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[LOTR] Lord of The Rings: Online Free Trials!
Oddjob187
PewTorontoRegistered User regular
PewTorontoRegistered User regular
Lord of The Rings: Online
Update May 31th, 2007
Oh hey look release is come and gone. Get your game and get in the action. The Barrovian Society is our Kinship (Guild) and we're steaming full speed ahead.
I found a website with half decent quest info, find it Here
Barrovian specific Forum is here.
Crafting resource website, components and stuff, worthy of the top of the page.
First, PA guild name is The Barrovian Society. Send a tell or in game mail to an Officer for an invite to the Kinship (Guild). Weerean, Kalam, Rindae, Kiran, Aurin, Felehad, Kestiel, Edros
Second, the official PA server current sits as Landroval, the Un-Official RP server.
Do not, I repeat DO NOT sell any purple "Trophy" drop from creatures. They're used by crafters to make purple items so store them in your vault and keep an eye open for anyone asking for them.
So far noteable Kinship crafters are as follows:
Rindae - Weaponsmith Master Expert
Steerpike - Armoursmith Soon to be Master Journeyman
Diavalos - Armoursmith Master Expert
Weerean - Master Expert Jeweler God <- god
Aurin - Tailor
Kiran - Damn near master journeyman Scholar working on expert level.
Player List
Triple B
Gilaniel - Elven Hunter
Ederondil - Human Captain
Gwolin - Dwarven Guardian
Jacquelyne - Human Champion
Edros - Human Loremaster
Esh
Rindae - Elven Champion - Weaponsmith
Malice Aforethought
Lorin - Dwarf Minstrel
CarpeDM
Balaergul - Human Minstrel
Nissl
Nissl - Hobbit Burglar
Cyrion - Elf Champion
Pig Destroyer
Arsis - Hobbit Buglar
Lunysgwen
Giraldus - Human Captain
Jast
Taradran - ???
GoodOmens
Yakob - Dwarf Champion
Elhana - Elven Minstrel
Veevee
Vrago - Hobbit Burglar
Dwoin - Dwarf Guardian
Ealswith - Human Lore-master
Beleglas - Elf Hunter
Hessig - Human Captain
Aurin
Aurin - Elven Hunter
mynameisguido
Beornhelm - Human Captain
Thrimil - Dwarf Champion
Ravenlock
Rindahl - Minstrel
Oddjob187
Diavalos - Human Captain - Armoursmith
Ketoras - Elven Hunter - Leather Boiler
Bragizar - Dwarf Guardian
Ash-Housewares
Kiran – Burglar – Scholar
Korth – Armsman – Guardian
Grot – Woodsman – Hunter
Lanson – Explorer – Lore-Master
Kenyen – Tinker – Captain
dachish
Weniki - ???
Shadowfire
Kristopf - Captain
Kaneth - Hunter
Reynna - Champion
Stein - Minstrel
Daros - Lore-Master
codechino
hythe - Elven lore master
deadonthestreet
Dots - Dwarf Guardian
tido14
Galadir - Elven Minstrel
Daric
Daric - Dwarven Champion
Morskittar
Rooster - Hobbit Buglar
Kolsch - Dwarven Guardian
Campips - Human Minstrel
Athdil
Athdil - Human Hunter
Lessren - Elf Champion
Dogthulhu
Glongrim - Dwarf Guardian
Enns
Cengar - Human Captain
043
Carmathil - Elf Hunter
Bama
Bloin - Dwarf minstrel
GroovyMr1337
Gnorin - Dwarf Minstrel
neville
Neville - Elf Hunter
CyberJackal
Graf - Dwarf Guardian
Timm - Human Lore Master
ManetherenWolf
Rornskald - Dwarf Guardian
Update
Alright you scally wags. Pre-Order OB is on.
First, PA guild name is The Barrovian Society.
Second, the official PA server current sits as Landroval, the Un-Official RP server. Considering the amount of pre orders the game has and the number of people that will flood the OB looking for something sword and board to play other then WoW, any server we choose will be raped by sheer numbers so the current choice for the server is subject to change. Any character beyond level 15 will not cross over into the launch servers so there are no big worrys about people loosing a shit ton of work. Coo?
I will update this OP with the names of all scally wags whom are playing once we're in the shire smoking some of the smelly green leaf and playing Hendrix on our lutes.
Pre-Order people’s beta starts on March 30th, and public access opens on April 6th.
LOTRO is set in the Third Age, during the War of the Ring. The game begins approximately after Frodo leaves the Shire with the One Ring. The launch product will essentially cover the time and many locations of the first book, The Fellowship of the Ring.
Pre-Ordering gets you a founder option of paying $9.99/month for your subscription or $199 for a Life Time Subscription to the game, and a few special items to boot.
Bring forth the hairy feet!
Your basic information and lay of the land.
Races:
Men
The shortest-lived of the races of Middle-earth, yet also the race destined to rule in the years beyond the Third Age, the race of Men is defined by their relatively short life span. Their mortality was considered a unique gift, but in time it became known as "The Doom of Men" and a source of lamentation.
In designing the race of Men for The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar, the difficulty is in creating a race of characters that is not seen as simply "ordinary" amongst the other fascinating races of the land. Men occupy a unique place within J.R.R. Tolkien's lore, since (though they may not realize it themselves) they are the race of destiny. Men are also easily swayed and exceedingly ambitious. Many have been corrupted by promises of power and these make up a sizable portion of the armies of the Dark Lord, along with the other, more outwardly monstrous races of Middle-earth. The Men that populate the game as NPCs are particularly interesting, since the motivations of Men are often unknown and appearances can easily deceive. Conversations with Men met in Bree, for instance, can be challenging to the unwary; for within that city's walls there reside both Free People fighting for good and also a dark element of corrupted Men fighting against the light.
Playable Classes:
Champion
Guardian
Captain
Burglar
Hunter
Minstrel
Lore Master
Elf
Throughout the ages, the deeds and struggles of the noble race of Elves have been entwined with the very history of Middle-earth. They remember all too well the devastation caused by the tides of evil that once darkened the land - a shadow which threatens to do so once again. In ages past, the Elves divided into many different groups, and settled throughout Middle-earth, primarily in the ancient forested realms where they yet live. Tall and strong, fair and graceful, Elves have keen senses and a deep affinity for the beauty of the natural world around them. Elves do not "die" in the way understood by Men; Elves often live in the lands of Middle-earth for thousands of years, suffering neither the effects of time nor disease, though the body of an Elf may be struck down in battle. At the end of their days in Middle-earth, the Elves travel to unknown realms across the western sea.
