FREE MASSIVE ONLINE GAMES.

[SlipperyDuck]

I know they're not for everyone, but there seems to be quite a lot of BC2 aversion and general Do-My-Own-Thing-anism.
Anyway, each to their own, don't let anyone hold you back.

For the rest, if you're like me and you like the idea of a free game or two that actually has a MASSIVE following, is continually updated etc etc etc, then this may be just the thing you're looking for.

RPG Games are also not for everyone, but I've looked at Vids for both of these and they looks amazing actually:

Runes Of Magic (Apparently a WOW clone that is better than WOW?)
http://www.runesofmagic.com/en/index.html
No Clue if cloning WOW is good or bad, I've never played an MMO, including never having played WOW, but I do like the idea that WOW is really popular and the fact that people who've played WOW and Runes of Magic think that Runes does a better job. Plus it's completely free - who can argue with that.
I'm going to download the 7.5G high def version of the client to get the most out of it and can distribute it to anyone that is also keen to try.

Dungeons and Dragons Online
http://www.ddo.com/ddosupport/download-ddo
This game was a pay-to-play game for a long time, finding a massive BOOST to popularity once it moved to the now FREE-TO-PLAY model. Apparently this is one of the best MMO's around and doesn't try to panda to the WOW ways, rather does it it's own way and does it well. ITS FREE DAMMIT why not try it?
I'm also gonna download the High Def version to try it out...same rule applies as above.

Anyway - Would be nice to try these and play along with a friend or two.....Did I mention that these are all FREE - no charge - gratis?

[Thor_23]

let me know which one you like and I will try and join.

Wanna also mention that LOTRO(lord of the rings online) has also gone free to play and I am currently playing the game.
Would be nice if some grrr joined ?

[J_Th4ng]

As a long time D&D player, I'm certainly keen to check out the online version. Downloading it in High Res, will let you know how it looks and plays once done (if I can drag myself away from Aperture Science!!)

[Megageth]

I'm interested. Lee and Jarrod will you please check bandwidth/system requirements for the games. Be awesome if I could play one off my laptop on contract.

[Thor_23]

here is the link to download the LOTRO free to play client:

http://www.lotro.com/free.php

the system requirements isn't that high and the graphics is nice for a free to play game.
As for bandwidth requirements, I cant find a page that states the requirements.
However from personal exp a 256k line would be more than adequate

[SloDaz]

I am in... i love these games

Moving house at the moment so will be without internet for a few weeks but count me in

[NiteShade]

Count me in too. Lemme know which game is popular and I'll d/l.

Now d/ling DOD.

[SlipperyDuck]

I tried out DDO last night for an hour or so before bed.
It does seem like it could be potentially very good, especially with a party.
When you start, there are a helva lot of Solo missions to get you tutorialized n all that.
From what I've read, all the servers are now located in the USA, so latency could be a problem at some stage....especially noticable when fighting monsters and the monsters "teleport" a little bit - which can get annoying. I'm looking around the intergoogle for more information about servers to see if there'd be one better suited....will see.

anyhoo...downloading Runes of Magic too - LONG download - the 7.5Gb Client has been rather slow to download for some reason or another/whereas the DDO one was purdy quick.

[SlipperyDuck]

Runes Of Magic - WoW (pun intended!)

Very detailed, deep, engaging.....I like it a heck of a lot...reminds me of W.O.W. but bigger....cmagin that???

Anyway...The install files that you download are 7.7Gb...you can then offline install from those...so whoever wants it can copy them....
I don't see a way to do the further patches, since it seems to download an additional Gig or so... (didnt have the actual bandwidth monitor running)
Best thing is there is NO lag, like NONE - was playing on an EU server and it was smooth as silk.
THERES SO MUCH to do with questing and Trades/Skills etc. Zowzers.
This is the one for me...fershure
IT just looks silky and deep.......*shudder*

:edit: Gonna load a bandwidth monitor later to monitor an hours gaming (timed) and report the usage.

[SlipperyDuck]

Seems To Use VERY LITTLE - here are TWO different program measurements (to make sure) of an Hour Session doing quests n stuff in game.....

Looks to be between 7-10Mbytes (up and down combined) PER HOUR....that is seriously NOTHING AT ALL!

[Megageth]

Sweeeet! I checked the system requirements and my laptop should handle it. Will grabs the installs when I am back and see if I can get it going cos that should play on contracts. Might have to go with a tank character off the laptop cos I will probably get latency spikes.

[s3xy_j0nny]

I am keen as beans - please bring the content to the XXXL party, Leebo. Runes of Magic sounds epic. Meantime, I am going to check out LOTRO and see if I can get MMORPGing with The Flufster.

[J_Th4ng]

I'll see about downloading the Runes of Magic files and distributing in CPT to those that want it. It'll have to wait until next month though, I'm seriously low on cap.

I doubt I'll get into this myself, though. It smacks of a game that requires a lot of time to be sunk into it (a la WoW). Seems like a good game though, maybe I'll be able to join in a bit in August (when the family do their annual pilgrimage to Sweden)

[Megageth]

Maybe its on the CTWUG?

[J_Th4ng]

I'll have a squizz, but the wuggers seem to prefer playing pay to play games (pirated of course) rather than free to play ones.

[SlipperyDuck]

Yeah, orso gonna get LOTRO and do the tests.....Free is tasty

[Thor_23]

awesome jonno! let me know when you are online .....

