I really like how they manage the progression and storyline in LotRO. What Turbine has done very well is allow for a mix and match approach to levelling. There are so many quests, and you don't have to do all of them. I mix questing with grinding for traits, then I do alot of crafting (5 slots gives you alot of different possibilities in crafting), and I also love to explore the landscapes (which helps immensely when questing).
And it's easy for RPers because they have so many different spots that are seeped in lore. PvP may not be as good as other games, but Turbine has been pretty vocal about how PvP is NOT the axis of the game, cooperative play is. This is awesome. I love to skirmish with other players, but an MMO like this is PvE-centric for a reason.
Since you haven't put forth the effort to even try it for FREE..I would say no,this isn't the game for you
Axtually I did put forth the effort. I downloaded the client registered, only to find that they key did not work. In actual fact, I think I shall be purchsing this game on Monday, as from what I have heard, this could be the best MMORPG out there for me. At least the closest to my perfect MMO that there is. I hope I am not disappointed.
So I am quite excited about playing it. Is the guidbook worth getting?
If you're joining up, don't look for any innovations in terms of combat. There are cool group moves, but solo play is pretty straight forward MMO stuff. What shines about LotRO to me is the landscaping and the quality/quantity of quests, as well as the diversity of activities you can do. And with the recently added housing update, you can now 'live' in ME (which to me is a huge plus for the game, although prices are a bit steep).
Since you haven't put forth the effort to even try it for FREE..I would say no,this isn't the game for you
Axtually I did put forth the effort. I downloaded the client registered, only to find that they key did not work. In actual fact, I think I shall be purchsing this game on Monday, as from what I have heard, this could be the best MMORPG out there for me. At least the closest to my perfect MMO that there is. I hope I am not disappointed.
So I am quite excited about playing it. Is the guidbook worth getting?
There's a guide for LoTRO? O.o
lol... I never knew that. Man I used to pick the up for almost any MMO I played. Never really had the thought to get one for LoTRO.
I've always got a browser open to lorebook.lotro.com. Comes in very handy when I just can't seem to find a NPC I need.
"If you just step away for a sec you will clearly see all the pot holes in the road, and the cash shop selling asphalt..." - Mimzel on F2P/Cash Shops
Since you haven't put forth the effort to even try it for FREE..I would say no,this isn't the game for you
Axtually I did put forth the effort. I downloaded the client registered, only to find that they key did not work. In actual fact, I think I shall be purchsing this game on Monday, as from what I have heard, this could be the best MMORPG out there for me. At least the closest to my perfect MMO that there is. I hope I am not disappointed.
So I am quite excited about playing it. Is the guidbook worth getting?
I'm glad hope to see you online. If you get on the Brandywine server look me up. Characters name is Tyndum, I'm in a pretty cool very helpful Kinship to if you want to join.
****************************** Brandywine Global LFF chan "/joinchannel glff"
LOTRO is great for imersion. The world is very detailed. This game has many linear storylines BUT you are NOT forced to do anything. You don't have to follow any story. You are free to do your own thing and level any way you want.
It's so immersive and detailed I even by accident drove my horse off a cliff admiring the scenery.
Best PVE MMORPG on the market in the truest sense.
If you are over 25 years of age in real life check out TheOlderGamers.com
I may just do that Jarash. I will be looking primarily for a rp-specific server, if there is one. If not, then I shall create my main in Brandywine and check for your character. I always like to join a guild in a MMO, as I like the comaradirie.
Cool. I know there is an unofficial RP server people talk about but don't know what that one is. Brandywine is one of the biggest I hear though so there will be ppl to have fun with. Yeah look me up, remember the name is Tyndum. When you make your char tell me on here too. Cant remember if you can msg on trial. Unless you are on their friend list.
****************************** Brandywine Global LFF chan "/joinchannel glff"
Get this...you know I was having problems with thr trial key? Well a friendly MMORPG.com user, pm'ed me to say he would refer me as a buddy, so that I could get a pass.
I waited, and nothing arrived in my e-mail's in-box, even checked spam. Nothing.
I told the guy who promptly got back in touch with Turbine to issue me another key.