Long ago, the Elves 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. Now, as the Third Age draws to a close and the War of the Ring is at hand, the Elves are once again stirring from their forested realms and hidden valleys, allying with the Free Peoples of Middle-earth against the darkness which grows from both the North and East.
Playable Classes:
Champion
Guardian
Minstrel
Hunter
Lore Master
Dwarfs
The stout Dwarves of Middle-earth are known for their steadfast determination, hearty strength, and commitment to all things found in the world's deep places. Living a secretive life in their homes beneath the great mountains, Dwarves are expert miners and workers of stone and metal, capable of crafting with great strength and renown, along with unparalleled beauty and intricacy. Unwavering and proud, the Dwarves fight for the Free Peoples of Middle-earth (although an ages-old mistrust exists between Dwarves and Elves), emerging from their deep dwellings to bring their strength and fierce combat skills to bear in the battle against the Darkness in the East. Dwarves stand on average approximately 4½ to 5 feet high and typically live long lives of 250 years or more.
The Dwarves are excellent warriors and master craftsmen, displaying unique toughness in battle and the ability to create great things. Ever secretive, Dwarves oft begin their adventure in the soaring halls carved from beneath Ered Luin (The Blue Mountains), a land steeped in history and natural beauty near the western shores of Middle-earth.
Playable Classes:
Champion
Guardian
Minstrel
Hunter
Last but not least, though shortest
Hobbits
There are few recorded deeds of Hobbits until late in the Third Age of Middle-earth, which is just the way Hobbits would prefer it. They are simple, quiet folks, preferring to dwell in hillside holes in and around the area known as The Shire in western Eriador. Called "Halflings" by some due to their size relative to Men, these small folk enjoy the peaceful endeavours of farming, eating, and gift giving, rather than concerning themselves with the dangerous affairs of the rest of Middle-earth (save the legends of Hobbit bowmen in the wars of Fornost). In these dark days, however, it is the unassuming Hobbits, with their often surprising adeptness of both word and action, that will have the greatest impact in the war between the Free Peoples and the lengthening Shadow from the North.
From the most modest of beginnings, Hobbits are capable of the grandest of deeds. Their nimbleness and quick-thinking are well documented of course, but Hobbits are not to be underestimated. Hobbits, although small in size relative to the other races, are sturdy of body, determined in their actions, and good with bow or knife (when they have to be). Their small frame belies a toughness and spirit of a capable adventurer in the lands of Middle-earth.
Playable Classes:
Guardian
Minstrel
Hunter
Buglar
Classes
Champion
A true master of arms, the Champion excels at combat, focusing on little other than destroying her foes. The Champion's whirling blades can strike fear into the heart of even the foulest orc, cutting down swaths of their numbers at once. While a Champion's training and armor grants her some survivability, it is not her focus, and a Champion can quickly find herself in trouble when facing several foes on her own.
The Champion is the class of choice for players that enjoy fast-paced combat with multiple options available at any given moment. Champions can use various weapon styles, but focus on using two weapons simultaneously. With their active play-style Champions are able to consistently cause large amounts of damage to both single and multiple opponents in combat. Their style of combat revolves around the idea that the best defense is a good offense.
Guardian
A doughty fighter and protector of the weak, a skilled Guardian can face even the toughest foes and survive. The Guardian is one of the few classes willing and able to try to draw more blows onto themselves, so they can retaliate with devastating maneuvers in response.
The Guardian will be the class of choice for players that enjoy drawing the attention of their foes in combat and taking advantage of their missteps. Masters of the defensive arts, Guardians use taxing attacks and irksome taunts to draw and hold opponents' attention, relying on their shield and weapon to turn aside incoming attacks with blocks and parries. A Guardian's combat style depends on creating openings during an opponent's attack to provide the opportunity for their own counter attack.
Captain
Bearing her banner into battle, a Captain provides hope and leadership to her fellows, inspiring them to greater deeds. A skilled Captain can rally a party back from the brink of defeat, or seal a victory against many foes. While a Captain is a respected fighter on her own accord, she is primarily driven by her powerful sense of leadership to those fighting around her.
The Captain is the class of choice for players who enjoy supporting their fellows while participating in melee combat. Her battle cries allow her to take advantage of certain events in combat to aid the morale or combat ability of her fellows. A Captain's style of combat focuses on inspiring those around her to glory.
Burglar
A stealthy trickster, the Burglar can dart in and out of the shadows to befuddle, weaken, or damage foes. An unexpected strike from behind by a burglar can stun or trip enemies, allowing others in his party to combine their efforts for a devastating attack. Unassuming on his own, a burglar would be wise to not be caught alone.
The Burglar is the class of choice for players that enjoy using cunning and tricks to defeat their opponents. Using concealment, a Burglar can strike from the shadows, taking his opponents unawares. With his wit, a Burglar can show his allies where a foe's weakness lies -- or trap someone in a riddle. A Burglar's combat style hinges on his ability to outmaneuver and outwit opponents while hitting them where it hurts.
Hunter
Woodsman, pathfinder, and master of the bow, the keen-eyed Hunter can use his arrows to devastating effect from a distance. Archery is not the only thing the Hunter excels at, for he can lead his companions through the forest at greater speed than they could on their own, and can set up traps to ambush enemies. The archer is no close-quarters fighter, however, and would generally rather let his bow do the work than resort to his sword.
The Hunter is the class of choice for players who enjoy striking a target at range. Clever by nature, the Hunter is known to lure his targets into traps to hinder them, giving him time to use his bow to deadly effect. A Hunter's knowledge of nature also provides skills that help him and his fellows survive in the wild. A Hunter's combat style depends on the ability to injure a foe while staying out of harm's way.
Minstrel
With song and tale, a Minstrel brings hope to places thick with gloom. She can inspire those with desperate minds and heavy hearts to great deeds. In battle, she can turn the tide with songs that strengthen her allies and dirges which strike fear into the hearts of enemies.
