LOTRO 3rd Anniversary

lupi

Lifer
Apr 8, 2001
32,539
260
126
Three years is far too short a time to spend among such excellent and admirable folk as yourselves, and we want to show you how much that time means to us. As a token of our appreciation, Middle-earth will be bursting with gifts while the party lasts!

The LOTRO Anniversary Celebration officially kicks off on April 21st!
• Party with the monsters of Middle-earth. Earn tokens from monsters when you defeat them and turn them in for level-appropriate rewards. Available for players of all levels!?
• Special Anniversary Gift! Starting on April 21st and running throughout the celebration, we're giving all current, new and returning subscribers a special gift: the Writ of Virtue. But you have to come to the party to get your gift; make sure to log into the game between April 21st and June 30th for this token of our affection.?
• The party never has to end! During LOTRO's Third Anniversary Celebration, you can get any 3, 6, or 12 month subscription plan and play LOTRO for only $9.99 per month!* Good times are here in Middle-earth, and LOTRO wants to share them with you!
 

Nintendesert

Diamond Member
Mar 28, 2010
7,761
5
0
Good for them, played this game for a very brief time but had some fun with it. It's good to see an MMO fix its mistakes and rebound after a bad start.
 

viivo

Diamond Member
May 4, 2002
3,345
32
91
I've been playing the trial. It's fun, but the starting areas seem really limited (Humans and Hobbits seems to start int he same city regardless of your "home" region [I wanted to start in The Shire, dammit!]) and the character animations leave much to be desired.

Overall it just seems to be more trouble than it's worth. Playing at 1920x1080 I could barely read the text. You can increase the size of the bars, and only the text in the chat window.
 

digitaldurandal

Golden Member
Dec 3, 2009
1,828
0
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I've been playing the trial. It's fun, but the starting areas seem really limited (Humans and Hobbits seems to start int he same city regardless of your "home" region [I wanted to start in The Shire, dammit!]) and the character animations leave much to be desired.

Overall it just seems to be more trouble than it's worth. Playing at 1920x1080 I could barely read the text. You can increase the size of the bars, and only the text in the chat window.

Wow, that seems like something there must be a simple fix for, after three years I would think that the text would be readable.

Then again I would also think that Age of Conan would not crash anymore too but that's not true either.
 

lupi

Lifer
Apr 8, 2001
32,539
260
126
hobbits do start in the shire, in fact each race starts in it's own "home" area.

Not sure of your text problem, have no problem at 1680* or 1920*.
 

viivo

Diamond Member
May 4, 2002
3,345
32
91
hobbits do start in the shire, in fact each race starts in it's own "home" area.

Not sure of your text problem, have no problem at 1680* or 1920*.

Must be the trial then that limits starting areas.

You must sit very close to your monitor.
 

KeithTalent

Elite Member | Administrator | No Lifer
Administrator
Nov 30, 2005
50,231
118
116
Must be the trial then that limits starting areas.

You must sit very close to your monitor.

I play at 1920x1200 and do not have a problem with the text.

You may be correct about the trial part because my Hobbit definitely started in The Shire, though that was quite a while ago when i started that guy.

KT
 

ArchAngel777

Diamond Member
Dec 24, 2000
5,223
61
91
The text does take some getting use to, but it really isn't all that bad. This is not meant to be offensive, but maybe you should have your eyes checked? I did and found my glasses prescription was way, way out of line. New glasses and wow, I can see again. :D
 

lupi

Lifer
Apr 8, 2001
32,539
260
126
I play at 1920x1200 and do not have a problem with the text.

You may be correct about the trial part because my Hobbit definitely started in The Shire, though that was quite a while ago when i started that guy.

KT

there's a limited instance like new player thing each player does, but while it's only about 12 quest max, you can finish it in about 3 and then you start in your individual race area. Some of the races share this pre-start areas; but if you have not left it then one didn't really play very long.
 

KeithTalent

Elite Member | Administrator | No Lifer
Administrator
Nov 30, 2005
50,231
118
116
there's a limited instance like new player thing each player does, but while it's only about 12 quest max, you can finish it in about 3 and then you start in your individual race area. Some of the races share this pre-start areas; but if you have not left it then one didn't really play very long.

Well yeah, but I was not counting that original instance as I recall it being very short.

