Third Character Deed Quest All Over Again Lotro

2007 video game

The Lord of the Rings Online
Developer(due south)	Turbine (2007–2016) Standing Stone Games (2016–nowadays)
Publisher(due south)	Daybreak Game Company[a]
Platform(south)	Microsoft Windows Bone 10
Release	April 24, 2007
Genre(southward)	Massively multiplayer online role-playing game
Manner(s)	Multiplayer

The Lord of the Rings Online (previously titled The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar ) and commonly only referred equally LotRO is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) for Microsoft Windows and Os X set in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, taking identify during the time menses of The Lord of the Rings. Developed past Turbine, Inc., the game launched in Northward America, Australia, Japan, and Europe in Apr 2007 as The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar. Players could create characters of four races and 7 classes and chance throughout the region of Eriador. In Nov 2008, Mines of Moria expansion was released, calculation the region of Moria and ii new playable classes. It was followed by the Siege of Mirkwood in December 2009. In 2010 the game underwent a shift from its original subscription-based payment model to existence free-to-play, with a paid subscription and an in-game shop.

The game saw continued development, alternating between paid expansions and free updates, which added new content in the regions of Isengard, Rohan and Gondor. In late 2016 it was announced that the publishing of the game would transfer from Warner Bros. Interactive Amusement to Daybreak Game Company, with evolution being taken over by Standing Stone Games, made upwardly of quondam Turbine staff.^[1] The game development continued and in 2017 the Mordor expansion was released, bringing the main storyline to a close. The story and so shifted to showing how various inhabitants of Middle-world bargain with the downfall of Sauron, with Minas Morgul expansion released in 2019^[2] and the Fate of Gundabad expansion released in 2021.^{[3] [4]}

Gameplay [edit]

Much of the gameplay is typical of the massive multiplayer online function playing game (MMORPG) format: the player controls a graphic symbol avatar which can be moved around the game world and interacts with other players, non-thespian characters and other entities in the virtual world. Characters proceeds levels by earning experience points from defeating enemies and completing quests and meliorate their personal stats by equipping items and using consumable buffs. Equally characters increase in level, they earn both new skills and trait points, which tin can exist assigned in various configurations to customize personal playstyle. Players tin can use the quest tracker to navigate objectives on the mini-map and traverse the game globe either on foot or using personal mounts, which include horses, ponies, goats and elks. Instantaneous travel is too available past using in-game "stable-masters" and sure "quick travel" skills. In addition to the detailed Quest log, player characters also take a Human action log, which tracks their progress across a vast number of achievements, ranging from frivolous to essential for grapheme progression.

As opposed to other function-playing video games, the equivalent of health or hit points in The Lord of the Rings Online is morale, which can be raised via nutrient, rest, music, and boxing cries. Characters whose morale reaches zero are considered "defeated" instead of killed. The equivalent of mana is called "power" or "wrath" because of the way magic in Tolkien's Middle-world differs from other fantasy games such as Globe of Warcraft. Actor characters can own a personal house, which can be decorated and provide additional storage. The crafting arrangement allows each grapheme to master upwards to three professions, which are separated into "gathering" of raw materials and actual "crafting" of usable items. Per the characterization of Hobbits in Tolkien's writings, pregnant emphasis is placed on cooking and agricultural farming. Players tin customize the wait of their characters by using the Cosmetic organization, which can display armor and weapons other than those worn for gainsay effectiveness. In improver to character name, players can also choose a championship to be displayed, and whether to display their current PvMP (PvP) rank.

Mines of Moria added 'Legendary items', which gain experience points and levels aslope the player character. Each grapheme can equip two class-specific legendary items (i of which is always the master weapon), which contain 'Legacies' that provide modifiers to class-specific abilities. Aslope regular experience points, players gain Legendary Item experience, which can be practical to different Legendary items to increment their levels. Each detail level in turn comes with a set number of Legendary points, which can exist assigned to specific Legacies to increase their potency. Players can further customize their Legendary items by naming them, giving them titles and slotting additional gems and runes. Characters tin can begin using Legendary items at level l, just they accept to be periodically replaced to brand upwards for the difference in stats until level 100, when Legendary items can be "imbued". Imbued Legendary Items tin stay relevant despite the increment in graphic symbol level, simply require the player to employ various crystals, scrolls and runes to remain then.

Riders of Rohan introduced mounted combat to the game. While regular character mounts only provide a speed boost and a minimal protection against attacks, the new rohirric state of war-steeds allow players to execute special "mounted" skills and attacks while on horseback. War-steeds accept many of the same stats equally role player characters, including morale and power, and tin be customized by selecting different types of war-steeds, investing in different trait lines and switching betwixt different mounted stances. Players can also invest in a Legendary bridle item and customize the look of their war-steeds by mix-and-matching various advent traits.

Gondor introduced essence gear, allowing players to customize their armour as they delight. The update also featured dungeons that reintroduced old instanced encounters, with claiming levels rescaled to higher levels. It introduced newer dungeons that were changing weekly, and too roving threats around Middle Earth, consisting of world bosses in many areas.

Character classes and races [edit]

Lord of the Rings Online launched with iv playable races: Dwarves, Elves, Hobbits and Men.^[five] In 2014 a new race of Beornings was added, although this race is only for the new form of the same proper name. Mordor expansion in 2017 added the new High Elf race. In 2019 a new race of "Stout-Axe Dwarves" was added, representing a dwarven clan from the far east of Heart-Earth with an advent distinct from that of Longbeard dwarves. Released as part of Minas Morgul expansion, Stout-Axes dwarves besides allow players to choose either male person or female person sex for their character^[6] as with all other races, while the original Dwarven race only allowed male characters. After selecting a character race, players are express in choosing a character class based on that race, with the most radical limitation being the Beorning race, which but allows the Beorning class.

