LOTRO: Bullroarer Update 42 - Legacy of Morgoth Beta #1
Over the last 24 hours, I’ve spent some time taking part in the first beta test for Legacy of Morgoth on this Bullroarer test server. This will be the 12th expansion for the MMORPG, The Lord of the Rings Online, when it is released on November 6th. According to the developers, Standing Stone Games, “Legacy of Morgoth is homed in the Valley of Ikorbân, located east of Umbar Baharbel. This is a challenge level 150 region, with 4 new zones packed with new quests, Deeds, Missions and Delvings for you to explore”. The Valley of Ikorbân is located to the east of Umbar Barharbel and is part of Near Harad. The aesthetics of the region are a continuation of those featured in the previous expansion, Corsairs of Umbar. Something, I personally still have mixed feelings about, as I find it somewhat incongruous to be questing in a tropical zone, after years of playing in a world that is predominantly based upon a European, temperate climate.
Over the last 24 hours, I’ve spent some time taking part in the first beta test for Legacy of Morgoth on this Bullroarer test server. This will be the 12th expansion for the MMORPG, The Lord of the Rings Online, when it is released on November 6th. According to the developers, Standing Stone Games, “Legacy of Morgoth is homed in the Valley of Ikorbân, located east of Umbar Baharbel. This is a challenge level 150 region, with 4 new zones packed with new quests, Deeds, Missions and Delvings for you to explore”. The Valley of Ikorbân is located to the east of Umbar Barharbel and is part of Near Harad. The aesthetics of the region are a continuation of those featured in the previous expansion, Corsairs of Umbar. Something, I personally still have mixed feelings about, as I find it somewhat incongruous to be questing in a tropical zone, after years of playing in a world that is predominantly based upon a European, temperate climate.
The Valley of Ikorbân is split into four maps, filled with new quests, Deeds, Missions and Delvings for players to explore. The expansion is a challenge level 150 region. The first beta test is unusual compared to those for previous expansions, as developers SSG have not made the entire expansion available as they usually do. Hence I have only been able to explore Ambarûl and Khûd Zagin so far. Both Imhûlar and Urash Dâr will be available for future tests. The downside to this approach is that players will encounter specific invisible walls, the most noticeable is across the Bridge of Danagir. Limiting access to the full expansion has also broken the travel mounts from the stables in the area. Regular travel mounts will ride through a zone until they encounter an invisible wall but swift travel mounts fail to follow the designated route and run into any obstruction.
SSG have not explained why they have made this decision and it has been assumed by many LOTRO players that the quests in the two withheld zones are incomplete. Setting this aside for a moment, an expansion comprising of just four maps, is cause for concern in its own right. LOTRO players have already pointed out that the 3 different versions of the Legacy of Morgoth that were initially announced (standard, collector’s and ultimate fan edition), were lacking in content and the SSG has already decided to add cosmetic items to address such concerns. However, I still do not feel that 4 new maps merits being called an expansion. It is not as if we’re getting a new class, like we did with Corsairs of Umbar. I am curious to see if this becomes a talking point on the official forums and whether SSG will make any further concessions.
With regard to the two zones that I did have access to, neither reinvent the wheel. Ambarûl continues the tropical aesthetic of the previous expansion and adds some areas similar to a mangrove swamp. The zone is somewhat open and gently slopes up towards the mountains. There is a closed gate to the North East that leads to Harondor, the overland route to Southern Gondor. Khûd Zagin is a more interesting zone, due to its arid, rocky desert. Vegetation becomes more sparse and the landscape is filled with snakes, scorpions and caracal cats. There are dust devils and other embellishments that convey the character of the environment. Furthermore it looks quite sinister at night. As ever with LOTRO, the ambient music by Bill Champagne is outstanding and contributes so much to the game’s atmosphere.