The Minstrel is the class of choice for players who want to aid their friends, inspiring them to keep going through the darkest of times. With a vast repertoire of tales both fair and foul, a Minstrel restores the morale of her fellows, as well as causing enemies to despair. Though able to wield weapons, she prefers to let her words, rather than her sword, speak for her. A Minstrel's style of combat is based on maintaining hope no matter what the odds.
Lore Master
A keeper of ancient lore and otherwise lost knowledge, the Lore-master uses his knowledge of the lesser and greater powers of the world around him to stave off the advances of the shadow for a time, and to treat the wounds and suffering of his companions. In dire need he can use this knowledge to hurt his foes; but this task being extremely difficult, a wise Lore-master would rarely attempt it.
The Lore-master will be the class of choice for the player that enjoys using the power of ancient lore to aid their allies and hinder their foes. Steeped in the histories of Middle-earth Lore-masters are able to aid their fellows in recovering from maladies caused by the forces of the Dark Lord. They can also use their knowledge to daze, harm, or hinder their enemies, as well as give of themselves to strengthen another. Some Lore-masters are even said to be able to communicate with animals and request their aid. A Lore-master's combat style is anchored in the power of knowledge and using it intelligently to defeat evil.
What areas of middle earth does the game cover right now?
The initial launch of the game will cover the region of Eriador, including the Shire, Rivendell, Breeland, and other landmarks from The Lord of the Rings.
Complete list is:
Angmar
Archet
The Shire
Bree-Land
Misty Mountain
Rivendel
Thorin’s Gate
The Ered Luin
The Trollshaws
The Lone-Lands
The North Downs
Ettenmoors
Expansion packs will open up Gondor, Rohan, Moria, and Mordor.
What about PVP?
No PVP in the main game. There's a large, NON-instanced zone where you can take control of a level 50 monster once you reach level 10. Level 45-50 PC's lead raids into the zone and the monsters assemble raids to defend. Both sides have objectives, including capturing several castles, and you can level up your monster and use points you earn to buy perks in the main game.
PVMP
It takes place in an area known as Ettenmoors, north of Rivendel where Aragorn’s grandfather, Arador, met his end at the hands of the Hill-trolls dwelling in the Coldfells.
Monster play allows players to assume the role of different monster characters including orcs, wargs, and spiders, that can directly battle regular Free People characters in certain regions created for these battles. Earn Destiny Points through questing and fighting to purchase upgrades for your monster or perks for your main character!
What about Points of Interest?
Check Here for a list of points of interest from the books that you will find in the opening areas of Lord of The Rings Online. Tom Bombadil sounds like a nice guy.
What about crafting?!
Let’s see what I can find here.
Each Vocation is made up of three Professions
Vocations
Armourer
Metalsmith
Prospector
Tailor
Armourers can create a wide variety of armour, but they specialize in heavy armour and shields. As capable miners and smelters, they can procure and prepare the metal they need; they can also craft clothes and leather armour, but will need to trade for the tanned hides required to create these items. This is an excellent choice of trade for one who relies on heavy armour and shields.
Explorer
Tailor
Forestor
Prospector
Explorers are resourceful folk who can live off the land, crafting leather armour and clothing while gathering anything useful they come across. Explorer is an excellent choice for anyone who wears Light or Medium armour, or wants to specialize in resource gathering.
Armsman
Weaponsmith
Prospector
Wood worker
Armsmen are capable of crafting any weapon their fellow adventurers might ever need, so this is an excellent vocation for anyone who relies on their fighting abilities. An Armsman is proficient in mining and smelting, but will need to trade for wood with which to make bows, spears, and the like.
Tinker
Jeweller
Prospector
Cook
A Tinker’s greatest skill is that of jewelcraft, and a skilled Tinker can create baubles of both beauty and utility. Tinkers can harvest the precious metals and stones they needs for their work, and given the long hours this trade requires, it’s a good thing that a Tinker is also a fair hand at preparing a hearty meal!
Yeoman
Cook
Farmer
Tailor
Yeomen are the salt of the earth, tilling soil and preparing food with age-old skills and knowledge. They can also create clothes and leather armours, but need to trade their produce for the hides required.
Woodsman
Wood Worker
Forestor
Farmer
Woodsmen are the foremost bowyers in Middle-earth, and are capable of crafting fine weapons from the raw wood they gather and treat. Their knowledge of plants and nature also makes them proficient Farmers. Woodsman is an excellent choice of vocation for anyone who wants to create their own mighty bows.
Historian
Scholar
Weaponsmith
Farmer
Historians are unique in their access to the Scholarly arts, which allows 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.
Professions
Once you’ve chosen a Vocation, visit a provisioner for any of your three Professions to purchase tools, recipes, and many ingredients needed by that Profession. (Note: though provisioners carry a wide selection, many items needed for crafting, including some special rare recipes, are found as loot or must be obtained from other players.) Provisioner NPCs are usually located in the vicinity of the Mistresses or Masters of Apprentices, and in many additional towns. Following are details about the ten different Professions that make up LOTRO’s Vocations.
Cook
A long march can be made all the easier with the promise of a good meal at the end. While it may seem a mundane talent, a good cook is every adventurer's best friend!
Farmer
Farmers grow items, such as pipeweed, in the field and harvest them, usually as supplies for other crafting Vocations.
Forester
Foresters gather resources such as wood from the forest, to be used by other crafting Vocations.
Jeweller
Simple adornments and objects of beauty are the heart of the jeweller's trade. However, exceptional adornments can go far to increasing the stature and confidence of an adventurer, and a skilled jeweller can produce true works of art.
Metalsmith
Metal armors and sturdy shields are the metalsmith's domain. Though their initial products may be of simple make, eventually their skills will allow them to work finer materials and greater designs.
Prospector
Prospectors gather stone and ore from the earth for use in other crafting Vocations.
Scholar
Perhaps the most mysterious of the professions, the Scholar collects fragments of lost lore and attempts to interpret their secrets. By doing so, he can create scrolls for other craftsmen to read and improve their chances of producing a superior product. Other practical applications include lore by which specific enemies (orcs, trolls, the dead) might be best combated, dyes, and cures for various maladies.