[Megageth]

I dont intend trying them all. I just wanna join a herd of grrr and get my mmorpg on. I reckon any game with you clowns is worth a larf. After our test pilots have posted results I am gonna jump on the bandwagon.

[SlipperyDuck]

I've been trying endlessly to get the free-account on LOTRO working - created account, but the client just does not let me log in.... tried everything ... looks like it just doesnt work.

[Thor_23]

what exactingly does it do?

Personally I didn't have ay trouble downloading and installing the lorto client...

[SlipperyDuck]

No Problems downloading and installing, no problems creating an account...however the client refuses to use the account created....I can login to the website and to the support forums and everything LOTRO related with the account, just NOT the client (the game itself). Quite sad.

[flycatchr]

maybe cause there where no ducks in LOTR??

[Megageth]

How about when Gimli threw his axe at Legolas?

[Thor_23]

lol

I made a test free account yesterday and worked like a dream instantly.....

Phoned lee and he said he would call me if he gets stuck .....

[Paul]

Not only did he get stuck but it fucked up his machine, he has to re-install his PC now.

Nothing is for free in life

[SlipperyDuck]

Right, up and running again and tested an hour of LOTRO.....
NOW HERE IS A POLISHED GAME ! ! ! !

It beats Runes of Magic hands down for presentation and usability..... VERY Impressed, plus it's VERY low bandwidth usage (8Mb combined up/down for the hours test)

[Thor_23]

Awesome, if you playing and want some company give me a ring

I normally log into the snowbourne server

[J_Th4ng]

Okay, I've downloaded the LOTRO game client for anyone in CPT that wants it. You'll just have to make a plan to collect. Bring an external drive with you, because the game files are about 10GB.

Note that after the game was installed, there were a fair amount of updates that needed to happen before it was ready to launch, so there probably will be a bit of BW cost for anyone installing from the install set.

Ion, what world are you playing on? There are a list that I can join to, obviously we need to ensure that we all join the same one.

The worlds I can see are:

[EN] Withywindle
[DE] Gwaihir
[EN] Eldar
[FR-RP] Estel
[EN] Evernight
[FR] Sirannon
[EN] Gilrain
[DE] Anduin
[EN-RP] Laurelin
[DE] Maiar
[EN] Snowbourn
[DE] Vanyar
[DE] Morthond
[DE-RP] Belegaer

I assume that we are sticking with one of the [EN] worlds (my German and French are not particularly good). I also assume that 'RP' indicates 'Roleplay', for the serious geeks... (personally I'm not THAT serious!!)

EDIT: Damn, Ion posted while I was writing this. Snowbourne it is.

[Megageth]

Right, up and running again and tested an hour of LOTRO.....
NOW HERE IS A POLISHED GAME ! ! ! !

It beats Runes of Magic hands down for presentation and usability..... VERY Impressed, plus it's VERY low bandwidth usage (8Mb combined up/down for the hours test)




Only one 3D graph Lee? :slap: Where's your pride man, where's your pride?

[Thor_23]

Also please post your characters names so that we can add each other as friends

[SlipperyDuck]

My Characters name is Slipperyduck [original]

[J_Th4ng]

What classes and Races y'all playing? Lets try and get a decent balance of types.

[Thor_23]

I currently have a level 39 human captain.... Ethindor I think it was .....

[SlipperyDuck]

My Dude is a Guardian @ the moment, I don't mind restarting as something else if we need to.

[pmurgs]

Jarrod, can you put lotro on your dc share and I'll grab it that way.

[J_Th4ng]

Will do mate, but it'll have to wait until I get back from Jozi on Friday.

Also, I've given in to temptation and bought and preloaded BRINK. It's released this Friday, and if it lives up to the hype and anticipation I'll probably not be getting into LOTRO for a while.

[SlipperyDuck]

http://lotro-wiki.com/index.php/Getting_Started

[SlipperyDuck]

For those starting out, you may wonder - WTF - the intro/start/quests etc take a fair amount of time, not too long, but there's a lot to the game that you just dont see until you've finished that section....so lemme just copy&paste the wiki blurb about the start, so that you can understand quickly:

Entering Middle-earth
Introduction Sequence

Once you create your character and enter Middle-earth you are put into a prologue sequence that teaches you the very basics of movement, attacking, looting, and so forth.

Each race will experience a different sequence and storyline according to how they relate to the epic tale in Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar.


Introduction Areas

Once you complete the prologue, your character will begin in two separate introduction areas. As a Race of Man or a Hobbit your character begins in a town called Archet, while Dwarves and Elves begin in an area called Thorin's Gate. Each of these places are different than their counterparts after the introduction quests are complete.
Introduction Quests

In order to complete the introduction areas your character must complete a series of quests called Epic Introduction Quests. These quests are very simple to follow and generally do not require any assistance.


The Aftermath

Upon completing the Epic Introduction Quests your character will then enter the lands of Middle-earth where the world awaits. It is at this point you can meet up with others who have left the introduction areas and start your true adventures. Before now, you were not connected with the rest of the world.


At this point, each race now continues their epic quests in different regions, however your character is not stuck with that region if he or she decides to travel to the other beginning areas instead.


The beginning areas include:

Race of Man - Archet, Bree-land
Dwarf - Thorin's Hall, Ered Luin
Hobbit - Little Delving, The Shire
Elf - Celondim, Ered Luin

[s3xy_j0nny]

I think we should all start together as Hobbits. In the absence of Ewoks and/or Wookies, they are the funniest heroes.

