' quest chain - I think im on volume 1, book 1, chapter... 3? I just did a quest involving the unfortunate liching of a ranger. How many books/volumes/chapters are there?

LAST QUESTION

Were all in Bree currently and I want to know if the shire is the starting hobbit area - we just got to bree and arent really sure where to quest.

Silas Brown

If I recall correctly, Bree is the perfect place to quest at level 18.

So, it looks like I convinced my friend to roll a character up on Landroval. Is there any chance he could become a Barrovian as a friend of a Penny Arcade forumer?

Adda

Is there any EU lotr guilds?

Enig

Freakinchair wrote: »

Alright, so me and my friends are level 18 - whats the lowest level dungeon, and do we get quests there?

Also, for the 'epic' quest chain - I think im on volume 1, book 1, chapter... 3? I just did a quest involving the unfortunate liching of a ranger. How many books/volumes/chapters are there?

LAST QUESTION

Were all in Bree currently and I want to know if the shire is the starting hobbit area - we just got to bree and arent really sure where to quest.

The lowest level dungeon is the Great Barrow, which is about lvl.20. The quests for it are all obtained in Bree. Vol.1, Bk.1, Ch.11 also takes place in the Great Barrow, but I think the epic story instance is different from the normal dungeon.

Vol.1 is the base game and I believe it has 15 books. Vol.2 is, naturally, the MoM expansion, which just had the 8th book released in the most recent patch.

The Shire is the starting Hobbit area, at your level there isn't much left to do there. Like Archet/Combe, it's designed to get you up to 15 or so. You'll want to go to the Lone-Lands when you run out of quests in Bree-land, and also the North Downs around level 20.

Simon Moon

Enig wrote: »

The lowest level dungeon is the Great Barrow, which is about lvl.20. The quests for it are all obtained in Bree. Vol.1, Bk.1, Ch.11 also takes place in the Great Barrow, but I think the epic story instance is different from the normal dungeon.

I think they've moved all the GB quest givers out to the entrance to the GB itself.

Enig

Simon Moon wrote: »

Enig wrote: »

The lowest level dungeon is the Great Barrow, which is about lvl.20. The quests for it are all obtained in Bree. Vol.1, Bk.1, Ch.11 also takes place in the Great Barrow, but I think the epic story instance is different from the normal dungeon.

I think they've moved all the GB quest givers out to the entrance to the GB itself.

Really? Was that in the book 8 patch? I did GB a week or two ago and I had to find the quests in Bree, including running back and forth for that annoying Barrows quest chain from the guy by the Loremaster trainer. Too bad I missed that change, I guess.

RiemannLives

Enig wrote: »

Freakinchair wrote: »

Alright, so me and my friends are level 18 - whats the lowest level dungeon, and do we get quests there?

Also, for the 'epic' quest chain - I think im on volume 1, book 1, chapter... 3? I just did a quest involving the unfortunate liching of a ranger. How many books/volumes/chapters are there?

LAST QUESTION

Were all in Bree currently and I want to know if the shire is the starting hobbit area - we just got to bree and arent really sure where to quest.

The lowest level dungeon is the Great Barrow, which is about lvl.20. The quests for it are all obtained in Bree. Vol.1, Bk.1, Ch.11 also takes place in the Great Barrow, but I think the epic story instance is different from the normal dungeon.

Vol.1 is the base game and I believe it has 15 books. Vol.2 is, naturally, the MoM expansion, which just had the 8th book released in the most recent patch.

The Shire is the starting Hobbit area, at your level there isn't much left to do there. Like Archet/Combe, it's designed to get you up to 15 or so. You'll want to go to the Lone-Lands when you run out of quests in Bree-land, and also the North Downs around level 20.

Also remember that Bree-Land is bigger than it first appears. Don't forget about all the stuff in the Old Forest and Barrow Downs. Also there are a couple quests up by the horse people that head out into that huge unpopulated area north of Archet.

If you do all the stuff in Bree land you should be about level 21-22.

Triple B

So I got my deluxe house last night. 6 Chalk Road, Starshot, Shire Homesteads. Stop by and visit sometime.

Silas Brown

I can't get any reading of Lord of the Rings done because I'm too busy playing this game!!!

VulnoX

Hi all, Sorry if this has been beaten to death, but...

I did the beta, but didn't buy the game after. I was thinking of starting it up with some friends, and I see the founders thing talked about like as long as you played in the Beta, you can still do it. Is that true? Do I just need to do the 9.99 buy the game offer I keep getting in my e-mail and make sure I use the same e-mail address, and I get the price?