Beta tests are subject to change and are not representative of the final product. Hence, there is scope for things to change in the weeks to come with the next test of Legacy of Morgoth. That being said, I still have my concerns regarding this expansion. In the past, beta tests have presented a virtually finished version of the expansion with all its respective content available for consideration. I find this limited access to only two maps perplexing. Is the new material still being actively created? Have there been issues making the new content? Is this expansion being quickly put together and pushed out the doors at the behest of the bean counters at Daybreak Game Company? It is the latter that worries me the most. It’s not so much a question of quality but one of quantity. Are we being given what is effectively just a content update but being charged for it? It wouldn’t be the first time such a thing has happened. Watch this space.
LOTRO: Brawler Class Preview
Standing Stone Games are currently previewing the new Brawler class and major revisions to the Legendary Items system on the Bullroarer test server. So I decided to take a look today. As ever, they have made it very clear that both of these are very early builds and therefore subject to change. In fact some elements of this “first look” have not even been fully integrated into the game. For example, the quest arc prior to entry to Moria is still linked to the existing Legendary Item system and as of yet has no suitable rewards for the Brawler class. Players using the test server need to visit the Eyes and Guard tavern in Archet to obtain a suitable LI. It is also the same for Brawler related gear. Most quest lines do not at present provide suitable gear for this new class. Also many icons and tooltips associated with both Brawlers and LIs are temporary placeholders or recycle existing content.
Standing Stone Games are currently previewing the new Brawler class and major revisions to the Legendary Items system on the Bullroarer test server. So I decided to take a look today. As ever, they have made it very clear that both of these are very early builds and therefore subject to change. In fact some elements of this “first look” have not even been fully integrated into the game. For example, the quest arc prior to entry to Moria is still linked to the existing Legendary Item system and as of yet has no suitable rewards for the Brawler class. Players using the test server need to visit the Eyes and Guard tavern in Archet to obtain a suitable LI. It is also the same for Brawler related gear. Most quest lines do not at present provide suitable gear for this new class. Also many icons and tooltips associated with both Brawlers and LIs are temporary placeholders or recycle existing content.
The Brawler is a melee class. It is supposed to be “inspired” by Helm Hammerhand. Brawlers do not rely upon standard weapons but instead use Battle Gauntlets and heavy armour. The main focus for Brawlers is damage per second, off-tanking and providing support. Any race in Middle-earth can be a Brawler with the exception of Beornings, which are their own hybrid race and class combination. They have two primary lines of specialisation. The blue line (The Fulcrum) is for tanking and support. The red line (The Maelstrom) is a damage specific line. The yellow skill tree (The Fundament) is to augment and bolster the other two. As with the Champion class, which generates and uses Fervour, the Brawler gains and expends Mettle. There is a meter on the skillsbar. Brawler skills include light and heavy attacks, buffs and debuffs, self heals and special AoE attacks.
Rather than create a Brawler and auto level straight to 130, I decided to play through the tutorial and progress through Bree-land for a while. That way I could assess and come to grips with the basic skills as they were earned. Despite this being a very early build the Brawler plays quite well at present. The basic skills of heavy and light attacks are done as different kinds of punches. The animations are okay and it all feels quite tangible. Your blows do damage and the mobs react to them in a timely fashion. However, beyond the actual mechanics, it is very much a matter of taste as to whether you find this sort of fisticuffs “appropriate” in a MMORPG such as The Lord of the Rings Online. I personally find it somewhat incongruous that the Brawler class has been extended to Elves and Hobbits. Punching your way through early content seems plausible but is it credible to “beat” one’s way into Mordor?
As for Legendary Items 2.0, I only took a cursory look at this new system. The streamlining of weapons with four types of socketed items (“traceries”) that accommodate growth without having to replace the weapon is a step in the right direction. But because I’ve never fully come to grips with the existing LI system I cannot assess whether the new systems offer commensurate results to what I have already. Ultimately I need to be able to compare the stats that I have on my primary character on Laurelin, to those on Bullroarer. I am assuming that at some point when the LI changes are approved, players on the live server will get a replacement weapon or a refund of points. If we have to start from scratch without any recompense there will be “community problems”. Essentially, I expect my stats to remain the same when the new LI system is released. If I lose anything or feel that something is not a like for like replacement, I will consider SSG to have failed.