[Megageth]

This game takes ~ infinity to install.
AND I had the 10GB install file from Drag.

We cant play all class types with the hobbits...

[flycatchr]

not that i know any differences in what exactly the classes would do , but i wouldn't mind playing an elf

[Thor_23]

other fun activities would also include: Fishing, Farming,playing the Flute and horse races

[Stu]

if lots of grrr are going to play LOTR then balancing the classes and races is the best idea! I.e. Nurses, Tankers etc ensuring we have a good balance I've been going through the classes and I reckon I'd be a hunter (Ranged attack) or a champion (tanker)

[SlipperyDuck]

I think a good Idea, would be to finish the install, then make a .rar or .7zip backup of the installed folder - so that people dont have to download all that additional crap ....

[pmurgs]

Can you be an Ent?

[s3xy_j0nny]

Having had a brief glance through the classes and races, I would play a Hobbit Thief or Minstrel. Hobbit Minstrel promises to be a hilarious class - wander about in a group singing songs to make everyone feel brave. I was loling just reading through and imagining it.

[Paul]

I think you should play the Fairy class

[Thor_23]

and you should play the goblin

[SlipperyDuck]

I'm gonna buy us a Kinship when I get Home..still debating a name, but would be awesome to Group us all together, makes trading and questing n wot not easier.

[Megageth]

I just finished the intro with a Dwarf Champion. Username Megageth.
Bring the minstral jonny!

[SlipperyDuck]

Lord of The Rings Online - HoM Boss Fight (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkNgAAggP_8#ws)


LOTRO - Trucido in DN (DN Raid in Moria) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3UtaaYgSbc#)

[Stu]

looks awesome! Keen too give it a try once installed just need to try get to town to organise the installs

[SlipperyDuck]

Make sure you enter world: (EU) Snowbourne
We all have to be in the same world or we can't see each other.

I've created a Kinship: GRRRoupies

Once we're all in an working, I'll invite you to join the Kinship and we can quest together.

[SlipperyDuck]

one more vid to get the idea:

Lotro - Waterworks Boss Fight - Caerlug (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeIYFKio-WY#ws)

[Thor_23]

Also as a side note incase no one has noticed.
This game also supports ingame voip.Very stable and reliable. Similar to the squad concept of BF2.
So if someone is in your fellowship. you can chat with voip....

[NiteShade]

I'm keen. Just need to get my pc sorted out first.

[SlipperyDuck]

Just a thought - but Guild Wars 2 is going to be EPIC (from what I've seen) it's MMO with no subscriptions - just need to buy the game (much like BF2 and BFBC2 etc etc)

[Megageth]

I'm not gonna get Guild Wars 2.

Dudes, dudettes, we need get installed on the same game and get going. I am all set to go on LOTRO and guess that after Sunday, Jarrod and Lee will be too. Thats 3, anyone else keen on MMORPG madness should jump on the bandwagon before we hit higher grade RPG. Its gonna require effort, patching, coordination and some cunning excuses to spouses but lets try to get this ball rolling and give this game a chance.

[SlipperyDuck]

I'm gonna go CRWAZEE waiting....lets get this hon like donkeys gong

[flycatchr]

am keen on LOTR, just the cunning gonna be interesting :p

[Phatso]

I will bring my external for the weekend of epicness and get LOTRO, if there is anyone still playing, I will definitely give it a shot.
As the resident MMO junkie (ahem, I have been playing WoW since 2005) I would love to MMO with you chaps.

At the rate things are going, I give WoW until SW:TOR and GW2 come out, and then most of the SA guys I know will move over to either. Saying that, there will be a HUGE SA following for GW2 and more than likely, all my current guild mates will move over. Problem is though, its got a trickier release date than Diablo 3 and may never see this decade even :p

I am definitely going to get GW2. Lee is right, if you've seen the video's and the amount of work that has gone into it, its mind-blowing.

I have heard very mixed opinions about LOTRO, but being a free game and all, it is worth giving a bash.

(On topic, sorry I haven't posted in this thread yet, I liked watching people getting excited about MMO's for a change. I would (sometime) suggest those who are willing to fork out try WoW, but to be completely honest, if you haven't been playing for at least a year, you're going to be playing catch up for a long long time ;) )

[Paul]

Hey Phatso I am lank keen to try out SW:TOR, problem though is I think it is being release at the same time as BF3 so I might only get it later when i need a break from BF3

[Jackal-GI]

So when will be the first LOTRO grrr invasion night be? I have a level 41 guardian on the snowbourn server.

[SlipperyDuck]

you high level dudes gorra realise, that we are all starting right at the beginning, how fun can it be to be such a high level doing low quests?

I'd suggest creating a new character for the new GRRRoupies.

[NiteShade]

I'll bring our external hdd with too so we can copy LOTR.

I tried playing the D&D one, but as soon as I tried to load the world... pc crash instantly.

[J_Th4ng]

Okay, I've started up an Elven Hunter (I know, predictable choice, but I wanted something that was easy to play and that no-one else had yet). I'll have my introduction quest finished fairly soon I reckon, especially with Sunday night free to work on it.

[Megageth]

Cool lets schedule a mp session for next week the, when are you working class free?