Well, after everyone's comments (and thanks to all who replied to this thread), you guys have convinced me that LotR is the game to replace EQ2 in my Big Three (to those who don't know what I mean by this, I have a short attention span, and therefore usually have three subs running at once - my main games. That is not to say that I don't dabble in free2play. For my sins I do, and if I am in the mood for a grindfest, and some difficulty, and mindless killing, they suffice, where Lineage2 used to. Incidentally, if you ever liked L2, try Shaiya, virtually the same graphically, and gameplay wise. Even better in my novice opinion. The community is friendlier, and the other players are actually people, not bots. I also love how you have to get to level 50 in normal, to unlock hard setting, then I think it is level 80 in hard setting to unlock Ultima. Then, if you die, get this...you have three minutes to be rez'ed or your character is history! Permadeath - I love it! Pure hardcore)
Anyway, where was I before I began rabbling on? Yes, because of you guys, I have before me, I beautiful boxed set of LoTr.
I was just about to begin loading (which I believe may take longer due to Book 13) when I checked my e-mail, and would you adam and eve it? There from codemasters, is a trial key!
What do you think you guys? Should I use the key first,. and then use my full game key? What restrictions are there to this, or does it just mean that I would get an extra week free?
My alt was faunai...who was trying to send you the trial key, this account got a ban cause i don't usually go along with fanboisms.
So anyways, i would give the key a try first, this way you could always return the boxed game if you don't like it, and if you do, you don't need to reinstall the game, just input the boxed key code in and away you go!
The thing is, where I live, computer stores have a strict policy in regards to returns. If you get any online game, then they will not take it back, I know they are serius because many moons ago, I purcgased EQ2. Delighted with my new game, I strolled out of the shop.
I always like to get the 'bits and bobs' with a purchase, and so opened the box to see what goodies lay therein.
Then I notced it!
A DVD only game, at a time when i had no DVD (something that I soon remedied). Figuring they would be cool about it (I'm in there all the time), I thought they would exchange it there and then, But they didn't. As if in fifteen bloody minutes I could jump on a bus, get home, install it and use the key! Hardly likely, and it took me to argue until I was nearly blue in the face for them to swap (for FFXI as it turned out )
So, J, are you on an EU server? If you are then I shall definitey be on the look out for you. I am toying with the idea of gowing a Male Champion, a Hobbit Hunter and am Elf Lore-master. Or these classes any good (and what are the other ones like), I shall join up brandywine and look for your character.
Hw does the guild system work? Are thery called fellowships insead? Have not the rile book yet, but it looks as though pc's get to control a bad-guy. Brilliant idea.
It's funny how partisan people can get over their MMO's. I told my guildies that I had bought LotR. and much derision ensued. I pointed out to them that this was the exact attitude of my guildies in EQ2 , towards WoW. Oh no, 6 in the morning! I read be sleeping, but if I sleep now I will never wake up in time.
I'm also loving the idea of controlling a bad guy/monster. Brilliant concept.
Are you and he above poster (sorry forgot your ame) in guilds? If not, and sometime down the line we get cash, we could set our own up. I have always enjoyed playing in Guilfd, but having our very own would be even better. Would you mind if my friend used the pass, as he is a huge Tolkien fan (of the books), and he would loe a free trial.
I'm getting really tired now, and beginning to spout gibberish, so I shal quickly see if I can get LotR to work, before going to bed. In the lands of the Shire, and around Bree, lookout for a feral looking, Hobbit Hunter called: Sisellnot Smotlebol, or a male champion called Kettleford.
