Hello, and Happy August Everybody!
“It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” - J.R.R. Tolkien
Time goes by so fast, yet here we are again with a new month. June and July kinda got wrapped up together as one with the summer business hitting everyone. But if I am not mistaken, based on the previous threads, we should be all just about level 30 or so. While we are wrapping up our group content for that level, it is also time to take a look at the next stage of our journey: Evendim and the Trollshaws and our push towards level 40!
There is some really rich history in Evendim, and as I understand it the zone was revamped from my earlier playing days and has a nice leveling tempo. It was the heart of the Kingdom of Arnor established by Elendil, and the Dunedain have attempted to honor their heritage here since then. It is rich with history and ancient ruins, and has beautiful scenery. Beware though, it can get tedious swimming across the lake (which you have to do a few times while questing).
As for the Trollshaws, it is a hilly, forested area full of various animals and enemies, with a few elves scattered about. It was here that Thorin's company (including Bilbo Baggins) encountered the Trolls and were nearly eaten (squashed into jelly haha). But Gandalf and Bilbo managed to stall the trolls until dawn when the emerging sunlight turned the trolls to stone. You can actually visit those stone trolls, as @Elisel, @Skywolven and I did many, many months ago!
(Credit @Skywolven for this photo!)
These two zones can get us to level 40, though the pace we decide to take is up for debate. With people's schedules and division interests, we may decide to push to 35 this month and 40 by the end of September. Or, if you get in a roll, we can do all 10 levels in one month. It is up to the group as a whole.
As for group content, I know that Annuminas (the heart of Evendim) is a largely fellowship-oriented challenge. I believe there is a story/quest here regarding Aragorn that I've never done before, though I'd like to try it out. I am sure @Daizey and @Elisel have more information about it should we decide to pursue it.
It is also possible (I can't remember) that one or both of these zones are not available to f2p accounts. However, as you leveled you were earning Lotro points (deeds for killing x amount of a certain type of enemy, etc). These points can be used to unlock zones (called quest packs I think in the store), making it 'possible' to play the whole game without spending money. Be aware of that possibility as we move forward, as we are leaving the 'free' zones behind.
Taggin the notification list: @Tyrtaeus @RhemaTom @Jae Onasi @Telana @Chelly @Lagerfueled @Vorn @Elisel @Daizey @Ellenore @Martini @CheekyMonkey66 @Kateywumpus @Malerok @Amrithir @Dalivandrian
So there we have it! Another month of our fellowship's journey! If anyone needs help, please reach out on these forums. Lotro is more fun with friends!
"The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say."
until