[SlipperyDuck]

All Kudos to Fluffy/Thor/Chronos for suggesting LOTRO - Nice one Bro...we should have some fun together (once we FINALLY get everyone organized)

[Stu]

Okay, I've started up an Elven Hunter (I know, predictable choice, but I wanted something that was easy to play and that no-one else had yet). I'll have my introduction quest finished fairly soon I reckon, especially with Sunday night free to work on it.


STOLEN!!! ABSOLUTELY STOLEN! lolz fine I shall also be a Elven Hunter!

[Stu]

Do we have a captain in the group yet?

[s3xy_j0nny]

Be a Captain, Stu - it is a fantasy game after all...

[J_Th4ng]

Ja, go Captain Stu. I would think that we don't need two Hunters, they are limited in usefulness.

We need to try and achieve a good balance in our fellowship, Healers, Tanks, high DPS, etc.

Although a word of advice from the experienced LOTRO players would be good. Ion, what do you reckon is a good party makeup?

[Thor_23]

@ Lee, all 3 my personalities says its a pleasure.

If I recall, there can only be 6 players in a fellowship at one time...
there should at least be 2-3 tanks will draw the attention of the enemy while the damage dealing classes do their thing...
There should also be at least 1-2 buff characters to increase the attributes of everyone. pref not the same class...
and then 2 damage dealing people to stand at the back(hunter/mage)

@Stew, we defo's need a captain in the lot as its a huge Buff character and can increase health/damage/regeneration etc. I played a captain with my other character and there fore would like to play something else.

Otherwise we will need to make a table of characters already created. that will help to see what we need and will also give me a indication as to what new character I can create.

[s3xy_j0nny]

OK, if a Captain can give good buffs, then I'll play Nurse Minstrel instead of Buff Minstrel - tampons for everyone! I just can't wait to get my Hobbit some bagpipes if you know what I mean...

[SlipperyDuck]

OK Good Idea (list of characters so far):

* Slipperyduck - Human Guardian - takes damage - attract Enemies for others.
*
*
*
*
*
*

[Megageth]

* Slipperyduck - Human Guardian - takes damage - attract Enemies for others.
* Megageth - Dwarf Champion - lets others take damage so he can swoop down and claim the glory then holds his nose high with disdainful pride
*
*
*
*
*

[J_Th4ng]

* Slipperyduck - Human Guardian - takes damage - attract Enemies for others.
* Megageth - Dwarf Champion - lets others take damage so he can swoop down and claim the glory then holds his nose high with disdainful pride
* Dragonne - Elf Hunter - Ranged attacker, High DPS to single targets. Also can set traps
*
*
*
*

[s3xy_j0nny]

* Slipperyduck - Human Guardian - takes damage - attract Enemies for others.
* Megageth - Dwarf Champion - lets others take damage so he can swoop down and claim the glory then holds his nose high with disdainful pride
* Dragonne - Elf Hunter - Ranged attacker, High DPS to single targets. Also can set traps
* j0nny - Hobbit Mincer Minstrel - Group Healer/Buffer, plays a mean harp
*
*
*

EDIT: I take it everyone has finished the intro quests? I'm lvl 7, wot abart everyone else?

[Thor_23]

* Slipperyduck - Human Guardian - takes damage - attract Enemies for others.
* Megageth - Dwarf Champion - lets others take damage so he can swoop down and claim the glory then holds his nose high with disdainful pride
* Dragonne - Elf Hunter - Ranged attacker, High DPS to single targets. Also can set traps
* j0nny - Hobbit Mincer Minstrel - Group Healer/Buffer, plays a mean harp
* Cr0n0s- Human Guardian- tank
*
*
Its should range between lvl 7 and 10


also if anyone is interested, a rune keeper is also a awesome class and deals great damage and can also heal

[Megageth]

Ion whats the best way to acquire a horse/pony? (without buying it with real $)

[Thor_23]

the best way is to get to lvl 20 i think it was...

then you can purchase with in game money, was 2 gold pieces when I was last there.

When I finished the intro this time I saw they gave you a 24hour appetizer :P
Once you get into thew real world there is normally stables all around that can transport you in between towns etc which does help till lvl 20

[SlipperyDuck]

I went to the LOTRO Store and with my free 250Turnine points purchased the Riding skill so I can have it NOW!
All I have to do now though, is save up teh 500 Silver for the 1st Horse.
After the 500 for the 1st Horse you get a perk thing that gives you a massive discount thereafter

http://lotro-wiki.com/index.php/Mount
Mount Discount

Along with your first mount comes a new trait granting you a discount on all other common mounts. The trait is granted to you even if your first mount happens to be a reputation mount or pre-existing festival mount (new festival mounts will not grant this trait). The discount itself applies to all the mounts sold by Eogar, Son of Hadorgar. A basic steed is 500 Silver for the first purchase, and 220 Silver for every regular horse purchased after. Festival mounts cost 4 Gold unless you already have a regular horse in which case you only pay 1 Gold 600 Silver for the next horse.

[Thor_23]

personally I would keep the 250 points and rather use them elsewhere.....

[SlipperyDuck]

Something else to consider (sheesh, theres a lot to this game) --- DEEDS:

Just take a look at Bree-Land Deeds:

http://lotro-wiki.com/index.php/Bree-land_Deeds

There are deeds that reward you with skills, with traits and some with Turbine points!

[Thor_23]

when completing deeds you get rewarded with traits.

Traits can be equipped by a bard in most taverns

[SlipperyDuck]

Thor, how does the questing together things work, do we all just choose the solo quests as we go along and then do them all at the same time? or do we specifically go look for Group Quests - How do we know what are group vs solo quests?