KT
 

viivo

Diamond Member
May 4, 2002
3,345
32
91
there's a limited instance like new player thing each player does, but while it's only about 12 quest max, you can finish it in about 3 and then you start in your individual race area. Some of the races share this pre-start areas; but if you have not left it then one didn't really play very long.

I know. After I did one, I skipped it for subsequent characters. My Hobbit and Human started in the same area - don't recall the name, it was a generic fantasy city with an area with wolves and such outside the gates. My Dwarf started in a snowy outdoor area and my elf started in a decrepit old city.

No matter what origin I chose, each character started in the same place after the tutorial. So it's definitely the trial, which is strange since most give you all the content and only limit your level.

I really tried to like it, but the character animations, especially in combat, are terrible; skills seem to be really limited (again may be the trial, but one or two every 3 levels?) and there didn't seem to be any people playing on the servers I tried. I saw two people in an area within ~3 hours. Compare that to even Everquest 1. The text thing is because I use my 1080P TV as my monitor and sit on a couch 3-4ft away from it.
 
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cronos

Diamond Member
Nov 7, 2001
9,380
26
101
Viivo,

That *is* the 'starting area' they were talking about. This is different than the tutorial. Just do all the quests there (an hour or so maybe?) and the finale would be a 'solo instance' of some sort where upon completing it you would be ported to your 'home town' (Shire for Hobbits).
 

Xed

Golden Member
Nov 15, 2003
1,452
0
71
I really tried to like it, but the character animations, especially in combat, are terrible; skills seem to be really limited (again may be the trial, but one or two every 3 levels?) and there didn't seem to be any people playing on the servers I tried. I saw two people in an area within ~3 hours. Compare that to even Everquest 1.

Since it sounds like you're in the noob zone, that place is instanced and only others in the starting area are visible. That would be why you don't see many people. Brandywine is the most populated server still I believe.
 

viivo

Diamond Member
May 4, 2002
3,345
32
91
I am a moron. But then why the hell are there two tutorials?

Anyway, I'm getting more used to the game now. The text and backpack icons are still way too small (it took me a good 3 minutes to find a piece of armor because all the items in the backpack look the same) and am at the end of one of the introduction instances. Might pick it up depending on the player base. Hopefully WoW has all the children.
 

lupi

Lifer
Apr 8, 2001
32,539
260
126
the first is a very limited hand held thing that's all but impossible to die under mainly to give new players use of the UI and combat system. after this tutorial instance, you are in the starting player instance, which is much more like the open world, just limited and not that complex.

if trying to find usable items, unusable ones have a red border.

a top 3 complaint of mine would be limited bag space though, at least compared to some others.
 

lupi

Lifer
Apr 8, 2001
32,539
260
126
here's the patch notes, was supposed to go live tomorrow but an era in predploy testing found a problem and it's on hold.



Happy Anniversary!
The Anniversary Token Collection event has been revamped! Tokens can now be collected throughout all of Middle-earth. Tokens will now drop from the appropriate monsters as follows:

Tin Token – level 1-10
Iron Token – Level 11-21
Silver Token – Level 22-32
Gold Token – Level 33-42
Platinum Token – Level 43-52
Ancient Silver Token – Level 53-59
Ancient Gold Token – Level 60-65
Note: Ancient Gold Tokens will drop for Monster Players. These can be exchanged for an Ashen Skull Box. In addition, Free Players may also exchange the Ancient Gold Tokens in the Ettenmoors. These gift boxes will have a slightly different loot pool and will include Spirit Stones as well as Cosmetic Items that will not be available in gift boxes from other vendors. Tokens and Gift Boxes have also been added to the Lottery System! Beginning April 21, check my.lotro.com often for your chance to win tokens, gift boxes and other items!

Writ of Virtue
The Writ of Virtue: This special scroll will show the Bards that you know the value of revelry and celebration! The Writ grants a passive skill that gives you a 20 percent discount with Bards all across Middle-earth. Starting on April 21st and running throughout the celebration, we’re giving all current, new and returning subscribers a special gift: the Writ of Virtue, a reward for loyalty and a steadfast heart. But you have to come to the party to get your gift; make sure to log into the game between April 21 and June 30th for this token of our appreciation. Note: You must have space available in your Character’s inventory for the writ to be granted. Please confirm that you have free space (more than one slot is recommended)available before you log out on Tuesday April 20.

The Spring Festival has returned for a limited time.
Players will be able to complete all the Spring Festival events until April 26. In addition, Will Peartree has returned and will now barter for your choice of Spring Steed or Blue Roan steed at the correct price.