The other two things of note associated with this preview is that SSG have announced the name of the next expansion for LOTRO. It will be Fate of Gundabad. I hope it is more substantive than War of Three Peaks. It is also interesting to see that Bullroarer opened a day early exclusively for “content creators”. It’s something that lots of other game developers do, so it’s not in any way anomalous but I personally wasn’t aware of any major, heavy hitting LOTRO streamers. I always got the impression it is a somewhat niche market and no one had audiences in the 100K range. As for the wider issue of this preview itself, I think it’s too early to really make a definitive assessment as to the success or failure of either the Brawler Class and the revised LI system. I will certainly check again when the second preview goes live and there is more information available and better in-game integration.
LOTRO: Bullroarer Update 30 - Preview #1
On Wednesday evening, Standing Stone Games made Update 30 The Blood of Azog for the Lord of the Rings Online available on the Bullroarer test server. The preview includes the forthcoming raid The Fall of Khazad-dûm and the continuation of the Epic Story from War of Three Peaks. They are also testing some balance changes to all classes in the game. According to community manager Cordovan “we've had to reconsider the balance of certain major group buffs and debuffs that were overpowered in the context of large fellowships. This has led to the reduction of several of these effects in order to hopefully allow for a wider breadth of class compositions in such content. We are balancing this work by not just focusing on nerfs, but DPS increases and other buffs as well”. As ever with content on Bullroarer, it is subject to change and may be altered further before final release.
On Wednesday evening, Standing Stone Games made Update 30 The Blood of Azog for the Lord of the Rings Online available on the Bullroarer test server. The preview includes the forthcoming raid The Fall of Khazad-dûm and the continuation of the Epic Story from War of Three Peaks. They are also testing some balance changes to all classes in the game. According to community manager Cordovan “we've had to reconsider the balance of certain major group buffs and debuffs that were overpowered in the context of large fellowships. This has led to the reduction of several of these effects in order to hopefully allow for a wider breadth of class compositions in such content. We are balancing this work by not just focusing on nerfs, but DPS increases and other buffs as well”. As ever with content on Bullroarer, it is subject to change and may be altered further before final release.
As I am not part of an active raiding guild, I specifically logged on to Bullroarer to look at the next instalment of the main story. Prince Durin is unhappy with the escape of Gorgar, son of Bolg and the sealing of the gates of Mount Gundabad by Hrímil Frost-heart. He is keen to launch a further assault against his foes, however Glóin hopes that a lesson in history might temper the Prince’s plan. Hence through a clever narrative contrivance, the player experiences the Battle of Azanulbizar in 2799 of the Third Age, through the eyes of Hermáth Stormhammer, a hero of Durin’s Folk. Effectively this is like Mordor Besieged in Update 25 Minas Morgul. This revised map of Dimrill Dale is a cold and harsh zone where the snow falls heavier the higher you climb toward Moria and the Redhorn Pass. As well as PVE quests there are also missions set in Azanulbizar (T.A. 2799).
The new zone extends from the Misty Mountains in the North West to the borders of Lorien in the South East. The entrance to Khazad-dûm is heavily fortified by Azog’s Orcs. A central road runs diagonally through Dimrill Dale, running parallel to the Mirrormere. A further two paths can be found hugging the mountain walls on either side of Dimrill Dale. There are six Dwarven camps in the area, four of which have stables. The major camp is Amdân to the South, on the road that leads to Rohan. You will find Dwarves of many different clans here. Within a short distance of all of these Dwarven camps there are comparable Orc fortifications, which block the roads. There are ongoing battles between both factions in strategic places such as Zirakazhar and Atrad-Zarakh. There are a few wild animals such as wolves, bears and birds in the area. Attempting to pass through the Orc encampments is problematic due to mob density.