We don't necessarily want to do the "take this piece of bread to that chick there to get a reward" quests - we need action!

[Thor_23]

Problem is that most quests will start with solo quest and end will a fellowship quest at the end with a particular person.

As you progress the group quests will become more prominent. and later on there is areas where you don't dare enter except with a fellowship, like the orc war camps etc...

at a lower level we will have to do the smaller crappier quests together.

Once you reach lvl 20 raids will become available and is mostly done as fellowships. this is also where you get the shinier "stuff" this will be one of the more fun things to do as fellowships

[J_Th4ng]

So ideally we should just work at grinding until we reach level 20? If so, it kinda makes sense for everyone to get themselves to 20 as soon as they can i.e. team up when you can, but also do solos to build up your traits/skills etc.

Maybe we could agree to get characters up to 20 and then stop leveling them until everyone gets that far i.e. make a new character at that point if you want to carry on playing, to allow all of us to get to the raiding point together?

Or maybe we just carry on playing and see what happens? I'm sure that those people with more time on their hands won't want to stop and wait for the laggards like me to catch up.

@Ion - these 'Deeds' - Do you need to get them as quests, or can you just go ahead and start on the requirements. For example, i spotted a 'slayer' deed for the area that I'm in now - kill 60 wolves. Can I just go ahead and start slaying, or do I need to get someone to task me to do it?

[Thor_23]

@Drag, you can just go ahead and kill the 60 wolves.... you don't need to get the task from anyone

I would say from lvl 15 its allready nice to have people to call on to help when you get stuck and to enter the tougher areas. it completely depends on where everyone is playing at the time.....

[SlipperyDuck]

Here's A LOTRO Guide I found - PDF file - Was created 5th Sept 2010 - so not sure if it's based on older LOTRO or current (who knows)

Anyway, it should be a decent 100 page guide to all things LOTRO.

[Megageth]

Good reading. Lots n lots to this game stats-wise.

[J_Th4ng]

Indeed. I don't know where to start, there's so much that needs to be done.

[NiteShade]

300 Megs left to download. It could be 30 min or 30 hours depending on how the downloader thing feels like at the moment. *sigh*

I'll make a Rune-Keeper character!

[s3xy_j0nny]

Ion, this is by far the best suggestion for a clan game that has ever been made on these forums. It is fucking awesome - massive coolness points for getting us involved. :bowdown:

For anyone that doesnt have this game yet: YOU NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED IT.

[J_Th4ng]

Ion, this is by far the best suggestion for a clan game that has ever been made on these forums. It is fucking awesome - massive coolness points for getting us involved. :bowdown:

For anyone that doesnt have this game yet: YOU NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED IT.


True, but you also need a portable time generator in order to have enough time to play it.

And, at the rate that the original party is going through the game, it's going to take a looooong time for anyone to catch up.

Game is awesome, I'll definitely continue to play for a while. However, i need to fresh starters to join so that I can fellowship up with someone!!

[SlipperyDuck]

The great thing I find with the game, is what worries you, which I'm about to point out it not necessarily a problem. - konfoozed? - Let me explain:

The Level Divide is NOT a deal breaker @ all - A level 10 guy can easily run around and do quests with a Level 20 guy.
The reason for this is quite simple.
Every Quest has a level, each region in the greater area (call it the starter area) that we are in has level 1-20 quests. The quests are open to EVERYONE, unless of course you’ve already completed them :p

You get the SAME rewards no matter what level you are; eg: Level 10 Guardian, Level 20 Hunter complete quest X together as a team (ie. Both have accepted the quest) and return to the quest giver to complete the quest. Both have to individually compelte the quest and both get 120XP and a a Hat of Armour +53. There are no added bonus’s or subtractions for either player. The only caveat was that it was perhaps a level 10 quest (doesn’t HAVE to be, but in the example it was), but as you can see there is no meaningful reason why they couldn’t do it together, they both get the same rewards.

It then boils down to what level of questing you can/should be doing.
Last night our little questing party decided to do a level 20 instance quest and after 30 minutes of battling it out, realised that we were thoroughly unprepared for it and got our asses handed to us.

I personally lost two items of armour (one being my pants) from the whole thing.
So now, after that little romp, I need to go back and do some level 12-15 quests in search of quests that reward me with pants :p
Anyway, you get the idea.
The bottom line of it all is to all just meet up, go grab quests TOGETHER and go do them.
There isn’t really any Level divide as such – even if it feels like it at first.

[J_Th4ng]

I agree in terms of the quest rewards. However, monsters aren't the same. A level 20 would mow through a level 10 quest without even stopping for breath, and they'd receive little to no XP for doing the actual quest actions (because the monsters are too far below his level). So no incentive for doing things that way around.

A level 10 doing a level 20 quest is the opposite. The level 20 person would have to do all of the work, because the level 10 will die as soon as a monster breathes on him... Thus the level 10 is left simply following and staying out of the way. Not much fun for the level 10.

For sure, you don't all need to be the same level. However levels must be reasonably close together. Once we all reach level 65 (in about 12.274 years in my case :p), then it no longer matters, as everyone is relatively equal. But until then, I think that we're going to need to have a couple of groups. One for the power gamers (e.g. you, Mega, Jono, Stu), and one for those that don't play as much (e.g. me, Daz, others).

