LOTRO: The Mines of Moria

I'm curious as to how they'll differentiate the Runekeeper from the Loremaster and just what the Warden class will entail.

There's also been mention of "releasing Durin's Bane", which should be all kinds of fun.

Wow richard, that post makes absolutely no sense to me. I guess I should get around to reading the damn books at some point.

Well, the classes don't really come from the books, but Durin's Bane is another name for the Balrog.

Couldn't find the other LOTRO thread, so I'll bump this one.

Since it went free-to-play I decided to re-install and start 'er up again, and they still had my characters on the server. Sweet. Now I just have to try to remember how to play it again.

I think if you have ever subscribed to the game, you're automatically considered a premium member for the FTP version.

So how does this game work in relation to Tolkiens original text - is it set during the War of The Ring and you're just some other random peoples of Middle Earth while the events of LOTR happen elsewhere? Does it make out instead that the characters you've created are the Fellowship and Aragorn and co. never existed? Is it set during a completely different age of Middle Earth?

Your character is sort of just off to the side of the main storyline of LOTR. You're doing quests that draw the attention of Sauron's minions so that Frodo can leave the Shire and make it to Bree, for example. Later, you're tasked with rallying the Rangers of the North in Aragorn's absence, since he's busy leading the hobbits to Rivendell. The idea is that you're doing all the unglamorous but necessary jobs so the Fellowship can do theirs. It actually plays out much better than I describe it -- you really do feel like you're part of the story, even if you're not one of the main characters.

I may try this out tonight. I wouldn't have known about it without this thread.

Yep, and when you reach certain milestones, you get to interact with the actual characters. It's just a movie type situation, but when Aragorn explains what your next move should be, it's pretty cool.

You also run into Gandalf in Bree before he heads to Isengard.

Well shit, that actually sounds a lot better than I expected it to - I may have to give this a go.

What kind of a rig do you need to play it, is it hella graphicallly complex like the Conan MMORPG or is it more WoW 'pick up and anyone can play on most pcs' in style? Cause I've got a laptop that's at least 3 years old over here.

I have to echo the love the "Books/Volumes/Chapters." I think that is the greatest strength of LotRO and there are so many moments within the main storyline that just make your jaw drop.

There are also some really lovely quiet scenes. I always liked (Somewhat Spoilerish)the conversation you have with Frodo at night in Rivendell. And I think the game is really effective when it comes to establishing mood and tone. The Shire is amazing in its detail and there are some epic vistas to be had in the game.

If you're on Landroval, hit me up on "Sylrien" and I'll do my best to hook you up with some decent resources.

The first time I walked into Rivendell was pretty breath-taking.

And it does a great job of being its own animal. They weren't allowed to use any of the film designs, but the overall look is outstanding. It really feels like Middle-earth.

That's a great thing tho, as much as the films hold an incredibly dear place in my heart, I'm pretty uncomfortable with the idea that their look is now becoming the default look of Tolkiens Middle Earth in many minds.

Gotta say tho, between this becoming free to play and you guys in this thread I'm all-but convinced.

How does it work with other real life players tho - can you play on your own or should you get a party going? What happens when you bump into other real world players doing the exact same quest that you are? Does it feel weird within the context of the games story?

Well, at that point...It's a game. You get over it pretty quick. Now, if the person is an Rper, then you can work something out. Now, some of the book quests are instanced, so you can't do them unless you've done the prerequisites.

I've found folks on Landroval to be pretty friendly, and I've heard similar reports on other servers. One of the appeals of LotRO for me, is the fact that most people who choose to play LotRO love LotR and Tolkien's work. Sure, there are some who are there for the gameplay, or just cause...but as a niche MMO, it has a selective appeal. I've always found WoW to be a bit more generic and accessible to those not incredibly nerdy.

Though I do have to admit, sometimes people can get very....self congratulatory that they aren't playing WoW.

I'm on Landroval too I think. It's been a little while since I played. I'm updating everything right now because of this thread. Rain Dog, I am a soloist by nature and I know oyu can get to mid 20s easily doing that. There are some tougher quests even amoung those levels that players with look for groups. There is a title you can gain (actually a ton of titles can be gained while playing) if you don't die at all when you reach 20 called "Undying". There are other titles for not dying along the wy, but I believe "Undying" at 20 is the final one of that nature.

I'm also what I like to call the forever newbie. I will play an mmo to mid 20s or so and then try another class and race and do it again over and over. When I burn out, I play another game for a bit.

In the beginning there were some quests you absolutely needed a group to complete. I think it might have softened a bit in that regard now. Someone who is playing right now can correct me, but some of the epic quests might have a solo option to them now. I think I read that recently.

Yeah, I've played a ton of mmos since Everquest started, but never got to WoW. I've never understood why people get so uppity about it. I know it's a fairly easy game, and I'm guessing not for me, but I don't understand how making someone feel less than for what they like makes any sense.

Very true, Teitr.

The only issue I have with Free-To-Play are the new layers system. I know it is designed to alleviate the server load...but the game feels very isolated right now in that regard. Landroval is a little (in?)famous for gamethemed player-run events, such as Ales and Tales, Weatherstock, and impromptu others that depend on social interaction...so hopefully they'll iron the kinks out a bit. It's definitely handy for places like the 21st Hall, but I am not sure it was needed in places like Bree, the Shire, etc.

I just installed this to give it a try. I'm only level 6 so far but I really quite like it.

...and sold.

Thanks for the advice guys. Never done the MMORPG thing but always kinda figured if I did my Tolkien nerdery would be what got me on board and this'd be the one I'd try.