As ever, the new zone has a great atmosphere and a suitably rousing soundtrack. There is a rather good preface to the new area in which we witness the history of Thror and Nár and their ill-fated quest to reclaim Khazad-dûm. Thror meets a suitably unpleasant fate at the hands of Azog which then leads to the Sixth War of the Dwarves and Orcs. I tend not to play too much content during these Bullroarer previews but from what I’ve seen the PVE quests are structurally very similar to those in the previous mini expansion. I’m sure that SSG will supply a good story as ever but I am concerned that many of the quests will be repeatable and of the “kill so many things” variety. There will naturally be a new reputation faction to complete and barter rewards. From what I’ve seen, Update 30 The Blood of Azog seems to be standard new LOTRO content. That is not a value judgement but a statement of fact. SSG continues to follow their established formula.
LOTRO: Bullroarer Update 29 Wildwood Preview #1
When I heard that Update 29 for The Lord of the Rings Online would be an area between Evendim and The North Downs, I assumed there would be a new zone somewhere above Fornost. Well it pays to remember never assume anything. I logged on to the Bullroarer test server tonight and found that Wildwood (as the new area is called) is actually located in North West Bree-Land. Standing Stone Games have developed what was previously an inaccessible part of the Bree-Land and created an interesting new region. It maintains the existing idiom of the overall zone with regard to aesthetics and mobs but from what I have seen the PVE content available is pitched at level 45 or thereabouts. It would appear that there is an NPC based at the Trestlebridge Gate who offers level cap Missions that take place in the new area.
When I heard that Update 29 for The Lord of the Rings Online would be an area between Evendim and The North Downs, I assumed there would be a new zone somewhere above Fornost. Well it pays to remember never assume anything. I logged on to the Bullroarer test server tonight and found that Wildwood (as the new area is called) is actually located in North West Bree-Land. Standing Stone Games have developed what was previously an inaccessible part of the Bree-Land and created an interesting new region. It maintains the existing idiom of the overall zone with regard to aesthetics and mobs but from what I have seen the PVE content available is pitched at level 45 or thereabouts. It would appear that there is an NPC based at the Trestlebridge Gate who offers level cap Missions that take place in the new area.
Before I discuss this specific quest arrangement, I would like to talk briefly about Wildwood. If you ride North along the Greenway towards Trestbridge, there is a turning to the left of the road once you get just beyond the Orc camp where Rob Thornley is held hostage. This road bears West above the Cirith Nur Orc camp and then the terrain opens out into a wooded and grassland region that is Wildwood. Like most of Bree-Land, the area is blighted by Ruffians and Poachers. Due to its close proximity to Evendim, there are also Tomb Robbers along the banks of the Brandywine. You will find Orcs occupying the old Dunedain ruins of Norwarden and Overwine Hall. Wargs congregate around the aptly named Gnawbone Pit. There is also a village that has been overrun by bandits called Cotfast. There are two mines in the new area called West and East-delf, both of which are occupied by bandits. In the depths there is the cavernous area of Writhenset, complete with spiders and a maze of web tangled tunnels.
An old Watch Tower, Sutwarden that overlooks lake Starmere. The lake flows out into the Brandywine through the Brandy Hills. There is another Dunedain ruin called The Old Bluff-house. Again this is rife with Wildwood Assailants. Tucked away in the farthest top left hand corner of Wildwood is a rickety rope bridge, Marl’s Crossing, that straddles the river that separates this new zone from the North Downs. It is held by Half Orcs and at present cannot be crossed. Even if it could it would lead to a part of Evendim that is currently inaccessible anyway. In many ways this highlights the unusual nature of Wildwood. It is surrounded by older areas which are designed to be level 20 to 30. For example the Brandy Hill Ruins and the home of Svalfang The Stone Giant abut closely to the Wildwood. So players with low level alts will have to tread carefully when in the area, less they stray into mobs with a higher level.