Game is still good, and quite fun to play solo even (so far, anyway). But I (and I assume some others) can't play as often or as much as you guys, and it wouldn't be fair for me to try and slow you down so that I can keep up. I need to find a group that want's to play ~6-8 hours a week.

[s3xy_j0nny]

UPDATEZ0R:

LOTRO Europe: Transition to Turbine

Dear grrrj0nny,

We would like to make you aware of some very important news concerning The Lord of the Rings Online™(LOTRO) in Europe.

As of June 1st, 2011, Turbine will be taking over full operations of The Lord of the Rings Online™ throughout Europe, merging the US and EU services into one global service.

As part of this transition, Codemasters Online will continue to operate the European LOTRO service until 31st May when the existing European players will begin the migration to Turbine's global service.

More information on how to make the transition will be made available closer to the time however, in the meantime, please see the FAQ posted on www.lotro.com (http://www.lotro.com) for more details.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your support over the last four years. It has been a pleasure and an honour providing this service to you and we hope to see you again soon.

With warmest regards,

The Codemasters Online Team.

[Megageth]

Conjunctions

Those getting into MP of LOTRO should read this: http://lotro-wiki.com/index.php/Conjunction

In particular the last section of Do's and don'ts. And MOST IMPORTANTLY -
Finish or cancel your current action immediately. Your contribution to the Fellowship Maneuver must be queued up just like any other skill; you cannot make a contribution while you are performing another move. In the case of skills with long induction times, it is sometimes necessary to cancel the move (default key is Esc) so that a contribution can be made to the Fellowship Maneuver immediately. This is especially important to remember if you have been assigned an early position in the sequence.

[SlipperyDuck]

Ah! thanks Mega - that makes sense!

[s3xy_j0nny]

Good find, Mega.

[SlipperyDuck]

14. Will the EU servers be merged into the US servers?

No. All existing servers will become part of the Turbine service. After patching your client all existing EU servers will appear in the launcher along with all of the current US servers. Players will then be able to create characters on any server they wish.

--- So no Lag, we'll play on the same servers, just that the LOTRO Accounts themselves actually belong to Turbine Globally, not CodeMasters.
They will provide the Migration tool soon, so very little to worry about.

[Thor_23]

Ion, this is by far the best suggestion for a clan game that has ever been made on these forums. It is fucking awesome - massive coolness points for getting us involved. :bowdown:

For anyone that doesnt have this game yet: YOU NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED IT.


True, but you also need a portable time generator in order to have enough time to play it.

And, at the rate that the original party is going through the game, it's going to take a looooong time for anyone to catch up.

Game is awesome, I'll definitely continue to play for a while. However, i need to fresh starters to join so that I can fellowship up with someone!!


I should get a Gandalf award or something :p

As for the fellowship questing level issue.

I have seen that if you are in a fellowship and want to do a quest together all players should be within 3 level of each other otherwise someone chops off.

As for you guys failing yesterday with that lvl20 quest..... if that quest was in barrow downs(I saw you guys were there) dont worry about it .... tried a lvl 20 quest there when I was lvl30 and most of the rest of the fellowship and also failed dismally. the "elites" there just get worse and worse as you go further down. if you wanna go down there get a FULL fellowship and prepare to die, coz you will at some stage....

[J_Th4ng]

300 Megs left to download. It could be 30 min or 30 hours depending on how the downloader thing feels like at the moment. *sigh*

I'll make a Rune-Keeper character!


Sheri, you won't be able to make a rune keeper, unless you buy the Mines of Moria Expansion (Warden and Rune Keeper characters are limited to owners of that expansion).

Alternatives (and useful to the group) would be a Minstrel (healer) or a Lore Master (crowd control/debuffer/pets).


I'm probably going to rebuild as a Rune Keeper myself (I'm keen to buy the MoM). I'd be keen start up with you, so that we can group up while we start working towards the lofty heights of the early adopters ;). Maybe we can find another recent/new starter to join us...

[SlipperyDuck]

Well, I'm keen to start another character soon.... Possibly a Captain - for buffing and healing of a fellowship...

[NiteShade]

I'll go Minstrel Healer then.

My game is still installing all the updates, so I wasn't able to get online tonight.

[SlipperyDuck]

I look at a Minstrel as a Group-Only type character.
I'd recommend a Captain - who's good for Buffing groups and can hold their own when solo-ing.

As we see it now, from Level 20 - there are getting more and more Levels where we need Character Buffers and Good Armour, both of which we don't have.
Minstrel would be good at that level - but you're looking at 20-30 hours of gameplay until you reach level 20.
Captains and/or Lore-Masters would be good too.

We do need someone to consider doing Armoursmithing as their profession.
http://lotro-wiki.com/index.php/Class

[J_Th4ng]

From the official guide:


The Minstrel is the master of maintaining the survivability of the heroes of Middle-earth. The Minstrel also is able to deal damage to his foes by using his damaging light-based attacks in the forms of songs of power. The minstrel is excellent in groups and solo.

As it stands right now, I have the only healer type character in the fellowship. We definitely need at least one more. Looking through the Minstrel class guide at http://lotro-wiki.com/index.php/Minstrel, there are plenty of offensive songs that the Minstrel has. I reckon the class should be fine to solo.

Having said all of the above, the most important thing is to pick a class that you are going to enjoy playing. If the thought of playing as a Minstrel doesn't sound fun, then don't do it. The best thing to do is to read up as much as you can find on each of the classes before making a decision. Even if we do need healers, it's not going to help if the person playing a healer doesn't really want the job.