The thing is, where I live, computer stores have a strict policy in regards to returns. If you get any online game, then they will not take it back, I know they are serius because many moons ago, I purcgased EQ2. Delighted with my new game, I strolled out of the shop. I always like to get the 'bits and bobs' with a purchase, and so opened the box to see what goodies lay therein. Then I notced it! A DVD only game, at a time when i had no DVD (something that I soon remedied). Figuring they would be cool about it (I'm in there all the time), I thought they would exchange it there and then, But they didn't. As if in fifteen bloody minutes I could jump on a bus, get home, install it and use the key! Hardly likely, and it took me to argue until I was nearly blue in the face for them to swap (for FFXI as it turned out ) So, J, are you on an EU server? If you are then I shall definitey be on the look out for you. I am toying with the idea of gowing a Male Champion, a Hobbit Hunter and am Elf Lore-master. Or these classes any good (and what are the other ones like), I shall join up brandywine and look for your character. Hw does the guild system work? Are thery called fellowships insead? Have not the rile book yet, but it looks as though pc's get to control a bad-guy. Brilliant idea. It's funny how partisan people can get over their MMO's. I told my guildies that I had bought LotR. and much derision ensued. I pointed out to them that this was the exact attitude of my guildies in EQ2 , towards WoW. Oh no, 6 in the morning! I read be sleeping, but if I sleep now I will never wake up in time. I'm also loving the idea of controlling a bad guy/monster. Brilliant concept. Are you and he above poster (sorry forgot your ame) in guilds? If not, and sometime down the line we get cash, we could set our own up. I have always enjoyed playing in Guilfd, but having our very own would be even better. Would you mind if my friend used the pass, as he is a huge Tolkien fan (of the books), and he would loe a free trial. I'm getting really tired now, and beginning to spout gibberish, so I shal quickly see if I can get LotR to work, before going to bed. In the lands of the Shire, and around Bree, lookout for a feral looking, Hobbit Hunter called: Sisellnot Smotlebol, or a male champion called Kettleford. Hope to see you soon in Brandywine.
Brandywine is a US server.
However, if you're on Snowbourn, and see Finmoth/Snatchy or Gibbons, gimme a /tell if you need help with a Q or any advice.
The advice channel is always full of nice friendly helpful folks - no "lolz noob" talk in LOTRO, sir
DB
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
Okay, that is a pity that I cannot play on Brandywine, but I will certainly look out for your characters on Snowbourne.
I don't know if I have mentioned this already, but I am swaying towards an Elf Lore-Master (I usually go these type of classes, like Warlock in WoW, etc, the ones that can summon), but as I want to try something new, I think my first class my actually be a Hobbit Hunter, or Man Champion.
Couple of questions (it would not be me without any, wouldn't it?) what are the best classes for solo-ing, and in general, what are your opinions/experiences of each of them?
Also, it says in the manual that there is a prelude story for each race. Does this mean that it is different for each race, or are the Menand Hobbits and the elves/dwarves share the same story?
If I am on a EU server, and I cannot find a role-play specific one, then it will be Snowbourne, so I will look out for your characters. Mine will be called, Sissellnot Smotelbol (actually he would be better as a burglar,as he is very mischevious), Sir Kettleford Locklay (a knight who has shunned his responsibilites, much in the same vein as Aragorn), and the elf is the illustrious Andrelthist the as yet, uncoloured.
Actually, I was wondering about that in LotR lore. The colour granted after a mage's name, Saruman the White, Gandalf the Grey, Radagast the Brown. What do these colours imply, and are there others? And who gives them out? Afterall, Gandalf transformed to the White, without being elected.
Too bad about brandywine...thought about that when you said you got an email from codemasters (they are the EU distributors)
Don't know if you read this in the book or not, but Kinships are guilds and Fellowships are groups.
Im a champion and haven't really had any problem soloing. From what I hear each class can solo pretty well. Each race has their own starter instance and prologue to the story. It starts out has a small instance, then puts you in a starter area that is seperate from the big world. Once you hit 5 or6 depending on when you finish the prologue you will enter a larger instance to finish it. And then will be in the full world. All of the races prologues are different and really cool. You should check them all out at some point.
Also unlike wow you get rest experience anytime you logout, you dont have to go to an inn or city.
