Tag: LotRO

A Crafting Adventure #LotRO

I really enjoy crafting, in pretty much any MMO (and real life, for that matter). I enjoy how complex the crafting is in games like Vanguard and how simple it is in games like World of Warcraft. I enjoy being able to step away from the game while I craft, unlike games like EQ2. When it comes to the Lord of the Rings Online I have a love/hate relationship with crafting – in specific the mastery system. On one hand, it’s fantastic. Once you have leveled through a tier you have an option to master it. This basically involves leveling through it again but you need more combines (points) to do so the second time around. You also have a chance to get critical combines, which auto upgrades the item that you’re creating. You can up this chance through various means such as improved tools, scrolls, and dropped items.

The dislike comes from the amount of combines required to master something and in specific the lack of tin that I found while trying to master apprentice metalsmithing. See, my 35 Minstrel happens to be an Armourer. This means she can create not only metal gear and shields, but tailored. She also has the prospector harvest skill. I’ve reached artisan rank in each of these three arch types – however I never bothered to master anything as I leveled up (and of course you have to master things in order). I spent almost all of my in game time yesterday meandering through the bogs of the shire looking for tin. Lots of tin. I found approximately 1 tin node for every 6 copper nodes, and it took a long time to FINALLY master apprentice metalsmithing, but I did it.

I also managed to master apprentice jewelcrafting, and cooking (on alts). The purple items I created were very worth this endeavor, and I eagerly filled up my broker with items hoping for sales. It was a nice peaceful way to spend a Sunday afternoon, and I really didn’t mind it that much. I am looking forward to mastering the rest of the tiers, so I can make myself some pretty purple (or even blue) named gear in the future.

Happy gaming, no matter where you find yourself!

Holidays Done Right

It’s that time of year, where everything spooky and scary makes its way into our favorite games, and hordes of people show up to create enormous lag partake in the festivities. After taking part in the events on Eq2, WoW, and LotRo, I have to say no one does it better then turbine. They did an absolutely amazing job with their haunted burrow. I’m hoping to get a little video of it to post up later today but it depends on whether or not I can actually stomach going back.

See, one thing turbine also does well is effects. When you run into big bad characters your entire screen will flash and shake and phase out. Neat right? Well, not so neat for those of us who get motion sick and vertigo VERY easily. The one down side to this haunted house (although I totally understand it’s about atmosphere) is that it causes me to be physically ill during certain parts.

Speaking of which, have you attempted to complete the initiation to The Inn League? Fantastic quest, lots of drinking, BUT again once you become inebriated the entire screen moves and shakes and swerves to the left or right while taking on a beer coloured hue. Great effects, if it were not for the fact that I wanted to spew my dinner all over my desk and it wasn’t because I was drinking IRL.

Finally I came across a festival quest I had no issues with – horse racing! I manged to pick up a harvest pony on my second attempt. They’re still pricey but so pretty that I just had to have one. After there was time for a skirmish (or two) and my little hobbit Minstrel managed to ding level 35! I’m pretty pleased with my progress in game lately, and even happier to see so many other players around. Obviously (so far) free to play has agreed with this game.

Happy gaming, no matter where you find yourself!

Exploration – My Favorite Part of Any Game

It was a long, long, walk but my little hobbit Minstrel finally made it to the glorious home of the elves – along with her trusted guardian Toargo, of course. We’re into the mid 30 level range now and adventuring along nicely. It’s nice to take a few breaks here and there of course, because you can only run to and from a location so many times before you just want to pull out someones hair. Like the NPC who sent you there (and back, and there, and back, and there). Finding my way from where ever it was I was, to this new location (did I mention names are not my strong point?) was an adventure all on its own. There were ferocious bears, and giant trolls blocking the roads. Orange to our little hobbit behinds. Dangerous. It was awesome.

I love this part of the journey, this exploration. I think there needs to be more rewards for wandering off of the set trail in games and exploring on your own. Sure, pretty scenery is great but I was thinking something more outside the box.

Speaking of more – I was killing a random bear and managed to loot an item that could be turned in to the taxidermist and created into a housing item! I love housing items (well known fact) and eagerly ran home to place it. I also changed the ambient music to my home, the floors and walls, and purchased a few pieces of furniture like a bed. While LotRO’s housing isn’t nearly as customizable as some other games, it’s still nice to “own” a little section and decorate it as I want. Plus I do have to admit, that bear looks pretty awesome.

Happy gaming, no matter where you find yourself!