It seems that Ion, Paul and Fly are going to play Captains. They should fill that need very well.

Right now, IIRC we don't have any Champions, Lore Masters, Minstrels or Wardens (Warden requires the MoM expansion to play). Ideally, any new players should try and pick one of these, to give us a bit more balance.

Agreed on the Armorsmith requirement. Unfortunately i just chose my profession (Historian), otherwise I'd have taken it.

[SlipperyDuck]

We are also gonna need someone to do Woodsman, so that the distance bow users can get l33t weapons....
As we can see, this game is really for GROUPS more than individuals, well, at least you can get more our of it if you work as a group......

[NiteShade]

I like playing the healer roles, so Minstrel is fine. I look at the professions when I can finally get in the game. I'll keep Armour and Woodsman in mind. Hope to get online tonight.

[J_Th4ng]

Sheri, try and get your intro quests done as soon as possible, and then we can team up for some of the early game quests in Ered Luin.

It took me about 2 hours last night to do the intro sequence, although having done it before, I just rushed through as quickly as possible. It'll take you a bit longer, I expect, so if you do it tonight hopefully we'll be able to link up tomorrow for a few hours?

[NiteShade]

I have the mother-in-law visiting this weekend, but I'll see what I can swing ;)

[Thor_23]

I will start a Armoursmith with my new character. Is there any weaponsmiths around?

I have several unique scrolls with recipes I would like to give to someone....

[J_Th4ng]

Oooh, pick me, pick me!! I'm a weaponsmith.

[s3xy_j0nny]

I thought Lee was the weaponsmith? Aren't you a Historian or something?

[J_Th4ng]

I am a Historian. The trades linked to that are Farming, Scholar and Weaponsmith. So Geth's a Weaponsmith too.

[Thor_23]

Only if one of those weapons found their way to me? :p

I need someone that is about lvl 20 and have a fair bit of prospecting experience and smithy exp.... I can give them to you but you will have to lvl first?

[J_Th4ng]

Rather give them to Lee or Geth then. I'm only level 8 right now, and it'll be a while before I focus on that crafting skill. Scholar is the skill that I intend focusing on from now.

[Thor_23]

Lee you must check your mail next time you log in to LOTRO. will be sending you stuff....

[SlipperyDuck]

To be more precise, my VOCATION is an Armsman (Professions: Woodworker, Weaponsmith, Prospector)

I'm level 20 - have made some really good Weapons for the Lads already..... Mastered my Journeyman Tier, so I'm busy doing EXPERT @ the moment....

"Weapons for the Masses I Say!" - Slipperyduck, 20 May 2011

[flycatchr]

i wanted to be a weapon smith as well - armsman i think it is but havent even started yet - dont suppose they have a recipe for the ringwraiths sword? since i actually have one ;)

[Phatso]

No idea where else to put this, but it seems like unfortunately the EPIC patch DVD's Lee included in the gift pack were corrupted.
The game install DVD's worked a charm.

No idea how or why, but installed 7z, tried to open the files (on all the disks) and got the error message "Unspecified error occurred". Thats trying to extract or explore the archive files.

Just want to see if anyone else has this issue, or if i am somehow doing it wrong, or whatever else may be causing the issue. Either way, I figured hey, can't be that much updating... WRONG I WAS. I am now capped.

Any ideas?

[flycatchr]

my issue is that i dont know yet what program to unzip/install them with. the lotro client wants to DL the patch from the web - will take ages. am looking phats, if i get a solution will post reply

[Megageth]

Grab another GB from Afrihost or summin. It takes about 1.5GB i think to patch after the install.

[Paul]

Phatso I also got that. What you need to do is copy the 3 files to a folder, then open the 7Zip file manager. Browse to the folder and then got to the file menu, there is a "combine files" open.

It will combine the files into 1 7zip file that can be extracted. I did this late last night so I still need to copy thie extracted files to the game Directory and boot it up for the first time.

On a Side note, I am definitely going to be a Human or Elf Champion but what profession should I be or what vocations are needed by our merry little guild

[Phatso]

GAH! So I wasted my cap for nothing! FAIL. Knew I should've waited, but was too excited to try the game that I forget the downloader on.

Ok, Paul, if you have any issues, please post here, seems like you know how to do this 7z thingy (until Lee returns ofc)

(epic fail from me though... eish)

[Paul]

Fly on the last disc is the 7zip install folder, if you don't have 7zip then install it.

Phatty this is the first time I am using it so it is blind leading the blind. It seems like windows didn't automatically assosiacte the files with the program, so you have to do it all manually or going into the settings of 7zip.

I will post any issues or solutions here when I get home but it will be late tonight as I have to work late.

[s3xy_j0nny]

On a Side note, I am definitely going to be a Human or Elf Champion but what profession should I be or what vocations are needed by our merry little guild


Paul, any proffession that includes forester as a vocation is needed imo. Explorer is one of those professions.

[J_Th4ng]

proffession


You didn't... :yikes:

[Megageth]

IA at Grammar Nazi HQ are awake now.

[s3xy_j0nny]

Dude, I can barely lift my arms to reach the keyboard. I got it right the second time...

[Thor_23]

LOL!!

Finally go to purchase some turbine points.

If anyone is interested in buying I would suggest rather going the Paypal route as its a LOT easier ....

[Phatso]

Ok, update.

