Continuity Between Moria and SoA

The Middle-Earth of Tolkien is one big breathing continuous world from the Gray Havens in the west to the Sea of Rhun in the east, from the Lonely Mountain in the north to Gondor in the south. The question I pose today is one of continuity. Does Middle-Earth at this juncture reflect the world of Tolkien in it's seemless connection with itself?

The answer: yes and no. There are two notable locations where the world is broken up, one worse than the other. First is the gap between the Shire and Ered Luin. The long range plan is to have land between those two locations at some point but I have a feeling it's a little low on the priority list. I'm not one that cries out about my immersion being broken. If I were, it was broken a long time ago. This is a game, there are limits to how closely it can follow the source material as a different medium (just like the movies). However, certain aspects of the game world natrually lend themselves to the IP, one being a large and seemeless world.

The real reason this question comes up is because of the Mines of Moria expansion. Moria is one large dungeon. One large instance. Now, the tech behind it is more like an overland zone than an instance, but it is nonetheless seperated from the rest of Middle-Earth by a loading screen. Does this seperation hinder the continuity of the world? I'd say not so much as the Ered Luin/Shire break. Those are both overland zones which shouldn't need a loading screen between them. Moria on the other hand is almost like a seperate world in and of itself. The books described Moria with a whole new character and presence than it did the rest of the world. And in Tolkien, the land was as much a character as any of the Hobbits, Dwarves, Elves or Men. Some might even argue Middle-Earth was better characterized than Sauron himself, but that's a debate for another day.

Honestly, I port around Middle-Earth so much that there's as much of a discontinuity in the Shadows of Angmar content as there is between there and Moria. Being the Tolkien junkie that I am part of me really wants to stop porting around all over and ride to where I neeed to go, but dang it I just get bored. Not that I don't enjoy seeing the scenery of this game. It's beautiful even if you've seen the same thing over and over again. I want to play the game most of the time, not take a virtual tour of Middle-Earth. There's a time and a place for the latter, don't get me wrong, but the game mechanics have almost negated the need for a continuous world. Almost. I want to know that it's there if I ever chose to experience it. I want to know it's there because it's the right way to build Middle-Earth. Both game mechanics goals and world representation goals are fulfilled so far, for the most part.

To me, there isn't a big jarring jump between Moria and Shadows of Angmar any more than there should be. Moria is a different world in a sense but it still retains it's Middle-Earthiness. I've heard talk about World of Warcraft's expansion zones not needing any relation to the rest of Azeroth because of the discontinous world. I'm not here to critique that type of expansion - it works for WoW, clearly, but I appreciate the interconnectedness of Turbine's Middle-Earth and venture to say I'd enjoy this type of world building better.

Abandoned Goal not so Unrealistic?

After examining my archives and looking at the number of posts I had each month, December was the only month I managed to fall short on my goal of one post a day average. December is a busy month and I was actually working during that month (wish I was now...) so it's understandable I was short... but only by 2 posts.

I think where I fell short was not on quantity, but quality. December's posts and the beginning of January tended to be more information referrals than commentary on the game. When I have a goal of a "quality content" post each day, that's when I have trouble. It's unfortunately not every day that something worth talking about comes to mind.

By the way, the layout is now operating as it should. I specifically picked a variable width layout this time in order to ensure it's viewable on all resolution monitors. I happen to have a wide screen monitor and having half the space underutilized seemed like a awful waste of space (just noticed the movie quote there).

Full Size Screenshots

You've probably noticed that the screenshots I post in this blog are not full size. The originals are at 1680 x 1050 however Photobucket's max is 1040 x 768 and so the shots are scaled to fit within that. If you'd like to see any of the LOTRO screenshots that are on my photobucket (which is public) at full size, I can e-mail them to you. Simply go to my profile to find my e-mail address. Send me an e-mail with the subject line "Screen Shot Request" and the title of the screenshot(s) you want from photobucket in the body.

Massive Moria Screenshot Post

I have quite a few screenshots from Moria today. I visited a few new areas, some of them iconic so I wanted to have a good selection of the experience. Check out the links below...

First up is the 21st hall, where the fellowship finds Lord Balin's crypt and then they flee to the Bridge of Khazadum. The Chamber of Mazarbul is where they fight the cave troll and goblins to escape to the Bridge.

One
Two
Three
Chamber of Mazarbul

Next up is a couple shots of the Endless Stair

One
Two

And finally are a random shot of Dwarven stonework and a few of the Dwarven Gardens.

Stonework
Gardens 1
Gardens 2
Gardens 3

Layout Tweaking/Problems

I'm in the middle of trying to sort out a new layout and by experimenting with third party layouts I've somehow screwed up a few of the layout settings and I can't seem to get them fixed. So, bear with me as I try and figure out how to fix it. As far as I can tell, reading and commenting functionality is still working fine.

Gear Check?