Now to hunt down a copy.

You can download it online, I believe.

You can downloaded it online. http://www.lotro.com/free.php

I have been playing this since February of 2007. Great game. It can be solo'd, grouped, role played. The Epic storyline is fantastic, and the I thoroughly enjoy the community. I am on Brandywine under Fflewddur. The three most populated servers are Brandywine, Landroval, and Elendilmir, but 4 brand new servers just opened, so if you want to get in with a fresh crowd and lots of people in the beginning zones, try Riddermark or Crickhollow, home of the Fighting Fatty Bolgers.

Legitimately?

Absolutely. All free. You will eventually feel the need to pay for it. It is that good.
Free to play gets you the basics, you can purchase for cheap the rest if you enjoy.

Like I said it's been awhile for me, MrTyres and Wayward. I have the lifetime membership. What did that do to or for me? Do you know?

You have access to everything, questwise, content wise. You'll accumulate 500 points a month that may be used to purchase periphery items in the "LotRO Store.' Stuff like extra character slots, extra storage space outside the max allowed, etc.

You, sir, get to keep playing Everything you have ever bought is there, plus you get 500 Turbine Points to spend a month, if you want something from the store. If you bought it long enough ago, you will probably also get some back points. I think I got 6000 just for being a life timer, plus a number of other things. If you haven't bought Mines of Moria or Seige of Mirkwood, you can use points to do that. Otherwise things work as normal for you.

Free to play has limitations, but really, only if you don't like the game will you keep it there. The subscriptions are cheap, but you can just buy the things you want to have, like extra characters, or more quest areas. I think all the Epics are there. Check out that link in my last post. There is a comparison chart there. I have been a lifer since October of 2007. (Didn't have the cash to drop).

Glad I bumped this thread, and I hope you guys have as much fun with this game as I've had. Between this and Amnesia, my weekend's been full.

I'm "Claude", a level 44 Guardian on the Gladden server. I'm a casual, but enthusiastic player (I don't really craft, or farm, or any of that stuff. Whatever I have I won through combat or exploration). If you're playing the free-to-play version just keep an eye out on the quests that have a little padlock icon on them... you may be able to do the introductory parts but you'll reach a point where they'll require an "Unlock". I'm guessing if you stick with the main story you're not restricted too much, but there may be more repetition in order to level up.

I have a Rohirrim Champion named Rheochar on the Silverlode server and that's also a friendly bunch there. Really, the LOTRO community has never had anywhere near the kind of issues you see in a typical MMO. Sure you get the occasional jerk, but they're either ignored so they have no audience and so quickly shut down that they go away pretty quickly.

And I believe there are some older quests that used to all but require a group that have been reconfigured so as to be soloable in order to allow faster advancement to the newer content.

I have played World of Warcraft for 5 years and the community is just full of Assholes. I've been playing this for a few days now and have met nothing but nice folks who are more than willing to help out a noob.

I have to wonder if the lack of a traditional PvP component helps weed some of the jerks out.

Good to hear that this game is still thriving. Once I get done with Star Trek:Online, I'm coming over here.

How fun is this game to play with a group of friends? Does it have a fairly standard MMO party system, if so, how many people to a party? Does it follow the standard tank/dps/healer template as far as character roles go?

I don't enjoy MMOs much for solo play or random-grouping (at least until I'm addicted!). I have a group of friends who I can pretty easily talk into trying out new online games though - so having a pretty decent amount of group content is important to me.

There's a mechanic where certain classes can begin what's called a Fellowship Maneuver. These maneuvers bring up a special interface with four different colored options. On their own, these are powerful abilities in their own right. Combined with the rest of your group in different combinations, these can unleash incredibly powerful attacks, heals, buffs and debuffs. And they look spectacular -- one involves the spirit of an Ent that appears and literally smashes the target into the ground. It makes grouping a little more interactive than "DPS do damage, tank draw aggro, priest heal."

Oh god. Moria.


I hate Moria with a passion. It's dark, and labyrinthine, and there are goblins and other nasties at every turn, and you get lost and suddenly it's "Oops. That's a hole."



....Which is exactly how Moria should be. When you get out of Moria into Nanduhiron/Lorien, the reaction is exactly as it should be. It's a breath of fresh air. A sigh of relief.

The original Old Forest was like that too. Make a wrong turn and you were lost. Paths would actually close up on you. Then everyone complained about it and they made it easier to get around.

To be honest? I got lost in the new Old Forest plenty of times. Still do.

So what are your favorite spots in LotRO, oldtimers? Newbies?

Mine are:
The fortress in northwest Breefields. It's a secret spot, but still totally accessible,
The throne room in Annuminas and the Blue Lady's glade
On the top floor of the flet next to the Anduin and the tributary river in Lorien, at night time. Overlooks the water and all, and then Caras Galadhorn lights up.
And Celebrian's secret vault dealio in Rivendell/Trollshaws

So anyone interested in joining up on a server? I know some of us have established characters, but it's honestly been so long since I've played mine I'd have no problem starting anew.

So I've downloaded the game (yay!) but now it's asking me for a product key to install it that obviously with a free download I don't have - any help guys?

Time zones permitting I'd be keen Rich.

I vote for Landroval. But that's because I'm a curmudgeon about having characters across servers. I'd roll one for you guys.

As to the product key, no idea.

When I started to install it a little thing mentioned a product key but I just ignored it and it installed just fine

Same's happened with me actually Kyler. So I've created a Guardian from Dale and I'm playing on the Landroval server. As soon as I get a minute to scratch myself I'll give it a good crack.