Extract all 3 files into 1 folder (The Lord of the Rings Online.7z.001/002/003).
Right click any one of them and select "Extract Here" under the 7zip sub-menu.
Copy Paste over your LOTRO install.
???
Profit.

[flycatchr]

WD phats, i eventually copied my updated .DAT files and it then only did a small update.
seems to be working.
except it keeps DLing directx7 on the xp machine and the .net updates on the vista machine. not much joy from the fixes on the lotro forum

[Paul]

So I installed, unzipped the game Directory and copied it to my game directory.

When I launched the game it said something about downloading C++ distributable, then it installed it.

After that it said it need to download DirectX 9 but after taking for ever it said something like the server was available and I should download the file from microsoft.

I did that over night and will install it when I get home. Now should that be the end of it? Will the game actually launch?

What do I do after that?

[Thor_23]

Should launch after you have installed all the pre-requisite software.

Which is the direct X and the C++

[pmurgs]

What do I do after that?


I hear the process is more reliable if you do it wear pink tights or so Lee told me. Try that.

[Phatso]

Give it a shot at creating an account, but trust me, you're going to be massively frustrated.

Seems like the migration is causing issues and the client / website / everything makes you create a CODEMASTERS/COG account, when in fact, you should be creating a TURBINE account.

Its not as easy as creating a TURBINE account. The official FAQ states that you shouldn't try do that as its not going to work either.

For those that don't know, LOTRO is moving from CODEMASTERS to TURBINE (inna nutshell).

Seems like if you haven't created an account for LOTRO yet, you're better off waiting till tomorrow when the server migration thingie is happening.

[Onyx]

So maybe I should rather wait till next week for all the issues to be ironed out? I did create a COG account when I started the download, but paused that before the XXXL weekend. Will that have any negative affects which will lead me to pulling my hair out?

[Onyx]

So.....

I did the whole install thingshebang and it had a small update. Log in and choose Snowbourn and then I get a game error:

'Game Error [201]
Can't open the data files. Check that they exist and that you have permission to write to them. The program will now exit. [201]'

So that is how far I got :(

Any ideas?

Edit: P.S. There was also a slight wobble between the install discs of the game between disc 1/3 and 2/3, files (e) & (f) and not being able to find 2 files - some or other 'cyclic reduncancy check' error thing with the client_mesh.dat? Not sure if that is the cause of the above issue.

[SlipperyDuck]

If you're running windows 7, right-click the shortcut, select properties, go to the compatibility tab and select [ ] Run As Administrator.
This will make sure that when the game decides to update files, that it actually has permission to do it.

/cross fingers that you have windows 7.

[Onyx]

If you're running windows 7, right-click the shortcut, select properties, go to the compatibility tab and select [ ] Run As Administrator.
This will make sure that when the game decides to update files, that it actually has permission to do it.

/cross fingers that you have windows 7.


No :( XP

[SlipperyDuck]

Sounds like corrupted file is causing eeshuuuz.

Dr. Zeus's Miracle paste should do the trick.

Just call Phatso, ask him for a copy of his install directory.
If he cannot arrange an amazing Horse, Sheri may be able to help there.

Plus Fly, Paul, the list, it goes on, plus on, and also on.

[NiteShade]

If you don't come right Odi, let me know. We'll make a plan :)

[Phatso]

Onny, got your SMS, I may be able to help you out on Saturday morning only, if that.

This week is hectic as my brother is leaving for overseas for a few months, my mom is moving into a new apartment and my GF is moving into a new office. I know those sound like excuses, but they aren't :) ..

Let me see how Saturday shapes up, hopefully can help you.

[Onyx]

Onny, got your SMS, I may be able to help you out on Saturday morning only, if that.

This week is hectic as my brother is leaving for overseas for a few months, my mom is moving into a new apartment and my GF is moving into a new office. I know those sound like excuses, but they aren't :) ..

Let me see how Saturday shapes up, hopefully can help you.


I am easy so you can pick a time slot that suits you best:

[10:00] [10:30] [11:00] [11:30]

[Phatso]

You haz PM :)

[gr@v1ty]

After browsing through the forum I couldn't find a definite guide to the installation.

Run the "Install Disk" set to install LOTRO
Game installs and finishes by asking if you want to run now, reply no.

Copy the 7Zip files across into your install folder
Select "unzip here" and keep the settings to "overwrite" if the files exist.
Click on the LOTRO shortcut to start the program.
The load screen starts and the update box appears.
First, your "Programs" get checked then you are prompted to update.
This update phase uses under 100mb
You are then prompted to restart the application and the process starts again.
The "Programs" is updated one more time but only updates under 1mb.
The "Game Data" is then updated
The first update phase used 140mb (240mb total)
Second update phase used about 100mb (340mb total)
I progress to a screen where I can enter my login details...
Then a message pops up to say the program has to be restarted after last update...
One more update phase started, the manual looks like the biggest file downloaded
Just before you think you're at a point to start, another update starts, and the file count is over 4800 files to be updated.
Finished the update, it turned out to be the last. 600mb (950mb total)

Now to create a character. What do you guys need?

[Paul]

Sounds about right Grav. That is roughly what I experienced.

I forgot about the "prerequiste" software install in the begining. After the 4800 file update you shold be good to go.

[Megageth]

Grav get more feedback from the others but looks like the group in need of firstly healers and secondly captains.

[gr@v1ty]

Finished the training phase as Lore Master (level 6)
Going to give the Minstrel a shot now.