Koro

How is everyone doing so far?

7 minutes ago, RhemaTom said:

Ok, so I may have missed it. Are we meeting at a specific day and time?

The idea is for everyone to get to level 20 by the end of this month (May 31st) as they are able. And sometime around then (end of May, beginning June) we will get together and do some group content (like the Barrow Downs). It is hard to get everyone on at the same time when we all are devoted to other things, so we thought this may make things a bit more casual and less stressful for folks. I imagine many of us will be able to meet up to help each other level, but we aren't making anything official about it yet.

Update on the issues from Lotro lately.

Apparently SSG has fixed things on their end regarding the DNS server, and I gather it was updating and 'modernizing' of sorts. I was able to PATCH after I flushed my DNS (open cmd prompt and type ipconfig/flushdns), but since I deleted the game to reinstall it, patching didn't do me any good. I kept getting stuck on the download at various places.

But I am now back in game after doing these things:

Resetting modem/router

Completely eliminating any trace of lotro on my PC (windows uninstall, then deleting any lotro or lord of the rings online folders I can find in my files).

Flushing the DNS (I did this several times through the past few days)

Restarting the PC (As in turning it off, cycling out any power, waiting 30 seconds, etc)

Turning off my windows anti-virus and firewall protections. (I turn them back on as soon as the game finished installing)

Doing all those things, the game installed in one downloading session and patched without a single hiccup. I am now back in game. Unfortunately I don't know WHICH of those things actually did the trick, though I suspect that it was the anti-virus and firewall that were holding my downloads up.

16 hours ago, Kateywumpus said:

I... may end up waiting for everybody to catch up with my Beorning. I’m still using my mobile hotspot as my internet and it’s crappier than ever. She’s only in her 30s so it won’t take that long and hopefully by the time people do catch up I’ll have real internet. 

Up to you Kateyumpus, I totally understand not wanting to play on crappy internet.  I do hope you can get regular internet soon!

So I flushed my DNS and totally deleted the LOTRO game from my PC and files, re-downloaded it as Cordovan suggested from the lotro site, and it started installing seemingly normal, but it froze at 12%. UGH! But then, out of exasperation I simply re-opened the launcher and it started patching, seemingly normal.  Soooo I don't know if I fixed it, but for now it is patching/downloading (which is more than it did before). Unfortunately I have to step away from my computer, so I'm going to just leave it and see what happens when I get back.

Just now, CheekyMonkey66 said:

How do I get an invite to the Guild in-game?

As soon as you get to level 7 (sometimes 6... whenever you exit the opening story/tutorial) you can send a message to me, @Daizey, or @Jae Onasi and one of us can hop on and get you an invite.

6 hours ago, Galvanic said:

I'm a Lifetimer and have been trying to get the client re-downloaded and installed but apparently Standing Stones let the download domain lapse or something of that manner? Either way I haven't been able to download the client. Sadness.

1 hour ago, RhemaTom said:

Well, I got the download, but I can't get it installed. I keep getting the same error. Cannot update the game, or reinstall it. Starting to feel like it is a dead game now that Turbine is no longer running it. Sorry. I really liked the game, but Standing Stone seems to have ruined it. 

Indeed, there is an apparent problem they have been working on. Here is some of the info:

Lotro Twitter: https://twitter.com/lotro?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author

Message from Cordovan: https://www.lotro.com/forums/showthread.php?672669-Log-In-and-Patching-Issues-Friday-May-3rd

Forum thread of others experiencing stuff like this: https://www.lotro.com/forums/showthread.php?672648-there-was-an-error-generating-a-hash-code-for-a-patch-file

I myself am having problems too. But I'll keep working on it and see if I can find a fix. Mine keeps saying "there was an error generating the hash code for a patch file."

3 hours ago, Galvanic said:

I'm a Lifetimer and have been trying to get the client re-downloaded and installed but apparently Standing Stones let the download domain lapse or something of that manner? Either way I haven't been able to download the client. Sadness.

Yes, I've read other reports and have experienced some problems as of yesterday myself. I'll keep an eye out to see if SSG will do anything about it.

2 hours ago, RhemaTom said:

Been trying to get the game updated today. Update has errors, and thought I'd reinstall, but the download page isn't working either.

 

That is strange, I've had updates every so often for the past month without any trouble.

I assume you used this link/website to download the game? https://www.lotro.com/en/game/download

Perhaps it is a bug on there end that will be fixed in the next few hours or days?

4 minutes ago, Malerok said:

I created an Elven archer on the Landroval server that I plan on bringing to aid this fellowship. If need be I could create a guardian toon for tanking, I may not know much about tanking in this game but I can learn it if need be. Looking forward to when we start this adventure.

Awesome! By all means enjoy the hunter class, they are fun and deadly! Play what you want.

When everybody gets to level 7, reach out so we can get you invited to the RoH kinship!