The original seven character classes in the game are Infiltrator, Captain, Champion, Guardian, Hunter, Lore-master and Minstrel. Mines of Moria added the Rune-Keeper and Warden classes, while a tenth Beorning course was added in a regular update in November 2014. These three additional classes have to be unlocked by both free-to-play players and subscribers either through the in-game Store or by purchasing the Mines of Moria expansion. All classes can further specialize in one of the three trait lines that further determine their skills and combat function. While players can switch between different trait lines at will, each requires a specific set of gear and Legendary Items to complement and fully apply it. In addition to Class traits, Racial and Virtue traits tin can also exist earned and upgraded past completing specific quests and deeds.

Game economic system [edit]

An in-game currency of gold, argent and copper coins allows player characters to accrue wealth by completing quests and selling obtained boodle and crafted items to NPCs or other players. Currency tin as well be used to acquire equipment from NPCs or players, pay to repair equipment after gainsay, fast travel, buy crafting materials, and buy a house. Players can trade face-to-face, via in-game post, or at in-game Auction Houses. LOTRO points (formerly "Turbine points") are used in the in-game store and tin be both purchased with real money or earned in-game. LOTRO points can be spent on content unlocks, grapheme boosts and convenience upgrades besides as "Mithril Coins", a meta-currency for various game-related purchases. The game too features a wide diverseness of barter currencies for specific regions, group instances and seasonal festivals. These are either placed in graphic symbol bags or a Shop-purchased "Barter wallet".

On reaching Level fifteen, players can purchase a business firm in an instanced neighborhood, which is shared between all of their characters on the same game server. Houses come in different sizes and include chests for additional storage, but require a weekly maintenance hire using in-game currency and can be locked on failure to pay upkeep. Players can decorate their houses by placing decorations and article of furniture obtained as rewards for various in-game activities, such as quests, deeds or seasonal festivals. Originally four themed neighborhoods were available based on the four playable races: Dwarves, Elves, Men and Hobbits. With the release of the commencement region in Gondor, Premium Housing became available in the Cape of Belfalas area, with budget required in Mithril Coins instead of gold.^[7] Boosted Premium Housing areas in Rohan were released in 2020.^[8]

Deeds and reputation [edit]

Deeds are a means of tracking accomplishments for each grapheme that are not part of any quest. About mutual are regional deeds, constitute in all of the game's landscape regions, including Explorer, Slayer, Lore and Reputation deeds. Deeds are generally discovered upon completion of one of the goals of the deed (east.g., finding the first area of an Explorer human action or killing the first enemy of a Slayer deed), although some deeds are hidden and practise not show up until all required objectives have been completed. Other deeds include those tied to individual character's class or race, while Ballsy story deeds are avant-garde by completing quests in the Epic Quest line. Additional deeds are also institute in conjunction with the Skirmish and Instance features. A final Deed category is the Hobby, related to fishing, which currently is the only in-game Hobby. In add-on, at that place are 'Meta' Deeds that require completion of several other deeds, usually all of the deeds in a region or in an Instance Cluster. Act completion is more often than not rewarded past statistic boosts, oft LOTRO points, and sometimes cosmetic/non-combat awards such as titles or emotes.

Reputation is the measure of how well acquainted a thespian is with a specific grouping or faction. Each region in The Lord of the Rings Online features one or several factions, reputation for which may be gained past completing quests, deeds, defeating specific monsters and using Reputation items. Reputation factions in the original game and in the Mines of Moria favored advocacy past collecting and using Reputation items, while those from Siege of Mirkwood onward lean towards repeatable quests that provide a prepare amount of Reputation each day instead. Each Reputation faction includes vendors with a ready of specific rewards unlocked at various tiers, ranging from cosmetic pets and outfits to meridian-tier weapons and armour. Crafting Guilds are special Reputation factions for crafting skills. They provide admission to exclusive crafting recipes. Each character tin bring together up to 2 Crafting Guilds at a time.

Fellowship and group instances [edit]

A fellowship is a band of upwards to 6 characters, created to complete quests and group instances, which can be formed and disbanded past the leader at any time. All players in a fellowship can communicate with each other in the fellowship chat panel, where a conversation is seen by all fellowship members. The fellowship leader also has the ability to invite or dismiss a fellow member at whatever fourth dimension. Members in a fellowship volition as well appear to each other on the regional maps, which enables them to easily find one another in the game globe. A fellowship can besides be transformed into a Raid, which can be composed of upwardly to four separate fellowships and can contain anywhere from half-dozen to 24 players.

Fellowships (including those constitute in raids) can use the Fellowship Maneuver arrangement to perform special group moves. Fellowship Maneuvers occur randomly and require that the target exist stunned or knocked down in any grouping encounter with a "signature" or college difficulty enemy. Certain classes too have special skills that can initiate Fellowship Maneuvers when triggered. When a Fellowship Maneuver is initiated, every player within the area volition get a color wheel on their screen to cull one of four skill contributions, with different combinations resulting in unlike powerful attacks.

Fellowships are required to complete many of the group instances, which come up in several different variations. A typical "instance" alternates betwixt groups of strong enemies and dominate encounters which oft features unique game mechanics and provide a chest of rewards upon defeat. "Raids" are similar to instances, only feature "raid locks" which prevent characters from killing each boss more than in one case a calendar week, but besides let to track progress of a difficult raid beyond multiple game sessions. "Skirmishes" were introduced with the Siege of Mirkwood expansions and characteristic both enemy groups of random limerick and randomized "Skirmish Lieutenant" encounters across the instance. "Epic Battles" were introduced with the Captain's Deep expansion and correspond large-scale battles, in which numerous friendly NPCs appoint the enemy alongside the actor characters, whose focus lies on supporting their allies and completing specific objectives during the battle equally opposed to but defeating all of the enemies. While some group instances are fixed in both their size and intended level, others tin be played on unlike group sizes, levels and tiers of difficulty for progressively higher rewards.