Tailor
A skilled tailor can make simple clothing from common cloth, but with time and practice they can learn to create garments of great beauty that provide significant protection to their wearer. The Tailor can also work with tanned hides to produce leather armor – light, tough and suitable for travel.
Weaponsmith
As the name would suggest, the Weaponsmith is the primary source of melee weapons. Swords, daggers, and axes of all varieties are the Weaponsmith's purview, ranging from bronze training gear to mighty weapons of ancient design and great renown.
Woodworker
As any archer will tell you, it takes more than a stick and a string to make a worthy weapon. The woodworker is an expert bowyer, but expands his trade to include staves, spears, and other hafted weapons. A master Woodworker can produce weapons that even an elven hero would be proud to wield on the battlefield.
Yea so that’s a brief over view of the crafting.
Can I get some visual aids
Well needless to say the game looks beautiful. Some of the screens you might of previously seen were done with a lower quality version of the game by the way. The released version, and the pre-order DVD version (Not the one downloaded) comes with high quality character and armour models and what not.
(Warning: Photo's have all been resized from huge H-Rape sized)
Photobucket dump full of screen captures during the making of a character and early years
Full Overview on wide screen
Dont piss this guy off.
Something I forgot to mention in my post. Music. Minstrels, like in every other mmo sword and board game have lutes and drums and stuff and play music. Well in LOTR:O you can actually play music on your guitar. Most people use macro's to record songs then apply them in game whilst using their lutes to get real songs. Recently new code has been added to the game to cut down on the system lag so your songs come out smooth.
Youtube video of some guy rocking out to some, uh, music.
Make Post!
Update May 31th, 2007
Oh hey look release is come and gone. Get your game and get in the action. The Barrovian Society is our Kinship (Guild) and we're steaming full speed ahead.
I found a website with half decent quest info, find it Here
Barrovian specific Forum is here.
Crafting resource website, components and stuff, worthy of the top of the page.
First, PA guild name is The Barrovian Society. Send a tell or in game mail to an Officer for an invite to the Kinship (Guild). Weerean, Kalam, Rindae, Kiran, Aurin, Felehad, Kestiel, Edros
Second, the official PA server current sits as Landroval, the Un-Official RP server.
Do not, I repeat DO NOT sell any purple "Trophy" drop from creatures. They're used by crafters to make purple items so store them in your vault and keep an eye open for anyone asking for them.
So far noteable Kinship crafters are as follows:
Rindae - Weaponsmith Master Expert
Steerpike - Armoursmith Soon to be Master Journeyman
Diavalos - Armoursmith Master Expert
Weerean - Master Expert Jeweler God <- god
Aurin - Tailor
Kiran - Damn near master journeyman Scholar working on expert level.
Player List
Triple B
Gilaniel - Elven Hunter
Ederondil - Human Captain
Gwolin - Dwarven Guardian
Jacquelyne - Human Champion
Edros - Human Loremaster
Esh
Rindae - Elven Champion - Weaponsmith
Malice Aforethought
Lorin - Dwarf Minstrel
CarpeDM
Balaergul - Human Minstrel
Nissl
Nissl - Hobbit Burglar
Cyrion - Elf Champion
Pig Destroyer
Arsis - Hobbit Buglar
Lunysgwen
Giraldus - Human Captain
Jast
Taradran - ???
GoodOmens
Yakob - Dwarf Champion
Elhana - Elven Minstrel
Veevee
Vrago - Hobbit Burglar
Dwoin - Dwarf Guardian
Ealswith - Human Lore-master
Beleglas - Elf Hunter
Hessig - Human Captain
Aurin
Aurin - Elven Hunter
mynameisguido
Beornhelm - Human Captain
Thrimil - Dwarf Champion
Ravenlock
Rindahl - Minstrel
Oddjob187
Diavalos - Human Captain - Armoursmith
Ketoras - Elven Hunter - Leather Boiler
Bragizar - Dwarf Guardian
Ash-Housewares
Kiran – Burglar – Scholar
Korth – Armsman – Guardian
Grot – Woodsman – Hunter
Lanson – Explorer – Lore-Master
Kenyen – Tinker – Captain
dachish
Weniki - ???
Shadowfire
Kristopf - Captain
Kaneth - Hunter
Reynna - Champion
Stein - Minstrel
Daros - Lore-Master
codechino
hythe - Elven lore master
deadonthestreet
Dots - Dwarf Guardian
tido14
Galadir - Elven Minstrel
Daric
Daric - Dwarven Champion
Morskittar
Rooster - Hobbit Buglar
Kolsch - Dwarven Guardian
Campips - Human Minstrel
Athdil
Athdil - Human Hunter
Lessren - Elf Champion
Dogthulhu
Glongrim - Dwarf Guardian
Enns
Cengar - Human Captain
043
Carmathil - Elf Hunter
Bama
Bloin - Dwarf minstrel
GroovyMr1337
Gnorin - Dwarf Minstrel
neville
Neville - Elf Hunter
CyberJackal
Graf - Dwarf Guardian
Timm - Human Lore Master
ManetherenWolf
Rornskald - Dwarf Guardian
Update
Alright you scally wags. Pre-Order OB is on.
First, PA guild name is The Barrovian Society.
Second, the official PA server current sits as Landroval, the Un-Official RP server. Considering the amount of pre orders the game has and the number of people that will flood the OB looking for something sword and board to play other then WoW, any server we choose will be raped by sheer numbers so the current choice for the server is subject to change. Any character beyond level 15 will not cross over into the launch servers so there are no big worrys about people loosing a shit ton of work. Coo?
I will update this OP with the names of all scally wags whom are playing once we're in the shire smoking some of the smelly green leaf and playing Hendrix on our lutes.
Pre-Order people’s beta starts on March 30th, and public access opens on April 6th.
LOTRO is set in the Third Age, during the War of the Ring. The game begins approximately after Frodo leaves the Shire with the One Ring. The launch product will essentially cover the time and many locations of the first book, The Fellowship of the Ring.
Pre-Ordering gets you a founder option of paying $9.99/month for your subscription or $199 for a Life Time Subscription to the game, and a few special items to boot.
Bring forth the hairy feet!
Your basic information and lay of the land.