Also there is a thread in the Turbine forums where people write about the details turbine put into this game from the books, from the biggest to the most obscure. Its a great read if you like the books and th elore. Check it out
The monster play starts once you hit level 10 with your regular char. Then it onlocks it on the char selection screen. You can choose form like 6 or 7 monsters (creep)to play as. This is in a specific zone where only this occurs. You are lvl 50 and players (freeps) can only enter this area when the hit lvl 40. As a monster yo can do quests to earn destiny points that you can trade in for new skills and upgrades. The destiny points you get on your freeps or creeps is carried over your whole account. On your freep you can use these things for temp buffs like armor heatlth speed or like dbl exp. There is also something called session play where you can play a troll (creep) or ranger (freep) for 1hr every 24hrs. These are like elite mobs that are really hard to kill. There can only be 2 of them oat a time per server, but it makes things pretty interesting. It's pretty cool check it out.
Anyway glad to see you are gonna try it out! Have fun!
****************************** Brandywine Global LFF chan "/joinchannel glff"
Jarish, I was going to make a character on Snowbourne, but I just leanred that there is a rp server for UK, so I shall probably be starting there. Nothing to stop you popping over though,
I'm still downloading, and this is where I have a problem with COG. They have the poorest customer support I have ever seen on any online game. I ended up thinking that the patching was taking so long because that Book 13 was coming out. So i got into Turbine's customer support. I asked him if he could give me a brief estimate on how long it would take. 'No, I cannot help you, please contact Codemasters', I felt like screaming, al I wanted to know was the download size of Book 13, and then I could have worked it out myself qpproximately. 'No, I cannot help you' he kept saying, like some automated twat.
I am unsure which class to take as my main. I like the way the captain can summon a herald, but are they any good? So far it is between Hunter, Champion and Captain, but I would like to try Loremaster and Minstrel too. LM is the type of class I would normally go in a rpg, as I love classes that can summon. However, the raven and bear, hardly seem like decent creatures. LotR is the very first MMO where I have wanted to try every single class.
I love the idea of pvp as well, pure genius,
And I think that the idea with the exoansion packs is to follow along the course of the books, so extra countries will be unlocked. It makes me wonder if they may introduce evil races anfd classes in later expansions.
This game sounds awesome. Simply swesome. With a well thought out direction of where they are taking it. Perhaps, if they do launch evil classes, and we get riders of rohan, etc, then in maybe 10 years time, rather than have the game come to an end via a poxy press-release, they could do it in style. Even bring back old players for the final battle on Pelenars Field, what a way to say goodbye to the fans!
Right enought gabbering, I best go and see if I even like this game!!!!
The books already follow along with the books. Some more clossly others not. I haven't got to that point yet, but so far (up through book 13) The fellowship is waiting to leave in rivendell. Not to spoil to much but I have already met with Tom Bombadil, Strider Gandalf etc... So you are already helping th efellowship get through safely. I picked champion 1st cuz I like DPS, but im getting interested in the burglar and minstrel. Captains heralds are cool cuz they give you buffs like pallys did in wow but the heralds also fight. You can also put down banners (like shamans totems) for extended fights.
ANyway hope the d/l is going smoothly.
Jarish a.k.a Tyndum
****************************** Brandywine Global LFF chan "/joinchannel glff"
Well after a couple of days of download problems (I realised that I had both Turbine's and Codemaster's version of the game installed) I was able to finally create a character. Oddly I did not go for any of the ones which I thought I would. Instead I have choosed a proud Dalesman called Turkonan, who happens to be a Hunter.
I had listened to advice and was told that they were the closest to mages (damge wise, and the way they play), and so far, even just doing the prologue, I know I have made the right choice. The way the characters talk, and the game seems to flow around you. I hope this continues when I get into the 'actual' game. Anyway, enough talking, I have a Fellowship to find. Maybe even join a Kinship.
I've found that the starter areas are very well designed, particularly the prologue instances. I think that the intensity mellows out quite a bit later on, as you join the rest of the populuation in Breeland, but the epic quest lines will always provide the sense of flow you've described.
Check out my LOTRO Blog: www.middleearthadventurer.blogspot.com
Just a quick update. I've been playing for a couple of weeks now (not as much as I would have liked due to other committments), and LotR is now my number 1 game. I simply love it. I know it is still early days for me. I have not even started the first book yet, but just the promise of those 13 books waiting to be played, and then the expansion pack! It makes me very excited about what is to come.