Monster Players in the game can also join Fellowships, though they are named Warbands instead. Monster characters (see beneath) in a PvP zone also gain access to the Fellowship Manoeuvres panel, which are renamed to Warband Manoeuvrers.

World regions [edit]

The game'southward environment is J. R. R. Tolkien'due south Middle-earth, based on The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. The game'south license does not encompass rights to any other works in Tolkien'southward legendarium, such equally The Silmarillion.^[9] The game world is broadly divided into larger sections of Eriador, Rhovanion, Gondor and Mordor. It is so divided into separate "Regions", which are then farther sub-divided into "Areas". In the original game regions the expanse division served mostly navigational purpose, but from Enedwaith onwards each surface area normally has a distinctive mural artful and its ain split up storyline. The game's distinction of regions does not always match that of Tolkien's original definitions: for example, Northfarthing of the Shire is considered to be part of Evendim region, Rohan is considered to be office of Rhovanion and Kingdom of Gondor is split into several smaller regions.

Each region in the game contains non-player characters (NPCs) and quests inside an established thespian character level range, with the main Ballsy storyline usually serving as a guide between the region'south areas in progression from lowest to highest level. Each region also has a uppercase settlement, only just a few regions feature a proper "hub" for player activities. (A hub location includes all major in-game services for player characters, such as vault-keepers, auction houses and crafting halls.) Each Region exists at a specific fourth dimension period during the War of the Ring despite the passage of fourth dimension in the main story. This means that many characters (such equally Gandalf or Aragorn) tin can announced at multiple places "at once" if those places are set during different portions of the story (E.g. in Regions with different time frames). Several major locations are even permanently available in more than than one state: for example players can freely motion from Isengard flooded by the Ents to Isengard at the tiptop of Saruman's power and from Minas Tirith rebuilding subsequently the boxing of the Pelennor Fields to Minas Tirith before the battle, with the enemy still at the doorstep.

Player vs Monster Player [edit]

Classic Player vs. Player (PvP) combat, plant in many other MMOs, does not be in The Lord of the Rings Online. Costless People characters tin can merely "spar" each other on request and for no rewards.^[10] Instead, Player vs Monster Actor (besides known as PvMP or Monster Play)^[11] allows players to create "Monster player" characters and engage Complimentary People in combat in special secluded areas.

Monster player classes are Orc Reaver, Orc Defiler, Spider Weaver, Uruk Blackarrow, Uruk Warleader and Warg Stalker. Monster histrion characters are ever of current maximum level and advance by gaining Infamy Ranks instead. Infamy is awarded for killing Free People characters, and higher ranks give admission to better equipment and stat ratings.^[12] Monster players can equip no items, merely can employ consumable buffs and tin can be customized with specific appearance traits, purchased with Commendations given for quest completion or enemy kills. The quests, deeds and titles are like to those of the regular characters, simply Monster players are unable to leave the confines of the PvMP area and interact with Free People characters who practice not wish to exist a part of it. Originally, the only PvMP area was the Ettenmoors, where Free Players could travel and battle Monster players for command over the 5 keeps and small outposts. In July 2015, a second PvMP area was added in the ruins of Osgiliath.^[13]

Plot [edit]

Each game region contains from several dozens to over a hundred "Regional" quests which can be standalone missions or part of complete storyline with a articulate culminating point, which often runs parallel to the Epic Story. The main storyline (besides known as the "Epic Quest Line") is presented as a series of "Books", which consist of series of quests called "Chapters". Initially eight Books were bachelor at the game's release, with a new book added with each content update. After the game's transion to complimentary-to-play new Books stopped being strictly tied to updates, with some major updates containing no new Books while others calculation several Books at once instead.

Volume I: Shadows of Angmar [edit]

The original Epic Story focused generally on events that were new additions to the Lord of the Rings story by the creators of the game. Starting shortly after Frodo and his company had left the Shire, the player graphic symbol makes it to Bree, where they become acquainted to Aragorn and Gandalf and become involved in the larger affairs of Middle-Earth. Afterward initially following in the footsteps of Aragorn and the Hobbits to Weathertop and the Trollshaws where they track the single Black Passenger that was not swept away at the Ford of Bruinen, the thespian character soon gets involved into a campaign against resurgent Angmar, eventually stopping the plans of several powerful servants of The Witch King across Eriador.