The main quest hub for the new area appears to be Trader’s Wharf which is on the Eastern banks of the Brandywine river. A group of adventurers and traders are attempting to reclaim the Wildwood from the various bandits and poachers. There’s a reputation quartermaster and other traders, along with the obligatory weeping NPC, who in this case is a Hobbit. According to the notes on the official forum, it is here that the quest to explore the Wildwood can be started. The new zone can also be approached from Trestlebridge which now has a Western entrance and a road that runs out into the new area. It is at Trestlebridge Gate House that you can find the NPC that bestows content for players at level cap. It would appear that these are specifically Missions and therefore are designed for solo or duo players. I tried several of these and found them to be broadly similar to those found in War of Three Peaks.
Wildland is not a huge new area but I must admit, I like the fact that SSG have opted to develop an unused area of an existing and much beloved zone. Bree-Land is one of the oldest regions in LOTRO and it is nice to see a new area that maintains the existing idiom. There are a few oddities at present which may be placeholder content. It is somewhat incongruous to find a Moose in such an area. I am also intrigued by the Wandering Jorthkyn that I encountered. Naturally I will complete the PVE content when it is formally released, although being level 45 it will offer no tangible benefits apart from the story. And I must say I am far from thrilled that the only level cap content on offer are Missions, which I am not especially enamoured with. Overall the scope of this update, which is apparently going to be free, is somewhat reduced compared to previous releases. I suspect the pandemic is to blame for this. It will be interesting to see how the community receives Wildwood and whether Missions are popular or not.
NB. The Bree-Land Map been updated to reflect the new area of Wildwood. SSG have also revised the maps for The Shire and Ered Luin.
The Eyes and Guard Tavern
LOTRO like many other MMOs has a test server. Players can transfer existing characters to Bullroarer when it is available and preview all aspects of any new content that is being beta tested. If you do not wish to or do not have a level appropriate character available to transfer, you can create a new one and then visit The Eyes and Guard Tavern in Archet. This hostelry hosts a range of NPCs that can advance your alt through content, bestow deeds as well as upgrade virtues and traits. Effectively, you can gain everything that is available in the game from level 1 to the new cap of 120. It is therefore an invaluable in-game facility. If you wish to visit the latest zone, then you can jump to level cap and port directly to the region. Min-maxers and those who have a penchant for build experimentation can spend hours perusing new gear and such like. However, despite being a beneficial facility, The Eyes and Guard Tavern is a somewhat blunt tool.
LOTRO like many other MMOs has a test server. Players can transfer existing characters to Bullroarer when it is available and preview all aspects of any new content that is being beta tested. If you do not wish to or do not have a level appropriate character available to transfer, you can create a new one and then visit The Eyes and Guard Tavern in Archet. This hostelry hosts a range of NPCs that can advance your alt through content, bestow deeds as well as upgrade virtues and traits. Effectively, you can gain everything that is available in the game from level 1 to the new cap of 120. It is therefore an invaluable in-game facility. If you wish to visit the latest zone, then you can jump to level cap and port directly to the region. Min-maxers and those who have a penchant for build experimentation can spend hours perusing new gear and such like. However, despite being a beneficial facility, The Eyes and Guard Tavern is a somewhat blunt tool.
First off, if you transfer a character from the live server that is already progressing towards level cap you cannot use the appropriate NPC at The Eyes and Guard Tavern to advance straight to 120. I spent an hour tinkering with my build tonight with a level 40 hunter, before I realised my predicament. You can only take advantage of level advancement if you create a completely new character. Starting from scratch then comes with further problems. Adding all the games’ different aspects to your build, such as reputation and completion of the Epic Story, takes time. A lot of time. Furthermore, if you decide to flag all of the Epic Story as completed, the NPC will often port you to different locations in Middle-earth as part of that process. You then have to make your way back from Angmar, Edoras, or Anorien to the The Eyes and Guard Tavern, multiple times.