One of the tenements of LOTRO as a game is that grinding for the best gear wasn't going to be a hurdle along the way of completing content. That is, you don't need the best gear in the game in order to be an effective player. My captain is wearing as of this posting mostly the critted level 47 crafted heavy armor. This armor was not the best armor for the previous level cap of 50, but it was second best. And I only got it well after reaching the level cap and grinding out a ton of coin to purchase it on the AH.

Here I am at level 58 (33k from 59) and I'm still wearing some of it. That's over 10 levels beyond when you can first wear that armor. As a note of comparison, there are four other sets of crafted gear that I could have upgraded to (as long as it was critted gear) along the way. Why didn't I do this?

Well first, it's bloody expensive because the new crafting tier (supreme) is new along with all the materials - this means there's a high demand and thus high price. Second, this newness has also made these items and materials for these items scarce, again jacking up the price. And by the time I do find the items I'm looking for, I've out leveled them. Third, I need the critted version of the gear in order for all the extra stats (not just the armor value) to be an upgrade of my current gear. Lastly, and this is the point I'm really getting at, is that I haven't really needed it. Or do I?

First, I don't think this is a true gear check. A gear check, for those of you who don't know, is basically a set of content that cannot be completed without a specific set of gear be it stat bonuses or armor value. The Mines of Moria thus far has not seen me too hindered by my lack of gear. That said, I feel my armor beginning to become obsolete.

With Moria, the mobs are more smart. They use different and more powerful skills against you and hit harder. Better gear obviously mitigates this and as I've progressed, I've subtly noticed it. Not so much as to prevent me from completing the solo content in Moria or to reach the new level cap.

I cannot speak to group content such as instances or raids. I would imagine that because of the harder mobs that I might encounter a true gear check at this point. I still think that LOTRO does an excellent job of not punishing you too badly for having 10 level obsolete gear.

Lucky me I'm 5/6 pieces away from a full set of class specific level 60 gear. For Captains, this comes in three different sets: Rallying Shout/Stoutheart, Brazen Call, or Hall-General's Armor. The last on is the teal "Radiance" set which is the best armor in the game at the moment. Hard to get. I'll save talking about that for a future post. The armor I bought from the AH is the Rallying Shout and Stoutheart armor. All I'm missing is the helm. But I'll probably have it before I reach 60 so I can immediately put on the new armor.

Honestly, it's going to feel nice getting into a new high level set of gear with appropriate stats. I can't wait to see the difference in combat. I'll certainly be making a post about reaching 60 and my new armor. I'll make sure to include a screenshot of the new stuff as I've dyed it all to replace one of my outfit sets. It's not the best looking armor in the game but not many of the high level captain sets are in my opinion. Perhaps only the North Star set from the Rift is visually appealing to me (aside from this level 60 set). I'm so glad we have the outfit system. I'd be one ugly captain.

And then of course is the critted Jewelry which will help round out my stats... but that'll be very expensive.

X-Fire LOTRO Contest

The details can be found here, but basically if you log into your X-Fire account and join the X-Fire LOTRO Clan you can earn prizes based on log-in time. As far as I can tell. If you have X-Fire and are interested in some free subscription time check it out.

I do have an X-Fire account but I'm a Lifetime member so free subscription time is pretty useless to me. And my X-Fire client doesn't seem to work all that well with Windows Vista and operating in-game with LOTRO. Oh well.

Hero's Guide to the Great Delving

Continuing on the Hero's Guide series of articles for Moria, Turbine has released their latest detailing the Great Delving. Again these posts can contain spoilers so click with caution.

Exploring Barandalf

This small mini-region within Evendim is just north of the Shire. Check out Turbine's write up of it here. My own experience with the place was one of immediate attention. That is, it's a part of Middle-Earth unlike the rest. The primary action taking place within a typical temperate zone most of the land is fairly sylvan. The expanse of sand and the river with cliffs beyond helped to break up the monotony of a largely green landscape. I would love to see more varied regions within Middle-Earth in the future where applicable.

Rohan should prove to be different. Eregion reminds me a bit of the Lone-Lands, which also breaks from the slyvan mold and that's a step in the right direction (though I find the Lone-Lands to be somewhat dull except for Amon Sul [Weathertop]). There's also the possibility of the desert of Southern Gondor/Harad when we get that far (seems a long way off).

Mines of Moria Trial

If you're reading this blog, more than likely you're already playing LOTRO. But if that is not the case, or you have friends you want to play, what better way to get them hooked than to have them try out the game. The Mines of Moria free trial is now available. Get it here.

Get Chummy with Orcs

The latest Know Your Lore out of Massively is all about orcs. What kinds, where they came from, how they breed, etc. Check it out.