• Volume I – Stirrings in the Darkness – After the introductions, the player is sent to Aragorn, who needs assist weakening the Blackwolds, a hostile gang within Bree-state, loyal to Sharkey. Subsequently helping Aragorn and the Rangers, the actor is sent to Tom Bombadil to destroy the evil in Othrongroth, the Great Barrow of the Barrow-downs. Though the Wightlord Sambrog is defeated, the Witch-king and his servants, Ivar and Skorgrim, escape the player's pursuit. Upon returning to Bree, the player discovers Aragorn has left with the Hobbits and instead meets Gandalf, who arrived too belatedly to help. The player is then instructed past Gandalf (who leaves for Rivendell as well) to locate one of Gandalf's fellow Istari, Radagast the Brown.
• Volume 2 – The Red Maid – The role player is sent to the Ranger Candaith, who tries to larn the location of Radagast the Brown for the player. While waiting, the histrion investigates the mysterious events that happened on Weathertop and fights the Orc regular army around and on top of the hill. By the time the enemy is defeated, Candaith has found Radagast in the city of Ost Guruth and sends the player to meet him. Radagast asks for the player'southward assistance in cleansing the area of Garth Agarwen from the evil wights that inhabit it. Ultimately the thespian and Radagast fight Ivar the Bloodhand, their leader and servant of the Witch-male monarch. Upon succeeding, the player is urgently sent to the North Downs to aid the Rangers in those lands.
• Volume Three – The Council of the North – The actor is asked by Halbarad to aid in the defense force of the North Downs against Angmar'due south forces, past uniting the three master armies of the North Downs: the Men of the town of Trestlebridge, the local Dwarves led by Dori, and Gildor's Elves. After accomplishing this, the role player is sent to Rivendell, where the Fellowship has now safely arrived.
• Book Iv – Chasing Shadows – The Blackness Rider that survived the Alluvion of Bruinen by Elrond is nevertheless somewhere in the Trollshaws, making information technology impossible for the Fellowship to leave. With the help of Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir, the player chases the Nazgûl, destroying the Trolls he has corrupted, and forcing the Ringwraith to retreat to the Misty Mountains. The histrion is sent to pursue him, where Glóin and some Dwarves accept set a military camp.
• Book 5 – The Final Refuge – The histrion'due south search for the Nazgûl brings him/her to the final stronghold of Skorgrím and the Dourhands, the corrupted Dwarves. An assault led by Gimli results in the autumn of Skorgrim and his servants. But the Nazgûl has fled to Helegrod, where a long-dead Dragon Thorog has been reanimated as a wight to serve the Dark Lord. The player arrives just in time to stop the Nazgûl, defeating him and making him lose control of the Dragon, who escapes. At present that Rivendell is condom, it is time to motion on to Angmar itself.
• Volume VI – Fires in the North – Rangers of the North, led by Corunir and Golodir, have gone to Angmar and their kinsmen want to know what has become of them. Upon arriving in Angmar, the player finds Corunir safe in a friendly Hillmen village. He begs the player to notice his lost company, who passed through Rammas Deluon: a great series of statues that weaken (or even impale) those who pass it. Subsequently destroying the spirits within them, the player becomes able to resist the power of Rammas Deluon, and finds a hidden Dwarf settlement, where a part of the scattered party lives.
• Book VII – The Hidden Hope – The player is informed that Golodir is settled at Gath Forthnir, far in the North. Upon arriving at that place, (due south)he finds that Golodir is long gone and the Rangers are led past his daughter, Lorniel. Lorniel reveals that Golodir has been captured by Mordirith, Steward of Angmar, and has been locked away in Carn Dûm. As leader of the remaining Rangers, and with the help of the Elf Laerdan, Lorniel launches an assail on Carn Dûm, where she is slain by Mordirith, who then releases cleaved Golodir in a mockery, to go on his torture.
• Book VIII – The Scourge of the North – Golodir's grief for the expiry of his daughter has almost destroyed him, however he sees a risk to avenge her. Reclaiming an ancient sword, he travels with the histrion to the centre of Carn Dûm, defeating Mordirith with his blade. But then Mordirith's palantír, a great seeing-stone he used to torture Golodir, is quickly taken by the mysterious Sara Oakheart.
• Book 9 – Shores of Evendim – The player learns that Sara Oakheart is none other than Amarthiel, the legendary Champion of Angmar. She has gear up up a plot inside a belfry of Barad Gularan to use the player to weaken Mordirith. Now that she has the palantír, she can communicate with Sauron and claiming Mordirith'southward position. The role player is sent to kill all of Mordirith'south Knights, in an attempt to further weaken his ability. But despite the player's victories over Mordirith, Amarthiel only grows stronger. After losing Fornost and Barad Gularan, she moves to Annúminas, the ancient capital of Arnor. The Rangers there, led by Calenglad, demand the player'southward help.
• Book X – The Metropolis of Kings – A massive battle in Annúminas ensues and the wise Elf Laerdan offers his services to Calenglad. Mordrambor, one of Amarthiel'south captains, is captured, but while in captivity he poisons the mind of Laerdan, making the Elf decide to fight Amarthiel on his own, in an effort to make up for his mistakes in the past. Over again the Free Peoples have been tricked by Amarthiel and her servants. Together with the Rangers of Evendim, the player is able to wrestle the palantír from Amarthiel's clutches, but Laerdan is lost. However, within the palantír, Amarthiel saw a glimpse of where Narchuil, her ancient ring, lies. She is now adamant to possess its power once more.
• Book Xi – Prisoner of the Gratuitous Peoples – Amarthiel's captain Mordrambor breaks free, killing many Rangers. Before long he leads an army out of Annúminas, to notice Amarthiel's Band, Narchuil. The player attempts to notice Narchuil before Amarthiel tin can, searching the ancient ruins of the Trollshaws. After much searching, it turns out Narmeleth, Laerdan'due south daughter, who originally caused Amarthiel'due south fall in Fornost, has become possessed by her. But all searching seems in vain, when information technology is revealed Amarthiel has already institute Narchuil. All the same, Elrond does not fall for her trickery again; he realizes Narchuil is all the same out in that location, and Laerdan knows where.
• Volume XII – The Ashen Wastes – Amarthiel has Laerdan transported to Angmar, where she learns from him under torture where her Band is. In a brave endeavour to save both Laerdan and the ring Narchuil, the player is able to get to them before Amarthiel does, just merely half of the ring was found. Laerdan confesses to Elrond he has broken the Narchuil in two, and reveals where the other function should be. Merely then he swears an adjuration upon Elbereth that he will not remainder before he has saved his daughter, and leaves the quango.
• Book Thirteen – Doom of the Concluding Rex – Trying to notice out more about the other half of Narchuil, the player is sent to Forochel. However Amarthiel'due south forces take already arrived, and their search is underway. In an try to observe the ring before the Angmarim, the player receives help from the shade of the Last King Arvedui. During a confrontation with the enemy, it appears that Mordrambor has betrayed Amarthiel: the two boxing each other and disappear from the view. The histrion so retrieves the 2d half of Narchuil and returns information technology to Rivendell.
• Book XIV – The Ring-forges of Eregion – Still seeking to salvage Narmeleth, Laerdan travels with the ii-halves of Narchuil to Eregion. Amarthiel, baiting him in, reclaims Narchuil for herself. Elrond sends many Heralds of Rivendell to all corners of Eriador to aid him in his search for the lost Ring-lore. But all efforts are too tardily, for Narchuil has been reforged when the Free Peoples reach Eregion. It apace becomes articulate none are able to withstand Narchuil, until Mordrambor, Amarthiel's former servant, arrives. Sowing confusion in her, he shows her the inflow of Mordirith, who is in power once again, but Amarthiel does not surrender and believes she can defeat him with use of Narchuil. However, Mordirith has the ability of the Witch-male monarch and defeats her, challenge Narchuil as his own. Merely as he is well-nigh to end Amarthiel, Laerdan appears. He reveals his knowledge that Mordirith is really Eärnur, the last King of Gondor, taken captive by the Witch-King and made a Wraith in mockery of his old defiance. Under Mordirith'due south orders Mordrambor kills Laerdan, afterward which the ii leave. Amarthiel is devastated past the loss of her father, and taken captive past the Free Peoples.
• Book XV – Girl of Strife – With the death of her father, Narmeleth is once once again freed from the evil influence of Amarthiel. She becomes a convict of the Free Peoples, but volunteers to avenge her father. In Angmar, the final battle between the Free People and Mordirith ensues. First Mordrambor is defeated and Narchuil is finally destroyed by Narmeleth. In the terminal confrontation, she sacrifices herself to defeat Mordirith. The volume ends bittersweetly with Narmeleth's redemption and her decease and Elrond comforts the thespian, maxim that she had found peace in the Undying Lands.