Creating new legendary weapons and fine tuning them is another very complex and time-consuming process. As is selecting your gear and applying appropriate essences. Re-learning all your crafting skills adds further time to this “work in progress”. Simply put, if you wish to create a level cap character with the best of the best gear, that has all rep and has progressed through all of the game’s story, then you can expect to spend three hours or more on such an undertaking. Again, I would like to make it clear that for some players, this prospect is a pleasure and not a chore. But for others, who simply want to visit the new region and may be try some of the new quests, such an investment of time is prohibitive. Another consideration is that to access the Bullroarer test server, you have to download and install a completely separate client. For those on slow internet connections or with data caps, that is another hurdle to overcome.
I have written in the past about the “average LOTRO player” and fully understand that those who play casually are not necessarily the core demographic of those accessing the Bullroarer test server. Hence the services available in The Eyes and Guard Tavern although lengthy and convoluted, are tailored to the liking of a more “involved” group. However, it would be beneficial if Standing Stone Games could add some additional facilities that met the needs of intermediate players who primarily want to visit Bullroarer test server to access the new zones and their respective quests. The provision of cookie-cutter endgame builds, that could be applied with a single click via an NPC is one example I can think of. Or if a player wants to be just a “virtual tourist”, perhaps some sort of temporary invincible mode could be made available, where you do not aggro the mobs and can explore freely. This facility already exists in (to a degree) when you use the stable service to travel between zones.
Overall, The Eyes and Guard Tavern is a functional and multi-layered service. To get the most out of it, be prepared to invest an considerable amount of time. If you are interested in accessing the Bullroarer test server and have not transferred an alt before or used the The Eyes and Guard Tavern, then I would recommend reading the official LOTRO guide that is buried within the official LOTRO forums or alternatively, read the helpful FAQ over at LOTRO Players website. As SSG is endeavouring to tidy up numerous outstanding “loose ends” in LOTRO, perhaps this service will have some “quick” options added to it in the future or they’ll find a way to streamline the services provided.
Bullroarer Update 23 Preview #2
Despite some set backs and the loss of time, I did manage to create a new alt that was sufficiently specified to visit the Grey Mountains and The Iron Hills. The second preview of Update 23 has made further revisions to the new zone. I explored the Withered Heath and the expanded areas of Erebor more thoroughly this time and returned to The Iron Hills during daylight. The new region looks detailed and more populous this time round. The gallery below has a selection of images from the new areas. As ever, remember that this is still content that is under development and it may be subject to change.
LOTRO: Bullroarer Update 22 Build #2
A week on and Standing Stone Games have revised the latest test iteration of Update 22 for LOTRO, on the Bullroarer server. Build #2 now has a proper map that explains exactly where I went last Sunday. It seems that I visited all locations of note apart from Caras Tilion, a deserted Elven stronghold to the South of Eryn Lasgalen, at the foot of the Mountains of Mirkwood. So, I promptly went there tonight and found it inhabited by Fell Spirits and such like. I suspect that this will be the location for a group event as the mobs all seem high level. Like other areas in the test build, the terrain is unstable, and you can find yourself falling through what are supposed to be solid surfaces. Although there are roads marked on the map, trying to find them on the ground and follow them is somewhat harder. However, I suspect that this is meant to reflect the source text of The Hobbit in which the path through Mirkwood was often overgrown and difficult to track, hence the Dwarves got lost.