Generosity at My Expense

I already asked if I am too nice. This time, along those same lines, it's "am I too generous". You see, I give needed materials to my kinmates for crafting. I don't use nearly all the materials found as drops because I'm a cook and farmer, getting all my stuff in one area and nearly all from one NPC. I just forward it along. However, many of these materials can get a lot of money on the Auction House.

My philosophy is, I love to give stuff to people. It's fun for me. And I'm helping my kinship. But would I be helping my kinship better if I sold some of that and, for instance, bought better equipment on the Auction House. In that case, I'd be better equipped for helping the kinship on various quest tasks etc. So, there might indeed be such thing as too much generosity and I might not be helping the kin as well as I could. What I thought was a selfless act could be considered a short-sighted act. Food for thought in the near-term. Now I have to decide how to digest it.

Rune-Keeper Love

I don't play a Rune-Keeper. Tried it out to level 6... just enough to get past the intro instance quests. Fun class in my opinion. I think I'd like the magic classes a lot and if I ever seriously consider an alt again I'd probably go with a Rune Keeper.

Anyhow, they're getting some love with new additions to the class in terms of items. Chisels will inhabit the ranged slot for Rune Keepers (but aren't ranged items) and give passive buffs to damage and avoidances. Inlays and Enamels can be applied to Rune-stones to give benefits such as reduced/unbreakable inductions and range increases. These sound like one-off buffs but it certainly possible they could be over a certain amount of time like food buffs.

This is the first news I've heard about Book 7 aside from an expanded Lothlorien zone and quests. Seeing as how I've hardly started Volume 2, Book 7 is still far away for me. I will certainly be posting about and reacting to any more news about Book 7.

Thanks to Massively for the heads-up.

Maddening Quests

I got a little frustrated last night questing in the Waterworks. I came to the conclusion that it's a beautiful area of Moria but the quests kinda suck. Well, a few of the quests suck, most notably when you have to go over to the west side of the area. Here you'll find mobs so thick they frequenly stand "in" each other (there being no colision detection they just cohabit 3D space). When it comes to the salamander mobs, this is particularly annoying - and dangerous. These mobs hit hard and their fire DOTs make fighting more than one at a time hard as a solo player. And yes, these quests are rated as solo.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the quests should be easy. Indeed I completed a rather challenging solo quest on the other side of the Waterworks and felt quite satisfied with myself afterwords. But there comes a point where a quest is either mislabeled (a few of those out there) or the design of the quest area is faulty. In the case of the neck-deep mobs, I'd say we're working with the latter here. If you have mobs overlapping each other physically, this is got to be a bug. Add in a rather rapid respawn time and you'll be constantly in combat as you rotate through the same spawns over and over again. This is not sustainable nor survivable. Even when you're two or three levels above the mobs (which I was).

What does this sort of thing do to the player? Well, I wanted to log. Frustration is not having fun and if I'm not having fun in a game, why play? Certainly I'm somewhat masochistic in my quest to complete every quest in the game, but there's a level of fun in that for me. Where the fun stops is when design flaws come into play. For some reason I have a fairly low tolerance for this sort of thing. I think I'm justified in all honesty. The very nature of a game is fun and anything not fun doesn't belong in the game. There's no reason I should continue to play a game that is not fun.

Okay, I'll turn off the rant now. I'm still a huge fan of LOTRO. This should be evidenced that I fought against my instincts to log and instead did another round of quests after (finally and with the help of a kinmate and a random person) completing the frustrating ones. I actually think I would have logged if this second set of quests sent me right back into the fray of mob city, but instead they went else where - including the properly challenging quest I mentioned above.

My kinmates agreed on the insanity of that particularly area and the general suck of the Waterworks quests. And on the nastiness of the salamanders. I told them at the end of my maddening adventure that knowing me, I'll torture myself and still try and get these quests done. Thinking about that today, after some sleep and perspective, I still think I will. But maybe after I gain a few levels and make it somewhat easier on myself.

By the way, three levels to 60... I have two second age emblems I'm leveling to see which one comes out better... I got a new halberd (still third age) finally to replace the one I got from Volume 2 Book 1... and I'm two pieces away from a complete level 60 Captain's armor set (all bought off the AH).

Abandoned Goal

Just a quick post on this subject. I started out this blog with the goal of having one entry a day. I wanted to be a blog that produced a steady stream of content (but quality). Unfortunately, that's an unrealistic goal. Unless you're Tobold where his posts/day are actually greater than one. But I'm not Tobold and this isn't a prolithic and well-read blog (as far as I know).

I was fortunate in starting with the one-post-a-day goal during the ramp up to Moria. There was a lot to talk about. But now my goal now is to maintain regular updates. It seems the pattern will be in fits and spurts with some days seeing four posts, some seeing one, and still others getting none. I imagine there will be some points where you'll see the return to a one-post-a-day average, probably close to and after content updates. Until then, I hope my blogging is satisfying the market of LOTRO blogs that I saw lacking at the time of The Middle-Earth Adventurer's conception.