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Life after 50: Progressing your Burglar, Hunter and Lore-master in Moria
Believe it or not, there's a lot more to Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria than just the Rune-keeper and the Warden. Chances are, if you already have a favorite class that you've leveled to 50, you're going to be more interested in getting that character through the mines and onto 60. Turbine realizes this, and have recently written three wonderful new Developer Diaries featuring the Burglar, the Hunter and Lore-master's roles from 50 to 60.These new Dev Diaries do more than just list new skills, they actually cover certain roles that these classes may play to use certain spells more effectively. Plus, with the introduction of trait sets (much like armor sets work now, with bonuses given to certain trait combos), the roles are much more defined for each class. Check out each of these three articles for the Burglar, Hunter and Lore-master to get yourself ready for Mines of Moria, coming very soon!
Massively's guide to the LotRO vanity pets
If you've ever seen one of those cute little vanity pets running around your Lord of the Rings Online server, following closely to their brave masters as their extreme cuteness contrasts against the bloody screams of battle, you may have been curious as to how they're obtained. That is, besides the Auction Hall, of course.While it's not a particularly difficult procedure, there is a trick to it. It involves a few initial prerequisites such as reaching level 24, and finishing Book 2. Oh yeah, and you need to be a Lore-master. Other than that, it's a series of quests, with a few pets being accessible through reputation. Then once you reach level 45, you'll be able to acquire six additional vanity pets as random rare loot drops. Follow along in our guide to find out how to finish the pet quests and the best places to farm for the higher-level pet drops>>
Challenge the original LotRO Lore-Masters at Gen Con Indy
If you're a fan of Lord of the Rings Online, and you're still undecided about attending Gen Con Indy this year, let us make your decision a bit easier. During this wildly-popular gaming convention, you will have the opportunity to challenge the original lore-masters at their own game. Not only will there be prizes to be won, but you will get to meet some of the story and content designers on the game, such as Jonathan "Berephon" Rudder, Paul "Rhidden" Simon and Chris Pierson. This event will not be based on LotRO trivia or from the movies, but actual Tolkien-based lore, taken from the Fantasy Flight Games' Lord of the Rings Trivia Game.In addition to this contest, a few of the developers will also be participating in several Writer's Symposium panels at the convention, as well as doing book-signing in the Author's Avenue. The convention itself will be held from August 14th through the 17th in Indianapolis, IN, so don't miss it!
LotRO, A Look Back: Books 10 & 11
On August 21, 2007, Book 10: The City of Kings was released and opened up the city of Annúminas was for players to experience. Unfortunately, the city had been invaded by the forces of Angmar, and players had to fight to keep certain points of the city friendly to them. If they failed, the entire area will fall under the Witch-king's control. Hunters and Captains both received class reviews, and a new mechanic was introduced called Critter Play. Different than PvMP, Critter Play allowed players to take on new forms in a PvE setting. The first form introduced was that of a chicken. Not to be outdone, Trolls, and Rangers were introduced into PvMP as well as a very large polish pass on PvMP as a whole.Other new features brought to the game were factions with the major races (with rewards for increasing said faction) and the bartering system which allowed players to turn in certain monster drops for armor rewards. And of course, no Book is complete without a raft of new quests introduced for high level players to grind through.
Player vs. Everything: Coolest classes ever
For most fantasy MMOGs, the basic classes you can expect to be playing aren't too hard to predict. Whether you're a stalwart warrior with shield in hand, a crafty mage raining fiery bolts of destruction, a sneaky rogue with poison on his knife, or a benevolent cleric healing the wounds of his allies, you make up part of what's known as the holy trinity of MMOs: Tank-DPS-Healer. You need someone to get your foe's attention, someone to whack them over the head until they die, and someone to keep everyone alive until that happens. Everything else is just icing on the cake. We can debate the merits of that particular combat system as long as you like, but what I really wanted to point out is how boring those three specialized roles are. The four archetypes I mentioned are a staple in almost every single fantasy MMOG on the market, but they're far from the most interesting ones. While it's true that you can't get by without them, they've become so vanilla-flavored at this point that they're practically passé. Whenever I log into a new game and look at their class list, I wince a little. "Oh, a chance to be a brave warrior... again. Hmm. Mage? Rogue? Meh." I've always been a big fan of classes that went against the grain, played outside the box, and did something a little different from the "core" classes. Not everyone needs to fit nicely into those three archetypal slots. The classes that don't often turn out to be the most rewarding and fun to play, in my experience. That said, I thought I'd take a look at some of the more interesting class designs in the games I've played and discuss what made them so cool.
The Rift loot guide part three lists Minstrel, Lore-master goodies
Ten Ton Hammer has been giving us the lowdown on all the shiny new gear LotRO players can acquire in The Rift of Nûrz Ghâshu, the new raid instance Turbine added to the game in the Book 11 update. First they listed the coin rewards. Second, it was the gem rewards for Guardians and Champions. They've just launched part three and this time they're covering all the sweetness Minstrels and Lore-masters can acquire with the elusive gems that drop in the instance.Lore-masters can get a new armor set awesomely and appropriately called "The Elder Days," which gives mad stat boosts as well as some shadow damage mitigation. Minstrels can gather up the pieces of a suit of armor called the "Armour of the Wandering Bard," which provides similarly sweet stat bonuses and tactical critical modifiers. There are new weapons for both classes as well.It's excellent gear, and all this on top of all the other lovin' Minstrels and Lore-masters got in Book 11. We'll let you know when part four of the guide hits the streets.