Races:
MenThe shortest-lived of the races of Middle-earth, yet also the race destined to rule in the years beyond the Third Age, the race of Men is defined by their relatively short life span. Their mortality was considered a unique gift, but in time it became known as "The Doom of Men" and a source of lamentation.
In designing the race of Men for The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar, the difficulty is in creating a race of characters that is not seen as simply "ordinary" amongst the other fascinating races of the land. Men occupy a unique place within J.R.R. Tolkien's lore, since (though they may not realize it themselves) they are the race of destiny. Men are also easily swayed and exceedingly ambitious. Many have been corrupted by promises of power and these make up a sizable portion of the armies of the Dark Lord, along with the other, more outwardly monstrous races of Middle-earth. The Men that populate the game as NPCs are particularly interesting, since the motivations of Men are often unknown and appearances can easily deceive. Conversations with Men met in Bree, for instance, can be challenging to the unwary; for within that city's walls there reside both Free People fighting for good and also a dark element of corrupted Men fighting against the light.
Playable Classes:
Champion
Guardian
Captain
Burglar
Hunter
Minstrel
Lore Master
ElfThroughout the ages, the deeds and struggles of the noble race of Elves have been entwined with the very history of Middle-earth. They remember all too well the devastation caused by the tides of evil that once darkened the land - a shadow which threatens to do so once again. In ages past, the Elves divided into many different groups, and settled throughout Middle-earth, primarily in the ancient forested realms where they yet live. Tall and strong, fair and graceful, Elves have keen senses and a deep affinity for the beauty of the natural world around them. Elves do not "die" in the way understood by Men; Elves often live in the lands of Middle-earth for thousands of years, suffering neither the effects of time nor disease, though the body of an Elf may be struck down in battle. At the end of their days in Middle-earth, the Elves travel to unknown realms across the western sea.
Long ago, the Elves 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. Now, as the Third Age draws to a close and the War of the Ring is at hand, the Elves are once again stirring from their forested realms and hidden valleys, allying with the Free Peoples of Middle-earth against the darkness which grows from both the North and East.
Playable Classes:
Champion
Guardian
Minstrel
Hunter
Lore Master
DwarfsThe stout Dwarves of Middle-earth are known for their steadfast determination, hearty strength, and commitment to all things found in the world's deep places. Living a secretive life in their homes beneath the great mountains, Dwarves are expert miners and workers of stone and metal, capable of crafting with great strength and renown, along with unparalleled beauty and intricacy. Unwavering and proud, the Dwarves fight for the Free Peoples of Middle-earth (although an ages-old mistrust exists between Dwarves and Elves), emerging from their deep dwellings to bring their strength and fierce combat skills to bear in the battle against the Darkness in the East. Dwarves stand on average approximately 4½ to 5 feet high and typically live long lives of 250 years or more.
The Dwarves are excellent warriors and master craftsmen, displaying unique toughness in battle and the ability to create great things. Ever secretive, Dwarves oft begin their adventure in the soaring halls carved from beneath Ered Luin (The Blue Mountains), a land steeped in history and natural beauty near the western shores of Middle-earth.
Playable Classes:
Champion
Guardian
Minstrel
Hunter
Last but not least, though shortest
HobbitsThere are few recorded deeds of Hobbits until late in the Third Age of Middle-earth, which is just the way Hobbits would prefer it. They are simple, quiet folks, preferring to dwell in hillside holes in and around the area known as The Shire in western Eriador. Called "Halflings" by some due to their size relative to Men, these small folk enjoy the peaceful endeavours of farming, eating, and gift giving, rather than concerning themselves with the dangerous affairs of the rest of Middle-earth (save the legends of Hobbit bowmen in the wars of Fornost). In these dark days, however, it is the unassuming Hobbits, with their often surprising adeptness of both word and action, that will have the greatest impact in the war between the Free Peoples and the lengthening Shadow from the North.
From the most modest of beginnings, Hobbits are capable of the grandest of deeds. Their nimbleness and quick-thinking are well documented of course, but Hobbits are not to be underestimated. Hobbits, although small in size relative to the other races, are sturdy of body, determined in their actions, and good with bow or knife (when they have to be). Their small frame belies a toughness and spirit of a capable adventurer in the lands of Middle-earth.
Playable Classes:
Guardian
Minstrel
Hunter
Buglar
Classes
Champion
A true master of arms, the Champion excels at combat, focusing on little other than destroying her foes. The Champion's whirling blades can strike fear into the heart of even the foulest orc, cutting down swaths of their numbers at once. While a Champion's training and armor grants her some survivability, it is not her focus, and a Champion can quickly find herself in trouble when facing several foes on her own.
The Champion is the class of choice for players that enjoy fast-paced combat with multiple options available at any given moment. Champions can use various weapon styles, but focus on using two weapons simultaneously. With their active play-style Champions are able to consistently cause large amounts of damage to both single and multiple opponents in combat. Their style of combat revolves around the idea that the best defense is a good offense.
Guardian
A doughty fighter and protector of the weak, a skilled Guardian can face even the toughest foes and survive. The Guardian is one of the few classes willing and able to try to draw more blows onto themselves, so they can retaliate with devastating maneuvers in response.
The Guardian will be the class of choice for players that enjoy drawing the attention of their foes in combat and taking advantage of their missteps. Masters of the defensive arts, Guardians use taxing attacks and irksome taunts to draw and hold opponents' attention, relying on their shield and weapon to turn aside incoming attacks with blocks and parries. A Guardian's combat style depends on creating openings during an opponent's attack to provide the opportunity for their own counter attack.
Captain
Bearing her banner into battle, a Captain provides hope and leadership to her fellows, inspiring them to greater deeds. A skilled Captain can rally a party back from the brink of defeat, or seal a victory against many foes. While a Captain is a respected fighter on her own accord, she is primarily driven by her powerful sense of leadership to those fighting around her.
The Captain is the class of choice for players who enjoy supporting their fellows while participating in melee combat. Her battle cries allow her to take advantage of certain events in combat to aid the morale or combat ability of her fellows. A Captain's style of combat focuses on inspiring those around her to glory.