I love the story element, and the feeling of immersion. I really do feel as though I am exploring Middle-earth, more verismilitude than I've experience in any other MMO. I also love the cut-scenes, and when you notice how many there are still to be unlocked, then it gives you an indication of just how much you have yet to do.
I play on EN-RP Laurelin. At first I thought the community was a bit elitist, but it was only because I was in a certain zone. Now, I see the quality of the rp, and most people keep IC. It is great, just what I have been looking for.
Just like to say thanks to the people who recommended this to me, and give me the inclination to go ahead and finally buy the game.
P.S. The updating system is brilliant too. The way it unfolds the story. I figure that at present the game is up to about half-way through The Fellowship of the Ring, so just goes to show you how much is yet to come. Brilliant.
... I play on EN-RP Laurelin. At first I thought the community was a bit elitist, but it was only because I was in a certain zone. Now, I see the quality of the rp, and most people keep IC. It is great, just what I have been looking for. ... I figure that at present the game is up to about half-way through The Fellowship of the Ring, so just goes to show you how much is yet to come. Brilliant.
I'm playing on Laurelin too, feel free to send a /tell to my character Eobersig when you have any questions.
BTW, the game covers the months when the Fellowship of the Ring stays in Rivendell. You will get the opportunity to have a chat with Frodo, Aragorn and the others.
I maintain this List of Sandbox MMORPGs. Please post or send PM for corrections and suggestions.
Comments
I really like how they manage the progression and storyline in LotRO. What Turbine has done very well is allow for a mix and match approach to levelling. There are so many quests, and you don't have to do all of them. I mix questing with grinding for traits, then I do alot of crafting (5 slots gives you alot of different possibilities in crafting), and I also love to explore the landscapes (which helps immensely when questing).
And it's easy for RPers because they have so many different spots that are seeped in lore. PvP may not be as good as other games, but Turbine has been pretty vocal about how PvP is NOT the axis of the game, cooperative play is. This is awesome. I love to skirmish with other players, but an MMO like this is PvE-centric for a reason.
So I am quite excited about playing it. Is the guidbook worth getting?
If you're joining up, don't look for any innovations in terms of combat. There are cool group moves, but solo play is pretty straight forward MMO stuff. What shines about LotRO to me is the landscaping and the quality/quantity of quests, as well as the diversity of activities you can do. And with the recently added housing update, you can now 'live' in ME (which to me is a huge plus for the game, although prices are a bit steep).
Good luck.
Axtually I did put forth the effort. I downloaded the client registered, only to find that they key did not work. In actual fact, I think I shall be purchsing this game on Monday, as from what I have heard, this could be the best MMORPG out there for me. At least the closest to my perfect MMO that there is. I hope I am not disappointed.So I am quite excited about playing it. Is the guidbook worth getting?
There's a guide for LoTRO? O.o
lol... I never knew that. Man I used to pick the up for almost any MMO I played. Never really had the thought to get one for LoTRO.
I've always got a browser open to lorebook.lotro.com. Comes in very handy when I just can't seem to find a NPC I need.
and the cash shop selling asphalt..." - Mimzel on F2P/Cash Shops
So I am quite excited about playing it. Is the guidbook worth getting?
I'm glad hope to see you online. If you get on the Brandywine server look me up. Characters name is Tyndum, I'm in a pretty cool very helpful Kinship to if you want to join.
******************************
Brandywine Global LFF chan "/joinchannel glff"
LOTRO is great for imersion. The world is very detailed. This game has many linear storylines BUT you are NOT forced to do anything. You don't have to follow any story. You are free to do your own thing and level any way you want.
It's so immersive and detailed I even by accident drove my horse off a cliff admiring the scenery.
Best PVE MMORPG on the market in the truest sense.
If you are over 25 years of age in real life check out TheOlderGamers.com
We have a great kingship on Elendilmir server
SHOHADAKU
I may just do that Jarash. I will be looking primarily for a rp-specific server, if there is one. If not, then I shall create my main in Brandywine and check for your character. I always like to join a guild in a MMO, as I like the comaradirie.