A week on and Standing Stone Games have revised the latest test iteration of Update 22 for LOTRO, on the Bullroarer server. Build #2 now has a proper map that explains exactly where I went last Sunday. It seems that I visited all locations of note apart from Caras Tilion, a deserted Elven stronghold to the South of Eryn Lasgalen, at the foot of the Mountains of Mirkwood. So, I promptly went there tonight and found it inhabited by Fell Spirits and such like. I suspect that this will be the location for a group event as the mobs all seem high level. Like other areas in the test build, the terrain is unstable, and you can find yourself falling through what are supposed to be solid surfaces. Although there are roads marked on the map, trying to find them on the ground and follow them is somewhat harder. However, I suspect that this is meant to reflect the source text of The Hobbit in which the path through Mirkwood was often overgrown and difficult to track, hence the Dwarves got lost.
I revisited Lake-town and found that there are now more NPCs and sundry embellishments. On the end of some of the piers, you will find locals queuing to use the privies, which I found rather amusing. The only other’s I’ve ever seen in LOTRO are in Rohan and are indirectly involved in a quest. It would also appear that I was broadly correct in my assumptions about the three entrances on the map and where they lead. The eastern door is now clearly marked opening to the Iron Hills and the Forest Gate to the west does lead to Beorning-land. The third entry (or exit point) to the South of Lake-town lead to an area called the Fields of Celduin. Celduin is the Elven name for the Running River, which flow ultimately to the sea of Sea of Rhûn. Perhap SSG have plans to develop Dorwinion as part of LOTRO. Dorwinion, was a land in the vales of the Celduin, northwest of the Sea of Rhûn. It was famous for its great gardens and as the home of the finest wines in all of Middle-earth. Its people were descendants of the Edain, and they had close ties to the Northmen of Dale in genealogy as well as Avari Elves.
Again, I spent my time this evening simply investigating the immediate area in this latest test build and have not undertaken any of the quests in the region. I prefer to wait for the final release of the update, so as not to spoil my enjoyment of it all. My overall opinion of Eryn Lasgalen and the Dale-lands remains the same as I stated in my previous post. This is a well realised and quite striking zone and Lake-town is a stand out location. It certainly is a welcome relief after the dour and oppressive atmosphere of Mordor. I hope that the quests featured in update 22 are as equally creative as the area itself. It just remains to see when SSG intends to release this update. If past events have any bearing on the matter, we may well see a formal release of this area within a few weeks of three or four test builds. Therefore, we may have a live version of this new area by the middle of March.
LOTRO: Bullroarer Update 22 Build #1
A beta version of the latest update for LOTRO is currently available on the Bullroarer test server this weekend. Update 22 (Build #1) or Strongholds of the North, features Northern Mirkwood or Eryn Lasgalen as it known since the fall of Sauron and the destruction of Dol Guldur, as well as the Dale-lands. The area includes such iconic locations as The Halls of the Elven King, Lake Town, Dale and Erebor. As this is an early build, players cannot continue the epic story The Black Book of Mordor. At present, the map for the zone is simply a placeholder and serves little navigational purpose. At times the player marker vanishes from the map entirely. However, as Bullroarer is a test server, players can collect a free stipend of Mithril Coins from the Eyes and Guard Tavern and thus use swift travel to all five new stable locations.
A beta version of the latest update for LOTRO is currently available on the Bullroarer test server this weekend. Update 22 (Build #1) or Strongholds of the North, features Northern Mirkwood or Eryn Lasgalen as it known since the fall of Sauron and the destruction of Dol Guldur, as well as the Dale-lands. The area includes such iconic locations as The Halls of the Elven King, Lake Town, Dale and Erebor. As this is an early build, players cannot continue the epic story The Black Book of Mordor. At present, the map for the zone is simply a placeholder and serves little navigational purpose. At times the player marker vanishes from the map entirely. However, as Bullroarer is a test server, players can collect a free stipend of Mithril Coins from the Eyes and Guard Tavern and thus use swift travel to all five new stable locations.