Volume II: Mines of Moria [edit]

Nether orders of Rex Dain Ironfoot, a company of dwarves from Erebor known as the Iron Garrison is sent to investigate and potentially reclaim Moria. Past sheer luck, they arrive mere days afterwards Gandalf had fought and defeated Durin'due south Bane, throwing the denizens of Moria into disarray. Using the power vacuum in the wake of the Balrog'south demise, the dwarves quickly claim major footing and establish several footholds within Khazad-dûm, but soon begin to face ever greater peril equally the forces of evil in Moria begin to unite under new leadership. Making an alliance with the Elves of Lothlorien the dwarves attempt to hold their ground when a personal emissary of Sauron himself arrives from Dol Guldur to put an cease to their trek. This story concludes in the Siege of Mirkwood expansion where the Galadhrim launch a major assault against Dol Guldur in an effort to depict the Center of the enemy away from the Fellowship as it departs from Lorien.

Volume Iii: Allies of the King [edit]

Lady Galadriel tasks the player with leading the Rangers of the North to the aid of Aragorn in the s and the player travels across Eriador to assemble the Grey Company from their Ranger friends with whom they had go well-acquainted during the Angmar campaign. Led by Halbarad and the Sons of Elrond, the Grey Company rides southward but encounters several perils, first losing several Rangers in Enedwaith and then suffering some other major loss due to a betrayal in Dunland. Saruman's forces block the company's passage beyond the Fords of Isen and as the Rangers recuperate, Lady Galadriel summons the player back to Lorien and tells them to follow the Fellowship downwardly the river Anduin. Accompanied by a girl from Dunland, an elf from Lorien and a man from Rohan, the player follows the Fellowship to the Falls of Rauros, afterward which they follow the 3 Hunters into the state of Rohan where they become closely familiar with many of the local rulers. Eventually the player fights in the boxing of Helm'due south Deep, afterward which they accompany King Théoden to face Saruman at Orthanc where the Rangers of the North finally meet with Aragorn.

Volume IV: The Force of Sauron [edit]

After the Gray Visitor follows into the Paths of the Dead, the player follows them and arrived into Gondor, which is at present besieged by the Corsairs of Umbar. After making a stop at Dol Amroth, the player catches up with Aragorn's forces and takes role in the Battle of Pelargir, after which Aragorn bids them to find and inform either Faramir or Gandalf in Minas Tirith while his men will canvass up Anduin in the Corsair ships. Unable to pass through the enemy blockade at Harlond, the player takes a detour through Ithilien and eventually reaches the besieged Osgiliath, narrowly escaping with the remaining Rangers of Ithilien and reaching the White City just as Faramir is shot by a Morgul dart and rendered unconscious. The histrion assists Gandalf in preparing the city for a siege and merely before the city gates are shut is sent by the wizard to detect King Théoden'southward forces. The role player reunites with their friends from Rohan in the Drúedain forest and fights in the battle of the Pelennor Fields. The player then joins the assembled Host of the West that marches through North Ithilien into Dagorlad and fights at the Boxing of the Blackness Gates from where they see the 1 Ring destroyed and the forces of Sauron finally defeated.

The Blackness Book of Mordor: Where the Shadows Lie [edit]

Every bit Aragorn is crowned the Rex of Gondor, the Complimentary Peoples of Middle-World begin to explore the lands of Mordor which were closed to them for over a k years. Assisting Gandalf, the player learns of the Gúrzyul – powerful servants of the Enemy which unlike the Nazgûl did not perish with him and continue to pose a danger to the people of Centre-Earth. Ane of the Gúrzyul known as Karazgar the Weeping Warrior has been suspiciously absent from the power struggle in Mordor, having escaped into the northern lands. The player character and Gandalf give hunt after him, through the ruins of Dol Guldur into the halls of Male monarch Thranduil, eventually leading to the Kingdom Under the Mountain, now rules past Dain's son Thorin III. While running an errand for Thorin III in the Iron Hills, the player comes upon an antiquity from Mordor – a Black Book which they deliver to Gandalf for safekeeping. Karazgar'due south forces assault Erebor but are repelled and a company of dwarves departs to reclaim their ancient strongholds in Ered Mithrin, believing them to be condom after the defeat of Sauron. They battle against Karazgar until Gandalf reveals his weakness and learns that Karazgar desires the very book that he carries. Gandalf departs to the lands of Beornings in the Vales of Anduin, where he and the player meet with the entourage of Lord Elrond who back-trail Lady Arwen to her wedding in Minas Tirith.