Burglar
A stealthy trickster, the Burglar can dart in and out of the shadows to befuddle, weaken, or damage foes. An unexpected strike from behind by a burglar can stun or trip enemies, allowing others in his party to combine their efforts for a devastating attack. Unassuming on his own, a burglar would be wise to not be caught alone.
The Burglar is the class of choice for players that enjoy using cunning and tricks to defeat their opponents. Using concealment, a Burglar can strike from the shadows, taking his opponents unawares. With his wit, a Burglar can show his allies where a foe's weakness lies -- or trap someone in a riddle. A Burglar's combat style hinges on his ability to outmaneuver and outwit opponents while hitting them where it hurts.
Hunter
Woodsman, pathfinder, and master of the bow, the keen-eyed Hunter can use his arrows to devastating effect from a distance. Archery is not the only thing the Hunter excels at, for he can lead his companions through the forest at greater speed than they could on their own, and can set up traps to ambush enemies. The archer is no close-quarters fighter, however, and would generally rather let his bow do the work than resort to his sword.
The Hunter is the class of choice for players who enjoy striking a target at range. Clever by nature, the Hunter is known to lure his targets into traps to hinder them, giving him time to use his bow to deadly effect. A Hunter's knowledge of nature also provides skills that help him and his fellows survive in the wild. A Hunter's combat style depends on the ability to injure a foe while staying out of harm's way.
Minstrel
With song and tale, a Minstrel brings hope to places thick with gloom. She can inspire those with desperate minds and heavy hearts to great deeds. In battle, she can turn the tide with songs that strengthen her allies and dirges which strike fear into the hearts of enemies.
The Minstrel is the class of choice for players who want to aid their friends, inspiring them to keep going through the darkest of times. With a vast repertoire of tales both fair and foul, a Minstrel restores the morale of her fellows, as well as causing enemies to despair. Though able to wield weapons, she prefers to let her words, rather than her sword, speak for her. A Minstrel's style of combat is based on maintaining hope no matter what the odds.
Lore Master
A keeper of ancient lore and otherwise lost knowledge, the Lore-master uses his knowledge of the lesser and greater powers of the world around him to stave off the advances of the shadow for a time, and to treat the wounds and suffering of his companions. In dire need he can use this knowledge to hurt his foes; but this task being extremely difficult, a wise Lore-master would rarely attempt it.
The Lore-master will be the class of choice for the player that enjoys using the power of ancient lore to aid their allies and hinder their foes. Steeped in the histories of Middle-earth Lore-masters are able to aid their fellows in recovering from maladies caused by the forces of the Dark Lord. They can also use their knowledge to daze, harm, or hinder their enemies, as well as give of themselves to strengthen another. Some Lore-masters are even said to be able to communicate with animals and request their aid. A Lore-master's combat style is anchored in the power of knowledge and using it intelligently to defeat evil.
What areas of middle earth does the game cover right now?
The initial launch of the game will cover the region of Eriador, including the Shire, Rivendell, Breeland, and other landmarks from The Lord of the Rings.
Complete list is:
Angmar
Archet
The Shire
Bree-Land
Misty Mountain
Rivendel
Thorin’s Gate
The Ered Luin
The Trollshaws
The Lone-Lands
The North Downs
Ettenmoors
Expansion packs will open up Gondor, Rohan, Moria, and Mordor.
What about PVP?
No PVP in the main game. There's a large, NON-instanced zone where you can take control of a level 50 monster once you reach level 10. Level 45-50 PC's lead raids into the zone and the monsters assemble raids to defend. Both sides have objectives, including capturing several castles, and you can level up your monster and use points you earn to buy perks in the main game.
PVMP
It takes place in an area known as Ettenmoors, north of Rivendel where Aragorn’s grandfather, Arador, met his end at the hands of the Hill-trolls dwelling in the Coldfells.
Monster play allows players to assume the role of different monster characters including orcs, wargs, and spiders, that can directly battle regular Free People characters in certain regions created for these battles. Earn Destiny Points through questing and fighting to purchase upgrades for your monster or perks for your main character!
What about Points of Interest?
Check Here for a list of points of interest from the books that you will find in the opening areas of Lord of The Rings Online. Tom Bombadil sounds like a nice guy.
What about crafting?!
Let’s see what I can find here.
Each Vocation is made up of three Professions
Vocations
Armourer
Metalsmith
Prospector
Tailor
Armourers can create a wide variety of armour, but they specialize in heavy armour and shields. As capable miners and smelters, they can procure and prepare the metal they need; they can also craft clothes and leather armour, but will need to trade for the tanned hides required to create these items. This is an excellent choice of trade for one who relies on heavy armour and shields.
Explorer
Tailor
Forestor
Prospector
Explorers are resourceful folk who can live off the land, crafting leather armour and clothing while gathering anything useful they come across. Explorer is an excellent choice for anyone who wears Light or Medium armour, or wants to specialize in resource gathering.
Armsman
Weaponsmith
Prospector
Wood worker
Armsmen are capable of crafting any weapon their fellow adventurers might ever need, so this is an excellent vocation for anyone who relies on their fighting abilities. An Armsman is proficient in mining and smelting, but will need to trade for wood with which to make bows, spears, and the like.
Tinker
Jeweller
Prospector
Cook
A Tinker’s greatest skill is that of jewelcraft, and a skilled Tinker can create baubles of both beauty and utility. Tinkers can harvest the precious metals and stones they needs for their work, and given the long hours this trade requires, it’s a good thing that a Tinker is also a fair hand at preparing a hearty meal!
Yeoman
Cook
Farmer
Tailor
Yeomen are the salt of the earth, tilling soil and preparing food with age-old skills and knowledge. They can also create clothes and leather armours, but need to trade their produce for the hides required.
Woodsman
Wood Worker
Forestor
Farmer
Woodsmen are the foremost bowyers in Middle-earth, and are capable of crafting fine weapons from the raw wood they gather and treat. Their knowledge of plants and nature also makes them proficient Farmers. Woodsman is an excellent choice of vocation for anyone who wants to create their own mighty bows.
Historian
Scholar
Weaponsmith
Farmer
Historians are unique in their access to the Scholarly arts, which allows 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.