Full Release Notes
General
Addressed an unintended gameplay issue.
Addressed a number of Typos.
Classes
Champion
Addressed an issue that was causing Blade-wall not to dispel the Fighting Dirty buff.
Added Sound the Attack/Horn of Gondor to skills that dispel the Fighting Dirty buff.
The Champion's Armour of the Deathstorm 5 set bonus actually generates a Fervour pip whenever the Champion scores a Critical Hit, not 10% of the time as described.
Guardian
The Guardian skill Turn the Tables now applies Conjunction Stun as its target effect. The stun it applies can no longer be avoided or removed.
Warrior's Fortitude is now properly enhanced by the Brave Heart trait.
Burglar
The heal from Mischievous Delight will now be increased properly when under the effects of "Inspired Greatness". Thanks for the bug, Ryswald!
Captain
The Shield-brother skill has had its proper effect icons returned.
Minstrel
War-speech induction is now protected by Lyric of the Hammerhand
Loremaster
Continual Air-lore has been adjusted as follows:
No longer toggled off by stuns.
No longer toggles off when mounting.
Toggles off it your target desummons (e.g. Pets, Skirmish Soldiers).
Increased range.
Absorbs all damage types.
Warden
Unerring Strike now has sound!
Rune-keeper
Fall to Flame now has a 20% chance to deal its damage like the other Fall to X skills.
Monster Play
The resistance boost for Wargs and Black Arrows now correctly displays +780 Tactical Resistance instead of +720 Tactical Resistance.
The buffs in MonsterPlay, Akulhun's Challenge and Lainedhal's Call to Arms, now allow Defence Ratings and other effects to also reduce damage.
Titles granted by being in a Tribe can now be displayed again. Thanks for the bug, Khronus!
Skirmishes
A number of Skirmish Cosmetics that were showing up on the trait UI, but not purchasable on the vendor, have been removed from the UI.
*Rescue in Nurz Gashu:

Corunir will no longer randomly appear across the arena.
Golodir will no longer be targeted by soldiers.
*Retake Weathertop:

Fixed some cases where Rigul could break if dealt large damage quickly.
*Breaching the Necromancer's Gate:

Defeating Doraz will open the gate.
*Battle in the Tower:

Lanterns now only appear when useable.
Raids & Instances
The Lieutenant of Dol Guldur will no longer choose fixated targets to terrify, and the Felbeast will no longer choose terrified targets to fixate on.
Medallion rewards for completing the challenges in the Dungeons and Stables of Dol Guldur have had their rewards re-adjusted to pre-book 3 levels.
Players will gain additional medallions the first time they complete the Dungeons and Stables of Dol Guldur each day.
Crafting
Cook
Fixed an issue where campfire kit recipe scrolls were not filtering properly in Novice and Expert Cook vendor windows. These recipes will now show up correctly when filtering by profession tier.
A bug was introduced for some Supreme Cook's Guild Cooked Food recipes which resulted in these recipes requiring far fewer ingredients than intended. The following recipes have been updated and now need the full amount of required ingredients to be executed:
Superior Rack of Lamb with Mint Sauce Recipe
Superior Shepherd's Pie Recipe
Superior Bread and Jam Recipe
Superior Lothlórien Waybread Recipe
Superior Golden Wood Roast Recipe
Superior Galadhrim Ration Recipe
Item Advancement
Certain advanceable Item Advancement effects were erroneously displaying before identification of the item. These will no longer display on IA items until the items are identified.
Captain’s Words of Courage Morale cost will now correctly reduce the morale cost of Words of Courage. This legacy was inadvertently left off the list of removed legacies.
Festivals
The Inn League
Delivery quests have been revamped!
They're now repeatable.
Each quest is bestowed in a more centralized location, and does not rely upon finding each NPC out in the world.
Each quest now gives negative rep to the Ale Association and Vice-versa. (yeah i went there.)
Spring Festival
Will Peartree (the festival horse reward vendor at Hengstacer Farm) has seen the error of his ways! He now sells the Document of Mount Ownership for the correct price.
No more erroneous mail for completing your Spring Sprung Deed!
Summer Festival Sneak Peek
There is a new horse available for the summer festival: "The Pale Golden Summer Steed."
New rewards have been added to the Summer Festival, the Inn League faction vendors, and the Ale Association faction vendors.
A Spring Festival Horse Vendor will be hanging out during the SUMMER festival to extend the offer of rewards that were held up by a bug from the Spring Festival.
Graphics, Animation, and FX
All two handed weapons with a Slayer effect will now glow when their target is nearby.
Shields will no longer grow larger when they are sheathed on your back.
Items
The set bonus from 5 pieces of the Far Arrow set now functions correctly.
Armour of the Wall, the Warden's Dol Goldur armour set, now has a functional 5 set bonus. It was changed to Shield Mastery having a chance to apply a melee damage bonus to the Warden.
Deeds
The meta deeds for the following clusters are now in game:
Angmar
Moria
Lothlórien
Quests
The quests, Verity Tyne has lost her ring and Barton Tyne has lost his ring can now be completed.
Thoughts Left Behind is now completeable.
Éin should no longer hit for thousands of points of damage, she no longer has the shadow skills.
Tireless foe is now soloable as we removed the Gorthorog at the top of the ramps.
Removed the Gorthorog who could force you out of the channeling state in which you are carrying the Palantír.
The Garth Agarwen quest "Oakheart's Plight” will no longer fail on logout.
 