Bearing this all-in mind, I spent a few hours this afternoon exploring the new area. I have not finished the Mordor expansion yet (mainly because I didn’t enjoy the area) so was careful when travelling around as my primary alt is still only level 109. Porting directly from the Eyes and Guard Tavern takes you to Felegoth, the Halls of the Wood Elves. As you would expect, the traditional Elven motif has been maintained in the art design, although there are subtle differences to other Elven enclaves. Because the Halls are mainly underground, the cavernous expanses are filled with stalagmites and stalactites. Yet unlike Dwarven delves, this area is brightly illuminated and has gardens and areas of natural beauty. The keen explorer will also find the dungeon cells where Thorin and his companions were held. There’s also a cellar with a substantial trap door and numerous barrels. One in particular is worth investigating.
Northern Mirkwood itself is a dark and dismal place, similar to its existing Southern counterpart. The light soon vanishes once you travel beyond the Elven King’s territory and the path twists and turns. Luckily, they’re wooden posts marking the trail, but it is important to stay vigilant or you can get lost. Places of interest in the immediate area include an encounter with Radagast and the Elven trading post of Loeglond on the edge of Long Lake. Upon exiting Eyn Ladgalen you enter Dale-land and discover a newly rebuilt and thriving Lake-town. This is very well realised and certainly captures the spirit of Tolkien’s original description from The Hobbit. If you travel downstream you come to the ruins of the old Lake-town and the remains of Smaug. It is a nice embellishment, similar to the remains of the Bridge of Khazad-dûm in the Foundations of Stone.
North of Lake-town the road leads to Dale which is a broader iteration of what already exists in LOTRO in the instance The Bells of Dale. I like the way the town straddle the tributaries of Long Lake and that water and fountains are a major feature of the design and architecture. Beyond Dale to the Northwest lies the guard post of Ravenhill. Within the small Dwarven edifice is Dís, mother of Fíli and Kíli. There is an entrance behind here, which for the present remains closed and suitably enigmatic. But the jewel in the crown in Erebor. It is large, impressive and gloriously Dwarven. Unlike other Dwarven hubs in Middle-earth, this one is quite linear in its layout and easy to navigate. You can also climb to the western spur of Erebor and survey the land below on the other side, although invisible walls hem you in at present.
I always like to explore I LOTRO and make it my business to investigate an area or region as thoroughly as I can. I like to follow the mountain ranges and other topographical features that Standing Stone Games use to funnel players from quest hub to quest hub. What seems to have become a habit in recent years, is that the areas in free updates are often expansive, but not necessarily functional. I got this impression again in parts of Northern Mirkwood and Dale-Land. However, this does not in any way mitigate the time and effort SSG has put into the design of this area. I also found three entrances/exists to the area. One to the South West that may lead to Southern Mirkwood. Another to the North East that may lead to the Iron Hills. I also discovered the Forest Gate which leads from Carrock. All of these “doorways” are currently blocked. Hopefully the next test build will have a more detailed map and will allow for a more accurate appraisal of the area. In the meantime, as ever, I like what I see and it’s reassuring to see the SSG are still maintaining their high standard of world building.
The next expansion for the MMORG, The Lord of the Rings Online, was announced on the 1st August, via the gaming website MMORPG.The Wolves of Mordor, which will launch later in the year, appears ambitious in scope as it will include two new game systems as well as the obligatory story update. This expansion takes place in Draugardh located in the North East of Mordor, beyond the Plateau of Gorgoroth. It includes the new zones of Heledhris, Parth Rhavas and Nan Ogol. These vary environmentally ranging from the arid, volcanic and semi-tropical. Players will encounter the Daugrim in these regions, Werewolves but not in the modern sense. This is not the lycanthropy of Eastern European legends but in the established Tolkien idiom of fell spirits inhabiting the bodies of Wolves. The region also sees the return of the Woses and players can expect to encounter Elves and scouts from Gondor. As ever with LOTRO expansions, there will be new instances as well as a raid.