Professions
Once you’ve chosen a Vocation, visit a provisioner for any of your three Professions to purchase tools, recipes, and many ingredients needed by that Profession. (Note: though provisioners carry a wide selection, many items needed for crafting, including some special rare recipes, are found as loot or must be obtained from other players.) Provisioner NPCs are usually located in the vicinity of the Mistresses or Masters of Apprentices, and in many additional towns. Following are details about the ten different Professions that make up LOTRO’s Vocations.
Cook
A long march can be made all the easier with the promise of a good meal at the end. While it may seem a mundane talent, a good cook is every adventurer's best friend!
Farmer
Farmers grow items, such as pipeweed, in the field and harvest them, usually as supplies for other crafting Vocations.
Forester
Foresters gather resources such as wood from the forest, to be used by other crafting Vocations.
Jeweller
Simple adornments and objects of beauty are the heart of the jeweller's trade. However, exceptional adornments can go far to increasing the stature and confidence of an adventurer, and a skilled jeweller can produce true works of art.
Metalsmith
Metal armors and sturdy shields are the metalsmith's domain. Though their initial products may be of simple make, eventually their skills will allow them to work finer materials and greater designs.
Prospector
Prospectors gather stone and ore from the earth for use in other crafting Vocations.
Scholar
Perhaps the most mysterious of the professions, the Scholar collects fragments of lost lore and attempts to interpret their secrets. By doing so, he can create scrolls for other craftsmen to read and improve their chances of producing a superior product. Other practical applications include lore by which specific enemies (orcs, trolls, the dead) might be best combated, dyes, and cures for various maladies.
Tailor
A skilled tailor can make simple clothing from common cloth, but with time and practice they can learn to create garments of great beauty that provide significant protection to their wearer. The Tailor can also work with tanned hides to produce leather armor – light, tough and suitable for travel.
Weaponsmith
As the name would suggest, the Weaponsmith is the primary source of melee weapons. Swords, daggers, and axes of all varieties are the Weaponsmith's purview, ranging from bronze training gear to mighty weapons of ancient design and great renown.
Woodworker
As any archer will tell you, it takes more than a stick and a string to make a worthy weapon. The woodworker is an expert bowyer, but expands his trade to include staves, spears, and other hafted weapons. A master Woodworker can produce weapons that even an elven hero would be proud to wield on the battlefield.
Yea so that’s a brief over view of the crafting.
Can I get some visual aids
Well needless to say the game looks beautiful. Some of the screens you might of previously seen were done with a lower quality version of the game by the way. The released version, and the pre-order DVD version (Not the one downloaded) comes with high quality character and armour models and what not.
(Warning: Photo's have all been resized from huge H-Rape sized)
Photobucket dump full of screen captures during the making of a character and early years
Full Overview on wide screen
Dont piss this guy off.
Something I forgot to mention in my post. Music. Minstrels, like in every other mmo sword and board game have lutes and drums and stuff and play music. Well in LOTR:O you can actually play music on your guitar. Most people use macro's to record songs then apply them in game whilst using their lutes to get real songs. Recently new code has been added to the game to cut down on the system lag so your songs come out smooth.
Youtube video of some guy rocking out to some, uh, music.
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Oddjob187 on
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This is the one being made by Turbine, right? It will be really interesting to see how this turns out, as I really loved Asherons Call. Not the second one. Oh god dammit my ears are bleeding again
Lord of the Rings: Online is a solo friendly game ultimately similar in playstyle to world of warcraft, with perhaps a bit more fellowshipping and instancing at the higher levels. It's definitely a lot more "worldy" and more realistic than world of warcraft, but more artistically styled and less demanding on the system than vanguard or even eq2.
As far as solo play, experience gain is heavily weighted towards questing rather than killing monsters, effectively removing grinding as the fastest way to advance in the game. Rather than have talent trees, you earn traits you can slot by completing a certain number of quests in a given area, killing a certain number of monsters, or using your skills a lot. This encourages you to explore the game and finish up extra quests for fun. Passive skills are given on the odd levels, normal skills on the even levels, and your skills level with you rather than having to be repurchased.
Crafting auto-forces you to select both gathering and collecting skills, so you don't just dual-gather and sell your way through the game. Crafted items seem pretty useful at low levels, although you'd have to grind a bit to get a full set of crafted gear as early as possible. You also get auto-forced to pick a third gathering or crafting profession; whether that actually encourages trading between players remains to be seen.
The quest text is lengthy, well motivated and well written, and does a much better job giving you a feel for the world than in other games thanks to the dramatic backdrop. Although strictly smaller than WoW, the world feels expansive and full of nooks and crannies to explore, rather than a series of straight-line quest objectives separated by running. The designers aren't afraid to have wide-open spaces with few monsters in them, producing a much more realistic feel and less grindy gameplay. The decrease in the number of encounters you have to fight per quest is offset by making each encounter a bit longer and increasing the number of soloable two- and three-pulls, making it a bit more engaging and cerebral than previous grinds.
Melee combat initially feels a bit slow relative to world of warcraft, but is a more tactical and reactive variant that's ultimately pretty satisfying. Every class is solid solo (though loremasters may have been overnerfed a bit the last patch). The compression into 7 classes means that each class brings multiple contributions to the group in an interesting remix of mostly familiar ideas. For example, the burglar not only does dps but also debuffs the mob, cc's, self-heals, and starts group attacks called conjunctions. The loremaster has a pet, crowd control, dots, dds, spot healing, debuffing, and power battery functions. Champions are combat rogues without stealth but a more interesting combo point system, off-tanking, and AOE melee DPS abilities. The minstrel not only heals but has buffing/debuffing damage spells, melee abilities, and fear/shackle cc.
I'm particularly interested in the promised endgame. Rather than a static world with an ever escalating series of raid encounters, new areas are likely to be patched in following the arc of the books' story. These will contain not just raid content but also solo content, normal dungeons, and new crafting recipes. Non-raiders will be able to keep very close in gear strength to raiders (though PVP'ers still need more legitimate item-based rewards at level 50 than short player buffs or extra exp). The sidelining of PVP, by the way, should allow for contained world PVP-like battles and prevent PVE balancing headaches (since all balancing can be done through the monsters.)
Biggest downsides right now are occasional lag spikes (particularly bad around the entrances to instanced buildings in towns) and the economy/class balancing headaches that come with beta. I have my fingers crossed that the open beta servers will sort out the lag issue.