LotRO down for update to book 11
Lord of the Rings Online is offline as of now (6AM ET) for an update to the new Book 11, Defenders of Eriador. There are updates to Minstrels and Lore-masters, player housing, a Balrog and more in this new update. All things being equal, LotRO is set to return around Noon ET. If you're looking for something to while away the hours, check out some of our other great content, read the patch notes and save yourself valuable time downloading the patch (900MB, so get in early)! The battle against the Witch King's minions returns at Noon!
LotRO introduces Player and Guild Housing
The Book 11 content update for Lord of the Rings Online introduces more than Gollum's first appearance, a Balrog to slay and class revamps for Minstrels and Lore-masters. It also introduces player and guild housing in a unique way.There are four different racially-styled homesteads. The architecture, neighborhood and decorations are unique to each. But players are not restricted to only buying property sold by their own race. Elves can move into the Dwarven cave-like housing and Men can squeeze into Hobbit holes.There are many kinds of housing available, including 16 different styles of personal housing, 10 more styles for the deluxe housing and 4 different styles for guild housing. Each neighborhood has a mix of two dozen or so housing types. Every time all the houses are purchased, a new instance is created with all nebw housing for sale.
LotRO Book 11 notes and early download available
Book 11: Defenders of Eriador , the third free content update for Lord of the Rings Online, is arriving Wednesday morning. In advance of the patch going live, Turbine has released the patch notes two days early on the LotRO Lorebook, their official Wiki site.There are no surprises since we saw these patch notes on the Preview server earlier this month. Still on track are all the major changes: The introduction of player and guild housing in the Man, Elf, Hobbit and Dwarf cities Four new level 40+ outdoor zones in and around The Misty Mountains to smooth out high level questing The Rift, the game's second raid zone, a 12-man level 50 instance that pits your group against a Balrog and introduces new class armor sets Class revamps for Lore-masters (new Lynx pet, new high level skills) and Minstrels (Warspeech, a new dps stance for faster soloing, new high level skills.) Also, the introduction of Gollum to the game through a flashback instance. And the epic quest series that allows the players to help the Fellowship in its journey to Mordor has a new 13-quest arc. We're not sure yet how the new Epic Quest series plays out yet, but the title of patch could mean all the playable lands are in jeopardy.The patch is currently available by Torrent and direct download. It will also be available through the patcher on Wednesday, October 22, 2007.
LotRO Book 11: Defenders of Eriador notes and release date
It's official! Book 11 has a name and an upcoming October 24, 2007 due date in North America and October 25, 2007 in Europe. Best of all, it's free to download -- zilch -- zero -- nada -- did I mention it won't cost a thing? Shiny, new, precious Book 11. We wants it. There's so much stuff crammed into Book 11 if you have been waiting for new content the wait was worthwhile, keep reading for the skinny. Home, sweet home the Middle Earth way. Player-housing is probably the biggest undertaking for a free content update and the developers didn't skimp on the overall implementation. The biggest thing to get right with player-housing is that the elves and dwarves don't live in the same straw huts on a beach somewhere. The developers whole-heartedly agree since there are four different racially-styled homesteads that feature a distinctive Middle Earth architectural style and environment. When it comes to room there's plenty of plots around with 250 neighborhoods to each homestead, so all the hobbits can all live happily ever after and frolic on one giant bed after adventure hour just like in the movie -- I'm sorry, don't hurt me. Don't like your homeland? No problem, you don't have to be a hobbit to live in The Shire. If an elf decides to move in with my dwarven renegade and brings any of that elf culture with em', I'm setting up a neighborhood watch. Kinships won't be left out of the house either and various decorations ranging from paint to taxidermy and even music to help you clutter your new digs and set the mood for that special occasion. Lots and lots of good stuff for the crafters to keep them busy clicking and housing won't be about just the looks, being a home-owner also comes with a few other lucrative benefits. If playing house isn't your thing and you are more into wielding something other than a paint brush Book 11 has you covered with The Rift Nûrz Ghâshu. A new large underground dungeon filled with adventure for up to 12 players. That's not the only high-level content planned either. Also on the endless chapters in Book 11 is a ton of monster play enhancements and a little trip down yonder to the new Goblin-town! For the classes, this time around the Minstrel and Lore-Master see some love with numerous skill updates including a new pet for Lore-masters and Minstrels will be able to train others in their musical ways, which sounds really neat.
New textures for Lore-master pets
The Book 11 content update for Lord of the Rings Online has been dubbed, among other things, the month of the Lore-master. Among the new spells, new pet (go Lynx!) and other goodies is a little surprise for our nature loving friends: new textures for their animal servants.Using new amulets crafted by Jeweller's, Lore-masters can now summon their animal companions in darker and lighter colors. Confirmed so far on Roheryn, the Preview server: Black Lynx: must be wearing Amulet of Supreme Black Lynx, Neck, BoE, +15 Agility, +29 Might, +15 Fate, Min Lvl 48. Crafted from 4 Misty Mountain Ingots and 2 Polished Beryls. Snow Lynx: similar to Black Lynx amulet Frost Raven: must be wearing Amulet of the Greater Frost Raven, BoE Neck, +7 Will, +4 Vitality, Min Level 23.