3 hours ago, Amrithir said:

@Koro yes, I still plan to try a mini. I plan to roll her this weekend, but I also have to finish my ESO trial tasks when I get back in town, and that's got priority. It doesn't take all that long to get through the early levels, though, so I don't feel like I'll be too far behind everyone.

 

So, shall we see how many of us can get to level 20 without dying?

Aye, trial tasks do take priority, no argument there! But we are glad to have you along in this casual group. And if you need any help with the ESO trial tasks, several of us here play that game as well, just let us know!

I am all for getting to level 20 without dying! You get the cool title if I remember right.

The races each have various stat bonuses, which you can see on the character creation screen. Here is a link to those passive skills/extra bonus: https://lotro-wiki.com/index.php/Base_Passive_Skills

As you level up and accomplish deeds, you gain access to more racial traits that you can choose from. A list of those is here: https://lotro-wiki.com/index.php/Racial_Traits

That said, those really don't mean very much in the end-game, at least from what I read online. While the game wants each race to have its 'perks', min/maxing doesn't have a huge advantage, and most people claim that its much better to play what you want.

Now if you want information concerning the LORE of those things.... well don't get me started lol. There are whole college courses dedicated to the lore of Middle Earth and its history.

Sorry @Soasa, I forgot you had mentioned the archer. But no problem at all! That hunter class is really fun and not too difficult to use. And they kill things from so far away it is crazy!

So based on the above, did anyone decide for sure? Speculatively we have this so far (and these are likely to change I imagine?)

@Kateywumpus: Beorning

@Amrithir: Minstrel

@Dalivandrian: Lore-master

@Soasa: Guardian?

I know you created a guardian Soasa that is level 7 already, did you want to stick to that and tank/off tank? Or would you like to try another class before you decide?

@Ellenore and I will be playing whatever is needed.  I am leaning towards a champion but will know for sure in the next week or so.

Anyone else want to contribute?

May

The first stage of our journey begins!

It is the month of May! That means it is time to begin, if we haven't already of course! This month, we are focusing on new characters levels 1 through 20! The goal is to be level 20 by May 31st. 

This will have all of us focusing on the starting areas. Each race begins in a different spot:

Dwarves: Thorin's Gate

Elves: Celondim

Men: Archet

Hobbits: Michel Delving

All will eventually meet up in Bree-land where there are a lot of quests in the Old Forest (Tom Bombadil! :D) and the Barrow Downs. Also, it is possible for one new character to ride over to the other starting area once you finish the tutorial. It doesn't take long so people can group up if it is so desired.

And lets not forget the deeds that can be done if we get a group going. Lots of experience and getting some traits out of it too.

Please feel free to ask for help if it is wanted! Fellowships are certainly more fun than solo play. And while we may not be able to get on at the same time fairly often, I'm sure some of us will share some online time if we coordinate! 

Current Fellowship:

@Koro: Eoharn, Warden

@Ellenore: Ellenarial, Captain

@Dalivandrian: Rashildhon, Lore-Master

@Amrithir: Teledrean, Minstrel

@Soasa: Aurtorus, Hunter

@CheekyMonkey66: ?

@Daizey: ?

@Jae Onasi: ?

@RhemaTom: ?

@Kateywumpus, you said you'd be joining us once we get to level 30ish, right?

@Chelly, @Malerok are you still interested in joining us?

This is going to be fun!

Notification List: @Koro @Tyrtaeus @RhemaTom @Jae Onasi @Telana @Chelly @Lagerfueled @Vorn @Elisel @Daizey @Ellenore @Martini @CheekyMonkey66 @Kateywumpus @Malerok @Amrithir @Dalivandrian

Updated!

12 hours ago, Amrithir said:

@Koro Oops, missed that part. I think I put in a request to the right thread now. 

 

As for characters, I've dabbled with all of them while I was actively playing, but their levels are all over the map. Playing largely solo, though, I never really got to play the healer though, so I would be interested in trying it. Otherwise, I always like hunters or DPS RKs. I don't think my mini or burgler ever got past level 20, so not much experience to judge. Might be fun to play one of those classes out

Minstrel is fun and unique! How many other games are heals done by playing music? (My mini heals people by playing bagpipes ) I'm not good with burglar's, but it is a typical rogue character from my limited experience. 

10 hours ago, Dalivandrian said:

I was considering playing the Loremaster that I started previously but if the group needs other roles I can run something else. I have the most experience with dps but I have done a bit of tanking in some of the easier swtor content as well. I'd still say that I am towards the beginning of the learning curve on that, though, and I don't know how similarly the classes play in Lotro.

Loremaster is pretty cool! It is a support character that does decent dps. The ability to cleanse allies of debuffs and give other members of the fellowship power in a big fight make them pretty sought after. I've been enjoying mine so far, though he is only level 27.

1 hour ago, Soasa said:

@Koro I am willing to do anything, but I should state that I am unable to play on any nights.  I tried for a while and my health started going way down.  It has now been about a year and a half and my health still hasn't gone up any.  Now I start getting really tired before most people get off work and I am a complete zombie when everyone gets stirred up to play.  It's another of those "fun things" I have to get used to being a post-stroke person I guess.   