Cool. I know there is an unofficial RP server people talk about but don't know what that one is. Brandywine is one of the biggest I hear though so there will be ppl to have fun with. Yeah look me up, remember the name is Tyndum. When you make your char tell me on here too. Cant remember if you can msg on trial. Unless you are on their friend list.
******************************
Brandywine Global LFF chan "/joinchannel glff"
Get this...you know I was having problems with thr trial key? Well a friendly MMORPG.com user, pm'ed me to say he would refer me as a buddy, so that I could get a pass.
I waited, and nothing arrived in my e-mail's in-box, even checked spam. Nothing.
I told the guy who promptly got back in touch with Turbine to issue me another key.
Well, after everyone's comments (and thanks to all who replied to this thread), you guys have convinced me that LotR is the game to replace EQ2 in my Big Three (to those who don't know what I mean by this, I have a short attention span, and therefore usually have three subs running at once - my main games. That is not to say that I don't dabble in free2play. For my sins I do, and if I am in the mood for a grindfest, and some difficulty, and mindless killing, they suffice, where Lineage2 used to. Incidentally, if you ever liked L2, try Shaiya, virtually the same graphically, and gameplay wise. Even better in my novice opinion. The community is friendlier, and the other players are actually people, not bots. I also love how you have to get to level 50 in normal, to unlock hard setting, then I think it is level 80 in hard setting to unlock Ultima. Then, if you die, get this...you have three minutes to be rez'ed or your character is history! Permadeath - I love it! Pure hardcore)
Anyway, where was I before I began rabbling on? Yes, because of you guys, I have before me, I beautiful boxed set of LoTr.
I was just about to begin loading (which I believe may take longer due to Book 13) when I checked my e-mail, and would you adam and eve it? There from codemasters, is a trial key!
What do you think you guys? Should I use the key first,. and then use my full game key? What restrictions are there to this, or does it just mean that I would get an extra week free?
Heya Majestico....
My alt was faunai...who was trying to send you the trial key, this account got a ban cause i don't usually go along with fanboisms.
So anyways, i would give the key a try first, this way you could always return the boxed game if you don't like it, and if you do, you don't need to reinstall the game, just input the boxed key code in and away you go!
Yeah use the trial...it will get you the extra week...and maybe 14 days since that is what it is now. Glad to have you. Have fun downloading it.
******************************
Brandywine Global LFF chan "/joinchannel glff"
The thing is, where I live, computer stores have a strict policy in regards to returns. If you get any online game, then they will not take it back, I know they are serius because many moons ago, I purcgased EQ2. Delighted with my new game, I strolled out of the shop.
I always like to get the 'bits and bobs' with a purchase, and so opened the box to see what goodies lay therein.
Then I notced it!
A DVD only game, at a time when i had no DVD (something that I soon remedied). Figuring they would be cool about it (I'm in there all the time), I thought they would exchange it there and then, But they didn't. As if in fifteen bloody minutes I could jump on a bus, get home, install it and use the key! Hardly likely, and it took me to argue until I was nearly blue in the face for them to swap (for FFXI as it turned out
)
So, J, are you on an EU server? If you are then I shall definitey be on the look out for you. I am toying with the idea of gowing a Male Champion, a Hobbit Hunter and am Elf Lore-master. Or these classes any good (and what are the other ones like), I shall join up brandywine and look for your character.
Hw does the guild system work? Are thery called fellowships insead? Have not the rile book yet, but it looks as though pc's get to control a bad-guy. Brilliant idea.
It's funny how partisan people can get over their MMO's. I told my guildies that I had bought LotR. and much derision ensued. I pointed out to them that this was the exact attitude of my guildies in EQ2 , towards WoW. Oh no, 6 in the morning! I read be sleeping, but if I sleep now I will never wake up in time.
I'm also loving the idea of controlling a bad guy/monster. Brilliant concept.
Are you and he above poster (sorry forgot your ame) in guilds? If not, and sometime down the line we get cash, we could set our own up. I have always enjoyed playing in Guilfd, but having our very own would be even better. Would you mind if my friend used the pass, as he is a huge Tolkien fan (of the books), and he would loe a free trial.