viivo

Diamond Member
May 4, 2002
3,345
32
91
What are the most populated servers? I finally made it to the "real world" with two characters on two different servers and after running around a couple areas saw no other players, and all the chat channels were silent.
 

bactiman

Member
Apr 26, 2004
173
0
0
What are the most populated servers? I finally made it to the "real world" with two characters on two different servers and after running around a couple areas saw no other players, and all the chat channels were silent.

http://lotro.mmorsel.com/2010/02/choosing-server.html
There are other guides on the site that may also be helpful.

As for chat channels you you may want to subscribe to the servers Global LFF channel.
 

crownjules

Diamond Member
Jul 7, 2005
4,858
0
76
Maybe I should give this a go again. I have a level 40 or so Elf Champion and I'd just started venturing into Angmar when I lost interest and Moria hadn't been released.
 

viivo

Diamond Member
May 4, 2002
3,345
32
91
http://lotro.mmorsel.com/2010/02/choosing-server.html
There are other guides on the site that may also be helpful.

As for chat channels you you may want to subscribe to the servers Global LFF channel.

Thanks for that. I gave in and ordered the Mines of Moria CE from Amazon ($9 for a collector's edition and 30 days of play was too good to pass up, plus I love crappy trinkets that will probably give me lead poisoning) and will buy the SoM expansion soon.

I'm looking to get as far away from WoW as possible, so the medium servers sound good to me. In fact I think I'm already playing on one with my Lore Master as I haven't seen anybody, and I've been traveling and exploring rather than leveling.

I really like the story-driven element of the game and all the lore behind the quests. It's awesome since while I was casually looking for a MMORPG, I didn't want another grinder.
 

lupi

Lifer
Apr 8, 2001
32,539
260
126
The only time the game ever feels "grindy" is when doing some of the deed/trait achievements. Other than that you don't notice it, at least in no comparison to about any other mmo out there as the quest either are based off purely of killing a set number of mobs or the mobs have a highh enough drop rate that you aren't clearing large portions of the countryside to finish one quest.
 

lupi

Lifer
Apr 8, 2001
32,539
260
126
Had one of those ooohhhh moments last night. My loremaster is dual wielding now and I picked up a sword recently that had a +5 to undead stat on it. While I was going through the glacier pass in the middle of the focohel (sp?) area I noticed that all of the sudden it looked like I had a lantern hanging from my horse. Took a couple of seconds till I realized their where a couple undead types nearby and my sword was glowing like frodo's did. Pretty cool geek moment.
 

viivo

Diamond Member
May 4, 2002
3,345
32
91
Heh, looks like this is the official unofficial LOTRO thread.

Well, I'm loving the game now. My Warden is 31 and is a blast to play. I main tanked for 2 years in WoW, so the Warden is similar but also complex enough to be fun. I've found many of the players of LOTRO are the type you'd see with @aol email addresses and who think a modem is their PC tower. I've had at least three groups who were completely and utterly shocked that I knew how to hold threat on mobs. They were literally surprised that they didn't die because I knew how to hold 3+ mobs. I think I see why raiding is dead in this game.

Also, skirmishes are a lot of fun. I was feeling like I got ripped off on SoM, but skirmishes make it all worth it. Totally intense.

Lupi, what server are you on? Brandywine?
 
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