 

One question I have that I ran into... when a character reaches level 6, you are told you are now able to customize yourself.  Every 2 levels, it goes up even further.  When I click the key to go into that "customize" window, I get hit with "pay to click anything."  It may not cost much... I don't know, but when I saw that, I logged off and haven't been back on.  The whole reason I play "free games" is because I literally don't have a cent to pay out right now.  Maybe I will in June sometime, but that is over a month away.  Plus, I like spending money on games, but I like to spend it how I see fit... not "pay or we'll drive you crazy until you do pay."

 

Any thoughts on what or why this has come up?

Customize your character eh? Hmmm, the only thing I can think of right now is that it opens up the cosmetic window option. The Lotro cosmetic system is one of the best in the MMO business in my opinion, but they do lock it (as well as many other things) behind a paywall. It in no way affects your character's performance, only its looks. I can show you once we get in game together if you like.

Now that I think about it, it may also be referring to what is called 'traits' in the game, where you slot traits to make your character more powerful. Free and Premium accounts don't have access to as many traits as VIPs do, but you do earn some of them by leveling up and killing monsters/exploring the world. It helps, but it is not mandatory to do well in the game.

Truth be told, you CAN play the base 'free' game without paying money. But it is a little more difficult. However, if you (or anyone here reading this) were to sub for only a single month, one time, your account upgrades from a free account to a premium account. The difference is pretty big in my opinion, and it doesn't take many lotro points after that to notice a big difference. I can make another post/guide about it if you guys want me to.

Updated!

Updated!

20 minutes ago, Kateywumpus said:

How well do the Beornings tank and heal? I've never really got to play them outside of just solo content. 

Wow that is a good question. From what I know, they are pretty versatile at doing most anything, though not as efficiently as the other dedicated classes. Beornings can switch roles and be rather effective if played right, which may mean its a good choice if you want to try different roles as we level up.

That said, I am going off of what I've read online, not actually experienced. @Daizey, @Darnavian, @Elisel, do any of you guys have experience with Beornings?

Greetings my fellow Remnants!!!

I am happy to see the interest is there to start a slow and steady progression group!!! It is very exciting to think we are going to be forming our own 'fellowship'! Woo-hoo!

With that said, do we want to coordinate what classes we each will be rolling for this adventure? I am a big believer in play what you want to play! But some of us may decide to spend more time on the game than others. I can play any class for the group since I am maining this game right now. Whatever classes I don't use I'll be playing on my own anyways.  Those who may not be playing regular may want to post their preferred class for this adventure so those who are able can make adjustments.

For our monthly dungeon/group content it may be helpful to make sure we have at least one tank and one healer. The game can be fairly forgiving so I don't mean to be a stickler, but it may prove handy as we learn our way through classes and content. 

Tanking classes: Guardian, Warden

Healing Classes: Minstrel, Rune-keeper

And if anyone has any questions, feel free to ask! I look forward to getting our fellowship of Remnants underway!

Notification List: @Koro @Tyrtaeus @RhemaTom @Jae Onasi @Telana @Chelly @Lagerfueled @Vorn @Elisel @Daizey @Ellenore @Martini @CheekyMonkey66 @Kateywumpus

Those not signed up but expressed interest in this (I encourage you to sign up on the notification list): @Dalivandrian @Soasa @Amrithir @Malerok @Lagerfueled

And if anyone else is interested who hasn't said anything yet, please feel free to jump in! The base game is free I believe, and Middle Earth is such a legendary place!

Thanks @Daizey!

Also for those interested, it looks like there is a 'Welcome Back Weekend' going on right now, that gives +25% exp gain on most everything. Might be worth jumping in and taking advantage of it!

Looks like it ends Sunday night/Monday morning.

https://www.lotro.com/forums/showthread.php?646193-LOTRO-Events-Schedule

Just now, Kateywumpus said:

I've got a Premium Housing Writ that I've never used so... I don't know. I'm currently running around trying to figure something out. 

I am in-game if you need/want an invite to the kinship. Just let me know!

5 minutes ago, Kateywumpus said:

Turns out I had just enough left over to buy the thing, which is awesome. PARTY AT MY HOUSE! (when I get one) 

 

When I logged in for the first time in years I had about 15000 coins to spend on stuff.

wow! Nice shopping spree!

Do you know what kind of house you want? The kinship house is currently Thorin's Hall, though I suppose this new surge of interest may warrant a new vote on housing community.

Nothing wrong with that @Kateywumpus! Those are some valuable tools in the game that I hope to spend some tokens on soon enough! 

That shared inventory space is so amazing.... and so is the wardrobe

The Lotro store has a ton of items for sale, non-essential stuff but may be of interest to some of the veteran players. A superior study is only 371 lotro points so you can craft scholar at your house. And there are several other housing decoration items.

Can't find a link for an online page, but the in-game store may be worth checking out for those interested.