Evolution and release history [edit]

Sierra On-Line first announced the development of a licensed Middle-globe MMORPG in 1998.^[xiv] Sierra had financial troubles in 1999 and replaced the staff working on the game. Sierra connected to confirm development of the MMORPG but did not release any development details. Vivendi Universal Games, the parent visitor of Sierra, secured 8-twelvemonth rights to produce computer and video games based on The Lord of the Rings books in 2001. Vivendi announced an agreement with Turbine in 2003 to produce Heart-earth Online (at that fourth dimension expected to be released in 2004). In March 2005, Turbine announced that information technology had bought the rights to brand a MMORPG based on Tolkien's literature and that Turbine would publish The Lord of the Rings Online instead of Vivendi. A closed beta was appear on September 8, 2006. An open beta began on March 30, 2007, and was open to all who pre-ordered the game's Founders Club edition. On Apr six, 2007, the beta opened to the public.

In Apr 2007, Salon.com reported^[15] that the game had dropped a planned feature for in-game players spousal relationship because of the controversy around the possibility of same-sexual activity^[16] and inter-species^[17] weddings. Ane developer stated that the design rule was for weddings to be allowed if examples could be found in the book, as between elves and humans. The online magazine for gay gamers, GayGamer.internet commented that, while Tolkien was a devout Christian, his opinion on gay rights is not known as the topic was not a public upshot at the time.^[18] Video game critic Ian Bogost compared information technology to the case of The Sims 2, which did permit same-sex marriage three years prior.^{[19] [20]}

The game was developed and maintained by Turbine after Jeffrey Anderson secured the rights from Vivendi.^[21] In January 2014 information technology was appear that the license for The Lord of the Rings Online had been renewed to 2017.^[22] Executive producer Aaron Campbell transferred to other duties in 2015, and Dungeons and Dragons Online franchise director Athena Peters replaced him. Peters appear a new roadmap for the future of Lord of the Rings Online, including improvements to the legendary item system, new fellowship quests, and various "quality of life" fixes.^[23] As well on the agenda for the summer of 2015 were server merges and new datacenters.^[24] On December 19, 2016, it was announced that Turbine would no longer develop the game, rather a new contained game studio was formed under the proper name Continuing Rock Games; the staff would be the people that had been working on The Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons & Dragons Online under Turbine earlier. The publishing of the game would transfer from Warner Brothers to Daybreak Game Company. While a reason was not given for the transition, it was assured that the game would continue with new evolution.^{[1] [25]}

Releases and subscription model [edit]

In N America, players who pre-ordered the game were offered a special founder'southward offer, a lifetime subscription for $199 or reduced cost of $9.99 per month. Standard monthly fee is $xiv.99 with three, six, twelve calendar month, and lifetime discounts bachelor. European players had a similar programme from Codemasters. A holiday subscription was available in December 2007 and Jan 2008 for $9.99/month for a 3-month commitment. A special edition, which cost $ten more than the regular edition, included a full-colour transmission, an item called "Glass of Aglaral," a cloak of regeneration, which is visually different from the one in the regular edition, a "Making of" DVD, soundtrack, and a 10-day buddy key. The i year ceremony edition included a $9.99/month subscription or a $199.99 Lifetime subscription, which was again offered during the pb-up to the release of Mines of Moria. However the lifetime subscription choice is no longer bachelor and is unlikely to return.^[26]

On June 4, 2010, it was announced the game was to add a gratuitous-to-play pick in the autumn, with an in-game store. Free-to-play was successfully launched in North America on September 10, 2010. After a delay in Europe, free-to-play went live on November 2, 2010.^[27] During the following six months the visitor reported tripled revenues from the title.^[28] On Apr 26, 2011, information technology was announced that Codemasters would relinquish control of the European service back to Turbine, and on June 1, the servers were transferred. Subsequently a transition period of a few days, they reopened nether a unified Lord of the Rings Online global service. Finally, on June vi, 2012, The Lord of the Rings Online was made available for download on Steam. On November one, 2012, a beta of the Os Ten version was released^[29] and a 64-fleck client was added in June 2019.^[30] On April xx, 2022, the stop of life for the 32-fleck customer was announced to exist scheduled for January 1, 2023. At the same time as that announcement, to celebrate the game's 15th anniversary, all expansions and quest packs upwards to and including the game's Helm's Deep expansion were made permanently gratis to all players. In addition, all paying subscribers were given access to Standard Editions of the game'southward Mordor, Minas Morgul, and War of Three Peaks expansions for the elapsing of their subscription.^[31]

Soundtrack [edit]

The game features a variety of original music, with almost regions and instances containing a selection of specific themes, most of which were equanimous by either acclaimed video game composer Chance Thomas or in-business firm composers including Stephen Digregorio, Geoff Scott, Brad Spears, Egan Budd, Matt Harwood and Pecker Champagne. According to Thomas, all references that were fabricated to the music of the peoples of Middle-earth in the books were used to extrapolate equally much information equally possible nigh the instruments and styles that each race would have used to create their music. This information was then used as the base for creating the score.^[32] In the first two years of the game Thomas and DiGregorio each contributed roughly one-half of all music, which was released as soundtrack CD available with the Special Edition of 2007 "Shadows of Angmar" or pre-guild of 2008 Mines of Moria expansion, in addition to 61 songs that were made available for free in mp3 format using a download director released by Turbine.^[33] Their collaboration continued on the Mines of Moria soundtrack, released equally a CD with the Collector's Edition of the expansion.