Thanks.

Aistan

I too just recently bought my deluxe house. It's at 2 High Road, Flitton, Bree Homesteads. Just across from the kin house, so pop in and take a look if you're on your way to take a sip from the Sinister Keg.

Entriech

VulnoX wrote: »

Hi all, Sorry if this has been beaten to death, but...

I did the beta, but didn't buy the game after. I was thinking of starting it up with some friends, and I see the founders thing talked about like as long as you played in the Beta, you can still do it. Is that true? Do I just need to do the 9.99 buy the game offer I keep getting in my e-mail and make sure I use the same e-mail address, and I get the price?

Thanks.

My understanding from talking to account services on wednesday is that the 3 months for 29.97$ promotion is over, and as of tomorrow they'll be unable to special move anyone's subscription to it. I know that when I sent an invite from my new account to my wife, it showed up as a "Founder" 10 day invite when she put the key in, and while that allowed her to purchase the game for 9.99$, it didn't allow the special monthly rate.

Edit: For what it's worth, I had a beta account too, and while it seems like it'll let me upgrade on it for 9.99$ to the MoM expansion, it also didn't offer the special 9.99$ rate anymore.

VulnoX

Entriech wrote: »

VulnoX wrote: »

Hi all, Sorry if this has been beaten to death, but...

I did the beta, but didn't buy the game after. I was thinking of starting it up with some friends, and I see the founders thing talked about like as long as you played in the Beta, you can still do it. Is that true? Do I just need to do the 9.99 buy the game offer I keep getting in my e-mail and make sure I use the same e-mail address, and I get the price?

Thanks.

My understanding from talking to account services on wednesday is that the 3 months for 29.97$ promotion is over, and as of tomorrow they'll be unable to special move anyone's subscription to it. I know that when I sent an invite from my new account to my wife, it showed up as a "Founder" 10 day invite when she put the key in, and while that allowed her to purchase the game for 9.99$, it didn't allow the special monthly rate.

Edit: For what it's worth, I had a beta account too, and while it seems like it'll let me upgrade on it for 9.99$ to the MoM expansion, it also didn't offer the special 9.99$ rate anymore.

Thank you for the reply, I see the $9.99 thing, and yeah, it says $14.99 for my monthly. Not the end of the world, not like I followed the rules from the start (buying the game after beta), so no complaints. Thought I would try it out and give WoW a break.

Thanks again!

Silas Brown

Buwahaha! I convinced my brother to try the trial! We shall see if he, too, will join the fight against the shadow.

Triple B

He ought to. I really don't see how anyone who gives this game a fair chance would ever not love it.

Silas Brown

He's downloading the game now and called me just to tell me that the Wikipedia entry for the game is making him hard. He's already talking about buying it tonight and he hasn't even tried it. This is bordering on insane, I'm afraid he's getting so worked up he'll be dissapointed.

freakish light

ProfMoriarty wrote: »

He's downloading the game now and called me just to tell me that the Wikipedia entry for the game is making him hard.

This is the point where you hang up, buddy. And then maybe destroy your phone with fire.

Adda

So I rolled an elf and my brother a human, where and when can we meet up the soonest to quest together?

JohanFlick

Adda wrote: »

So I rolled an elf and my brother a human, where and when can we meet up the soonest to quest together?

I'd say at around level 12-15. Do starting zones for each race and head to Bree. There will be plenty to do at that level.

Alternatively, do prologue for each race, do some quests in each starting zone and then head to Shire at about 9-10. At that level the quests there still give some xp, and the two of you can breeze through the zone. Word of warning though, Shire is a very “special” zone that people either love or hate. I loved it, but I'm a known masochist....

Raynaga

Hey guys, Larrel here. Just wanted to update and say that the trip I was leaving for a week or two ago was to check on a sick family member; the family member in question is doing worse than expected so I've been staying to help out with some things here -- this is why I've not been on in awhile. I'll be back when able, but until then my LM is gonna stay MIA for awhile.

Simon Moon

JohanFlick wrote: »

Adda wrote: »

So I rolled an elf and my brother a human, where and when can we meet up the soonest to quest together?

I'd say at around level 12-15. Do starting zones for each race and head to Bree. There will be plenty to do at that level.

Alternatively, do prologue for each race, do some quests in each starting zone and then head to Shire at about 9-10. At that level the quests there still give some xp, and the two of you can breeze through the zone. Word of warning though, Shire is a very “special” zone that people either love or hate. I loved it, but I'm a known masochist....