By the way oddjob, hobbits can be burglars, not lore-masters. (I only know that because that's what I'll be come open beta... hooray for stereotypes).
Ah good catch, thanks.
My biggest desire for this game is just PVE. I am some what sick of games that are forced to nerf the fuck out of classes because of pvp whining. Without PVP, things are a little smoother. That and I never had much love for spaming, bunny hopping pvp from other games. Oh and its Lord of The Rings, that helps the urge just a bit. Oh and I love questing.
Only six more days.
I think I will find myself playing a Manly Captain.
high-res: http://img487.imageshack.us/img487/1379/1highmf0.jpg
not: http://img487.imageshack.us/img487/4796/1lowri2.jpg
high-res: http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/8382/4highrt1.jpg
not: http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/7470/4lowwe5.jpg
high-res: http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/1802/3highii0.jpg
not: http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/8568/3lowel7.jpg
Ooo pretty: http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/8818/nice1mf6.jpg
Not much of a difference with high-res textures until you get up close. Note the chicken pictures, and the chain-link armor in the dwarf pictures.
Edit: These are all with graphics turned up to the tits. All I changed between screenshots was Texture Quality from Ultra High to High.
Res is in 1680x1050
What I had played of it seemed fun, if very reminescent of WoW
I'm taking friday off. *cough cough* I feel a cold coming on that will hit in six days.
i guess i feel spoiled by other MMO's but that seems kinda limited to me.
of course i dont know much about LOTR lore other than the movies.
Pokemon Diamond:3394 0249 9567
There's also monser races (5 I believe) but they're limited to PvP areas and don't exactly level, just get new bonus abilities.
They have this option because, i am guessing after playing in a couple beta iterations, that there isnt anything in the game to hold your interest for a significant amount of time.
MKDS: 1890-3814-0891
MPH: 1031-4679-1259
The question really is whether they'll manage to stick to the aggressive content patching schedule they established with AC1. If they do, we may talking a new pvmp or pve zone every couple of months, and an expansion every year, which is enough to keep me happy. If they patch more like world of warcraft, a raid dungeon every 6 months or so, the game will definitely get stale fast.
As someone else said, the main issue is not whether there will be enough content 2 years from now, but whether there will be enough 6 months from now. I'm going for the $9.99 pre-order offer and if they don't prove it around 6 months from now may move on to AOC or WAR. It would still be a fun 6 months of leveling even if that is the outcome.
I think that's what you wanted to say. LOTR:O should be a good stop gap for the lull till something new comes out.
I'll probably try this when the open-open beta starts, but not sure if I'll keep at it. Specially once WAR releases.
I take it, Fellowship of the Wang has already been suggested right?
I might have a little fun messing around with this, GW is getting a bit boring,
All names are supposed to be within the LoTR naming conventions, so no ssjgoku crap. but that also means names like Fellowship of the Wang may not be useable either.
Also, technically, a "fellowship" is what they call a "group" in this game.
A "kinship" is what they call a "guild."
What were your main gripes with the game?
It was like playing a single player game but with random people online.
Its WoW/EQ with better graphics.
Would you recommend it as a switch from someone burned out on WoW :O?
Possibly, if you like that type of game play. To me, it felt like everything took a really long time to accomplish, and i really dont like their trait system.
Are you bruned out on WOW because you dont enjoy it or because there is no new content?
Depends on why you're burned out I'd say. If you're sick of the cartooniness, grinds, endgame mentality, and/or PVP/PVE balance headaches, or the world and classes just have gotten a little stale after two years, then this is a good alternative to think about. If you're sick of doing the casual questing/leveling PVE thing entirely, then this is unlikely to be different enough for you.
You're the only one.
No.
Really.
I'm actually pretty excited about playing LotR:O. I sure as hell won't do the lifetime subscription, but I had a lot of fun with it during the stress test. It really did feel like a single player game, but with random people online... and that's what I liked about it. Focused quest lines, story components, and fairly tight, tactical gameplay. Just like NWN or something but with other people. Enough to hold me over and worth the money 'till WAR comes out.
Also, it's really pretty.
I think the characters look remarkably dead and soulless.
Game Summary
Landroval, the server we're planning to start up on, is also the unofficial RP server... here's hoping that between that and the RP naming conventions on every server we can leave this kind of stuff behind.
Also, in the previous thread, I suggested our Kinship be named "The Tea Club and Barrovian Society", as an homage to Tolkien himself. Nobody seemed to think it was a horrible idea, but some thought it'd be a good idea to integrate our PA-status somehow. Not a bad idea, either. So have at it, G&T. It of course gets my vote, but you all can decide.
I'm having a fucking blast with this game, and the 4 days of silence is going to suck hard. I'll be keeping tabs on this thread, so hopefully we can all decide on a name for the official PA kinship.
Minstrel all the way.
Also, me and my wife will be playing, but she wont have her own computer for about another month. Once we get that we will probably both be on pretty regularly.
Yes. Wood, metal, and lore all have nodes; the metal nodes look far more artificial to me than in WoW. Farming has locations you can do it. Skins ("hides") drop automatically though and there's no herb collection (thank god). Also, you only have to hit a node once rather than mining it 3-5 times to get all the goodies.
As for the gear, all I can tell you about is the first tier of crafting. There are generally upgrades in all but 1 or 2 slots the first level you can use the items. Probably downgrades 3-4 levels later. Just questing with no focus on grinding mats generally will fill in 2-3 slots with crafted items before they're downgrades.
The game lets you pick between set pairs of crafting professions, i.e. mining/armor, mining/weapons, farming/cooking, forestry/woodworking, etc. You also have a third profession attached that is either a gathering or crafting profession, perhaps to promote trade (though I suspect many players will just ignore it.)
A few small annoyances: dual-gatherers can't have two radars on at once, even though some sets auto-assign dual-gathering, and you have to swap crafting sets every time you want to craft.
This is one of the parts of the game that feels most like WoW to me, which is fine since I don't play for crafting. One other thing, crafted items are supposed to keep up with raid/instance items in quality as they patch in new content; we'll see if they stick to that.
After watching some hunters in action in a video, shooting with the bow and stabbing with the twin blades, I have a feeling lots of people will want to be hunters...