I'm getting really tired now, and beginning to spout gibberish, so I shal quickly see if I can get LotR to work, before going to bed. In the lands of the Shire, and around Bree, lookout for a feral looking, Hobbit Hunter called: Sisellnot Smotlebol, or a male champion called Kettleford.
Hope to see you soon in Brandywine.
However, if you're on Snowbourn, and see Finmoth/Snatchy or Gibbons, gimme a /tell
if you need help with a Q or any advice.
The advice channel is always full of nice friendly helpful folks - no "lolz noob" talk in LOTRO, sir
DB
Denial makes one look a lot dumber than he/she actually is.
Okay, that is a pity that I cannot play on Brandywine, but I will certainly look out for your characters on Snowbourne.
I don't know if I have mentioned this already, but I am swaying towards an Elf Lore-Master (I usually go these type of classes, like Warlock in WoW, etc, the ones that can summon), but as I want to try something new, I think my first class my actually be a Hobbit Hunter, or Man Champion.
Couple of questions (it would not be me without any, wouldn't it?) what are the best classes for solo-ing, and in general, what are your opinions/experiences of each of them?
Also, it says in the manual that there is a prelude story for each race. Does this mean that it is different for each race, or are the Menand Hobbits and the elves/dwarves share the same story?
If I am on a EU server, and I cannot find a role-play specific one, then it will be Snowbourne, so I will look out for your characters. Mine will be called, Sissellnot Smotelbol (actually he would be better as a burglar,as he is very mischevious), Sir Kettleford Locklay (a knight who has shunned his responsibilites, much in the same vein as Aragorn), and the elf is the illustrious Andrelthist the as yet, uncoloured.
Actually, I was wondering about that in LotR lore. The colour granted after a mage's name, Saruman the White, Gandalf the Grey, Radagast the Brown. What do these colours imply, and are there others? And who gives them out? Afterall, Gandalf transformed to the White, without being elected.
Too bad about brandywine...thought about that when you said you got an email from codemasters (they are the EU distributors)
Don't know if you read this in the book or not, but Kinships are guilds and Fellowships are groups.
Im a champion and haven't really had any problem soloing. From what I hear each class can solo pretty well. Each race has their own starter instance and prologue to the story. It starts out has a small instance, then puts you in a starter area that is seperate from the big world. Once you hit 5 or6 depending on when you finish the prologue you will enter a larger instance to finish it. And then will be in the full world. All of the races prologues are different and really cool. You should check them all out at some point.
Also unlike wow you get rest experience anytime you logout, you dont have to go to an inn or city.
Also there is a thread in the Turbine forums where people write about the details turbine put into this game from the books, from the biggest to the most obscure. Its a great read if you like the books and th elore. Check it out
http://forums.lotro.com/showthread.php?t=80048
The monster play starts once you hit level 10 with your regular char. Then it onlocks it on the char selection screen. You can choose form like 6 or 7 monsters (creep)to play as. This is in a specific zone where only this occurs. You are lvl 50 and players (freeps) can only enter this area when the hit lvl 40. As a monster yo can do quests to earn destiny points that you can trade in for new skills and upgrades. The destiny points you get on your freeps or creeps is carried over your whole account. On your freep you can use these things for temp buffs like armor heatlth speed or like dbl exp. There is also something called session play where you can play a troll (creep) or ranger (freep) for 1hr every 24hrs. These are like elite mobs that are really hard to kill. There can only be 2 of them oat a time per server, but it makes things pretty interesting. It's pretty cool check it out.
Anyway glad to see you are gonna try it out! Have fun!
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Brandywine Global LFF chan "/joinchannel glff"
Jarish, I was going to make a character on Snowbourne, but I just leanred that there is a rp server for UK, so I shall probably be starting there. Nothing to stop you popping over though,
I'm still downloading, and this is where I have a problem with COG. They have the poorest customer support I have ever seen on any online game. I ended up thinking that the patching was taking so long because that Book 13 was coming out. So i got into Turbine's customer support. I asked him if he could give me a brief estimate on how long it would take. 'No, I cannot help you, please contact Codemasters', I felt like screaming, al I wanted to know was the download size of Book 13, and then I could have worked it out myself qpproximately. 'No, I cannot help you' he kept saying, like some automated twat.