There are fast travels available from each of the starting zones to each of the other starting zones, so once you both get through your respective intro sections (e.g. Archet for the human), you can join up wherever.

Triple B

Raynaga wrote: »

Hey guys, Larrel here. Just wanted to update and say that the trip I was leaving for a week or two ago was to check on a sick family member; the family member in question is doing worse than expected so I've been staying to help out with some things here -- this is why I've not been on in awhile. I'll be back when able, but until then my LM is gonna stay MIA for awhile.

That's not a problem, man. You take care of yours, and your spot will be there waiting for you no matter how long you take to get back.

Doomulon

My house is on 6 Chestnut in Goodstoke, Bree. So many empty kin houses there...

VulnoX

Hey guys, I am starting a char on Landroval (since it seems to be where most of you are). Will probably name him Vulnox.

In WoW, I really liked playing my Paladin. I liked doing DPS, but being able to heal when needed. I kind of want something like that in here. I see there is Minstrel and Rune-Keeper. But some skimming on Google shows people talking about Champion as well?

Thanks for any advice you long-time guys can give me, I don't want to regret it 20 levels later.

Aumni

VulnoX wrote: »

Hey guys, I am starting a char on Landroval (since it seems to be where most of you are). Will probably name him Vulnox.

In WoW, I really liked playing my Paladin. I liked doing DPS, but being able to heal when needed. I kind of want something like that in here. I see there is Minstrel and Rune-Keeper. But some skimming on Google shows people talking about Champion as well?

Thanks for any advice you long-time guys can give me, I don't want to regret it 20 levels later.

Rune-Keeper is more of a priest/mage hybrid that works on a 'combo point' meter. Do you want to be a melee class?

Otherwise I think a captain may be closer to a paladin, but they can't heal (as far as I know)

VulnoX

Aumni wrote: »

VulnoX wrote: »

Hey guys, I am starting a char on Landroval (since it seems to be where most of you are). Will probably name him Vulnox.

In WoW, I really liked playing my Paladin. I liked doing DPS, but being able to heal when needed. I kind of want something like that in here. I see there is Minstrel and Rune-Keeper. But some skimming on Google shows people talking about Champion as well?

Thanks for any advice you long-time guys can give me, I don't want to regret it 20 levels later.

Rune-Keeper is more of a priest/mage hybrid that works on a 'combo point' meter. Do you want to be a melee class?

Otherwise I think a captain may be closer to a paladin, but they can't heal (as far as I know)

I don't mind being Melee, but I don't need it. Healing with the option to do damage, thats what I want. So maybe Rune-Keeper. Thank you!

Axen

VulnoX wrote: »

Aumni wrote: »

VulnoX wrote: »

Hey guys, I am starting a char on Landroval (since it seems to be where most of you are). Will probably name him Vulnox.

In WoW, I really liked playing my Paladin. I liked doing DPS, but being able to heal when needed. I kind of want something like that in here. I see there is Minstrel and Rune-Keeper. But some skimming on Google shows people talking about Champion as well?

Thanks for any advice you long-time guys can give me, I don't want to regret it 20 levels later.

Rune-Keeper is more of a priest/mage hybrid that works on a 'combo point' meter. Do you want to be a melee class?

Otherwise I think a captain may be closer to a paladin, but they can't heal (as far as I know)

I don't mind being Melee, but I don't need it. Healing with the option to do damage, thats what I want. So maybe Rune-Keeper. Thank you!

Minstrel, straight up. I didn't even need to group until lvl 20 and that was just because it was an Instance.

Imkish

Captains can heal, but you won't typically be a main healer. When you get invited to a group, it's going to be because of your buffs, not because of your healing or your own DPS, although you can be respectable in both fields.

Minstrels can do some impressive damage, but similar to above, in a group, you're probably going to be expected to be healing traited. RKs, however, can typically go either way, although most high level groups tend to ask for minstrels for healing, and expect the RK to dish out their mad damage.

If you're considering PvP at all, RK and hunter seem to be the only class you see that can really do much before they near max level.

JohanFlick

VulnoX wrote: »

In WoW, I really liked playing my Paladin. I liked doing DPS, but being able to heal when needed.

As usual, Warden needs a mention. Good tanks, decent DPS and plenty of self-heals. You won't be able to heal anyone else until level 58 when you get weak group heal, but you will have a lot of HOT's to heal yourself.