Neither Siege of Mirkwood nor Rise of Isengard expansions received a dedicated soundtrack release, with no music added to the game between 2009 and 2012 fabricated officially bachelor until the Riders of Rohan expansion, for which Hazard Thomas returned to work on LOTRO subsequently years of absence, releasing a soundtrack available both on CD and as digital download. Music for the adjacent year'south Helm's Deep expansion was entirely composed by Stephen DiGregorio and was released as an album on SoundCloud^[34] while music added between 2013 and 2017 was besides non covered by any official releases. In 2017 Chance Thomas returned once more to contribute music to the game, releasing a soundtrack anthology for Mordor expansion in add-on to a commemorative tenth Anniversary Soundtrack which covered a collection of his work for the game from all previous soundtracks. Afterward Mordor all music and so far has been composed by Pecker Champagne, with full soundtracks for costless updates and expansions alike released on the game'south YouTube channel. The soundtrack for Lord of the Rings Online has received much praise for its quality and variety.^{[35] [36]}

In keeping with Tolkien's heavy utilise of vocal and music in his books,^[37] Lord of the Rings Online has a player music sub-system akin to MIDI that has been the subject of a Harvard anthropological written report.^[38] Characters on reaching level 5 can acquire to play musical instruments, including Bagpipes, Clarinet, Cowbell, Pulsate, Harp, Horn, Lute, Pibgorn, and Theorbo. Using keyboard macros, instruments can be played in real time on three octaves and abc note, with the music circulate to nearby role player characters. Players can too play pre-programmed pieces from user-created .ABC script files using the game'due south music notation, similar to MIDI files. Players often hold impromptu public performances, in solo or as bands at places such every bit The Prancing Pony Inn in Bree. Communities also regularly organize music events and mini-concerts such as "Weatherstock": Woodstock to a higher place the Weathertop.^[39]

Reception [edit]

The Lord of the Rings Online received wide acclamation.^[40]

GameDaily awarded the game ix/10, praising its rich, fantasy-themed universe, well-integrated trait and championship arrangement, and a story that remains true to the works of Tolkien. Yahoo! Video Games wrote a review with few negative mentions, awarding the game a score of iv/5,^[45] while Reckoner and Video Games called the game an essential purchase for Lord of the Rings fans, scoring the game a 9.2/10.^[46] Eurogamer scored the game a 9.0/10, calling it tough to resist.^[47] GameSpy gave information technology 4.five/five stars, challenge the game "opened up Middle-Globe to the masses" just commented negatively on its weak PvP content,^[48] while GameTrailers awarded it 8.5/10,^[49] citing its interesting tweaks to the MMO genre. IGN ranked information technology a similar 8.half dozen/10, praising information technology for its solid experience, though criticizing it for its lack of major improvements to the genre.^[50] The New York Times chosen the game "a major achievement of interactive storytelling, the starting time game truly worthy of the 'Lord of the Rings' franchise and a must-play for just about anyone with an interest in Tolkien or the future of online entertainment."^[51] In a GameSpot review, the product was awarded an 8.3/ten, praising its appealing polish and intriguing Monster Play characteristic.^[52] GamePro's review gave it an overall 4.25/5, pointing out how engaging the ballsy quests are, as well equally how true-blue to the novels the game managed to stay.^[53]

GameSpy alleged The Lord of the Rings Online 'Game of the Calendar month' for May 2007.^[54] Midway announced that the game sold over 172,000 copies in North America during its 2nd quarter.^[55]

In Baronial 2007, Codemasters announced that The Lord of the Rings Online had received five Aureate Joystick Awards nominations for the five applicable categories for the game,^[56] and in Oct 2007 that it had won the "PC Game of the Year" at these awards.^[57] It won the same award over again in October 2008.

In 2007, GameSpy awarded The Lord of the Rings Online 6th place in the top ten PC games of the year.^[58] Turbine also won the GameSpy MMO of the Year accolade.^[59]

In 2010, RPGFan'southward Adam Tingle named The Lord of the Rings Online the all-time MMORPG of all time in a pinnacle-ten countdown^[threescore] while RPGLand gave its "All-time Complimentary-to-Play MMORPG" almanac award.^[61] That twelvemonth, the NPD Group reported that the game was "the tertiary most played massively multiplayer role-playing game" with Turbine citing their free-to-play model as the reason for the growing subscriber base.^[62]

In January 2011, PC Gamer chose The Lord of the Rings Online every bit the MMO of the year.^[63] Praise was given for treating fans to two new Ballsy Books worth of quests, two added regions, expansion of in-game events, improved UI elements, and the revamp of the character creation and starter regions. Also noted was the success of the move to free-to-play, stating Lord of the Rings Online is "rapidly redefining the style a successful subscriptionless MMO is run."

In both 2018 and 2019, gaming web log Massively (formerly known as Joystiq) rated The Lord of the Rings Online as Most Underrated MMORPG of the year for its expansions and updates, vast, diverse earth, some excellent storytelling, and a friendly and dedicated community.^[64]

Notes [edit]

1. ^ The game was formerly published by, Midway Games, and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

References [edit]