I am unsure which class to take as my main. I like the way the captain can summon a herald, but are they any good? So far it is between Hunter, Champion and Captain, but I would like to try Loremaster and Minstrel too. LM is the type of class I would normally go in a rpg, as I love classes that can summon. However, the raven and bear, hardly seem like decent creatures. LotR is the very first MMO where I have wanted to try every single class.
I love the idea of pvp as well, pure genius,
And I think that the idea with the exoansion packs is to follow along the course of the books, so extra countries will be unlocked. It makes me wonder if they may introduce evil races anfd classes in later expansions.
This game sounds awesome. Simply swesome. With a well thought out direction of where they are taking it. Perhaps, if they do launch evil classes, and we get riders of rohan, etc, then in maybe 10 years time, rather than have the game come to an end via a poxy press-release, they could do it in style. Even bring back old players for the final battle on Pelenars Field, what a way to say goodbye to the fans!
Right enought gabbering, I best go and see if I even like this game!!!!
The books already follow along with the books. Some more clossly others not. I haven't got to that point yet, but so far (up through book 13) The fellowship is waiting to leave in rivendell. Not to spoil to much but I have already met with Tom Bombadil, Strider Gandalf etc... So you are already helping th efellowship get through safely. I picked champion 1st cuz I like DPS, but im getting interested in the burglar and minstrel. Captains heralds are cool cuz they give you buffs like pallys did in wow but the heralds also fight. You can also put down banners (like shamans totems) for extended fights.
ANyway hope the d/l is going smoothly.
Jarish a.k.a Tyndum
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Brandywine Global LFF chan "/joinchannel glff"
Well after a couple of days of download problems (I realised that I had both Turbine's and Codemaster's version of the game installed) I was able to finally create a character. Oddly I did not go for any of the ones which I thought I would. Instead I have choosed a proud Dalesman called Turkonan, who happens to be a Hunter.
I had listened to advice and was told that they were the closest to mages (damge wise, and the way they play), and so far, even just doing the prologue, I know I have made the right choice. The way the characters talk, and the game seems to flow around you. I hope this continues when I get into the 'actual' game. Anyway, enough talking, I have a Fellowship to find. Maybe even join a Kinship.
Sweet! Glad you got it going. Have fun!
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Brandywine Global LFF chan "/joinchannel glff"
I've found that the starter areas are very well designed, particularly the prologue instances. I think that the intensity mellows out quite a bit later on, as you join the rest of the populuation in Breeland, but the epic quest lines will always provide the sense of flow you've described.
Check out my LOTRO Blog: www.middleearthadventurer.blogspot.com
Just a quick update. I've been playing for a couple of weeks now (not as much as I would have liked due to other committments), and LotR is now my number 1 game. I simply love it. I know it is still early days for me. I have not even started the first book yet, but just the promise of those 13 books waiting to be played, and then the expansion pack! It makes me very excited about what is to come.
I love the story element, and the feeling of immersion. I really do feel as though I am exploring Middle-earth, more verismilitude than I've experience in any other MMO. I also love the cut-scenes, and when you notice how many there are still to be unlocked, then it gives you an indication of just how much you have yet to do.
I play on EN-RP Laurelin. At first I thought the community was a bit elitist, but it was only because I was in a certain zone. Now, I see the quality of the rp, and most people keep IC. It is great, just what I have been looking for.
Just like to say thanks to the people who recommended this to me, and give me the inclination to go ahead and finally buy the game.
P.S. The updating system is brilliant too. The way it unfolds the story. I figure that at present the game is up to about half-way through The Fellowship of the Ring, so just goes to show you how much is yet to come. Brilliant.
Awesome...I'm so glad you are having a great time.
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Brandywine Global LFF chan "/joinchannel glff"
I think you'll enjoy LOTRO if you give it a shot!
Good Luck!
BTW, the game covers the months when the Fellowship of the Ring stays in Rivendell. You will get the opportunity to have a chat with Frodo, Aragorn and the others.
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