1. ^ ^{a b} Bree Royce (December 19, 2016). "Turbine Spins Lord of the Rings Online and DDO Teams Out to New Studio, Using Daybreak As Publisher". Massively Overpowered . Retrieved December 20, 2016.
2. ^ Michael (Feb 26, 2019). "Lord of the Rings Online Expansion to Include Minas Morgul and Shelob". MMOCourt . Retrieved August 27, 2019.
3. ^ ree Royce (February 29, 2020). "PAX East 2020: LOTRO plans Aragorn and Arwen's wedding plus 2021 expansion as DDO teases unicorns". MassivelyOP . Retrieved February 29, 2020.
4. ^ Cordovan (November 10, 2021). "The Fate of Gundabad has arrived!". Standing Stone Games.
5. ^ "Characters". The Lord of the Rings Online . Retrieved November 26, 2014.
6. ^ Justin Olivetti (Baronial 3, 2019). "LOTRO announces Stout Axe Dwarves, DDO reveals Alchemist class and permadeath server". Massively Overpowered . Retrieved Baronial 27, 2019.
7. ^ "Dev Diary – Premium Housing". Turbine. October 18, 2016. Retrieved Nov 21, 2016.
8. ^ "Introducing: Rohan Housing!". Retrieved November 13, 2021.
9. ^ ""Is The Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO) based on the movies or the books?" and "What nearly The Silmarillion?" at the official FAQ". Turbine. due north.d. Archived from the original on November 27, 2007. Retrieved November 15, 2007.
10. ^ "Spar". Lotro-wiki.com . Retrieved May two, 2019.
11. ^ "Game Systems: Monster Play Overview". Turbine. n.d. Archived from the original on February 25, 2008. Retrieved March 8, 2008. – this reference is historical only.
12. ^ "Monster Play Rank Titles: Rank Chart". Turbine. north.d. Retrieved August thirteen, 2013.
13. ^ "Update sixteen.2 Release Notes". Lotro.com . Retrieved May 2, 2019.
14. ^ "Middle-earth Online Memories – Office 1". Rpgvault.ign.com. 2007. Archived from the original on June ix, 2007. Retrieved April 22, 2009.
15. ^ Katherine Glover. "Why can't gay dwarves become married in Centre-earth?". Salon.
16. ^ "Gay Marriage Flap Effectually New Lord of the Rings MMO". GamePolitics.com.
17. ^ Flynn De Marco. "LOTR Online Just Says No To Same Sex Marriage". Kotaku.com. Archived from the original on December 16, 2007.
18. ^ "We Wants The Gay Hobbitses! And We Wants It Now!". FAD Media, Inc. Archived from the original on October 10, 2011.
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34. ^ DiGregorio, Stephen (November 8, 2013). "The Lord of the Rings Online™: Helm'southward Deep™ OST". SoundCloud. Retrieved March half-dozen, 2020.
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36. ^ ^{a b} Onyett, Charles (May 11, 2007). "The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar Review. Turbine's latest MMORPG delivers". IGN. Archived from the original on May 16, 2007. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
37. ^ Justin Olivetti. "The Road to Mordor: Making music together". Joystiq.com.
38. ^ William Cheng. "Role-Playing toward a Virtual Musical Democracy in The Lord of the Rings Online". University of Illinois Press.
39. ^ Justin Olivetti. "LotRO musicians prepare for Weatherstock. 2011". Joystiq.com.
40. ^ ^{a b} "The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved May sixteen, 2019.
41. ^ Sharkey, Scott (May 15, 2007). "Reviews: Lord of the Rings Online". 1UP.com. Archived from the original on July xv, 2007. Retrieved May 24, 2008.
42. ^ Fahey, Rob (April 24, 2007). "Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar Review". Eurogamer.
43. ^ Biessener, Adam. "Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar". Game Informer. Archived from the original on February thirteen, 2008. Retrieved March 7, 2008.
44. ^ Rausch, Allen (May 4, 2007). "Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar Review". GameSpy. Retrieved April 24, 2008.
45. ^ "The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar Review". Yahoo! Games . Retrieved Baronial 24, 2007.
46. ^ "PC Review: Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar". CVG . Retrieved Baronial 24, 2007.
47. ^ "Review – Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar". EuroGamer. April 24, 2007. Retrieved August 24, 2007.
48. ^ "The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar Review". GameSpy . Retrieved Baronial 24, 2007.
49. ^ "The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar". gametrailers.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2007. Retrieved Baronial 24, 2007.
50. ^ "The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar Review". IGN. Archived from the original on May 17, 2007. Retrieved August 24, 2007.
51. ^ "Lord of the Rings Online Press Release". lotr.turbine.com. Archived from the original on August 17, 2007. Retrieved August 24, 2007.
52. ^ "The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar for PC Review". GameSpotUK. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved August 24, 2007.
53. ^ "Review: The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar for PC". GamePro. Archived from the original on May 13, 2007. Retrieved August 24, 2007.
54. ^ "Game of the Month: May 2007". GameSpy . Retrieved August 24, 2007.
55. ^ "Midway halves Q2 losses, delays BlackSite, Wheelman". GameSpotAU . Retrieved August 25, 2007.
56. ^ "Music and vice top games awards". BBC News. August 2007. Retrieved August 25, 2007.
57. ^ "Gears Wins Big at Golden Joysticks – Edge Magazine". Next-gen.biz. October 26, 2007. Retrieved June 17, 2011. ^{[ permanent dead link ]}
58. ^ "GameSpy's Game of the Year 2007". GameSpy. Archived from the original on November 9, 2012. Retrieved December nineteen, 2007.
59. ^ "Lord of the Rings Online Wins Top Honors from Gamespy!". Lord of the Rings Online. Archived from the original on December twenty, 2007. Retrieved Dec 19, 2007.
60. ^ "RPGFan Meridian 10 MMORPG of All Time". Rpgfan.com . Retrieved February 15, 2011.
61. ^ "RPGLand RPG of 2010". Rpgland.com . Retrieved February 15, 2011.
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63. ^ "PC Gamer U.s. games of the twelvemonth awards". Pcgamer.com. January eleven, 2011.
64. ^ "Massively OP's 2018 Awards: Most Underrated MMO of 2018". Massively Overpowered. December 9, 2019. Retrieved April 27, 2020.

External links [edit]

• Official website

despeissislatchaving.blogspot.com

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_Online

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