In this new series, I talk about various aspects of The Lord of the Rings Online. This series is meant for newcomers, but may also help veteran players find more to love about the game.
Whether it's your first character in LOTRO (or an MMO in general) or your twenty-fifth, you always have to make choices about your character. Some people do as little as possible while others spend hours customizing every slider and color to perfection. This entry is not going to guide you through what choices you ought to make -- but it may help you get a feel for how to build a character you connect with and enjoy being represented by in-game.
I've included all of the details about the races, classes, and the impact of their origins so you can peruse it for a while before you actually fire up the LOTRO client to make your character. Going into it with an idea in mind will make it easier (and faster). That way you can focus more on making your character look just the way you want them to. You can also use the Getting Started section of the LOTRO wiki if you don't mind everything being a link to different pages. I'm hoping my layout here will make it easier to see everything all together for those who get lost bouncing around between wiki pages!
I've included all of the details about the races, classes, and the impact of their origins so you can peruse it for a while before you actually fire up the LOTRO client to make your character. Going into it with an idea in mind will make it easier (and faster). That way you can focus more on making your character look just the way you want them to. You can also use the Getting Started section of the LOTRO wiki if you don't mind everything being a link to different pages. I'm hoping my layout here will make it easier to see everything all together for those who get lost bouncing around between wiki pages!
This is a long entry, so feel free to jump as needed:
Races
If this is your first time making a character in LOTRO, you only have four race options: Man, Dwarf, Hobbit, and Elf. The other three races -- Beorning, High Elf, and Stout-Axe -- are available for purchase and/or as part of Expansions. There's no one race that's better than others, but I am forever biased towards elves. They comprise the majority of my characters. For the sake of this series, I have divided up the races as evenly as possible to match class strengths... but we'll get to that later. For now, let's discuss those races.Man
Not as long-lived as Elves, sturdy as dwarves, or resilient as hobbits, Men are renowned for their courage and resourcefulness.
This decreased Will can be countered with another Racial trait later, so don't take it too personally.
This is not a backhanded compliment like "easily impressed," instead it means that this race makes great tanks because they are easier to heal and bolster with morale-based buffs.
Fate does some great things: increases in-combat power and morale regeneration, increases the chance/magnitude of critical hits on tactical skills, and increases ability to defend against non-physical damage.
If you choose to play the race of Man, be sure to use the /flex emote often.
Dwarf
Dwellers of stone and miners of metal, the dwarves are a doughty folk, resistant to the corruption of the Enemy -- but not to greed.
Remember what I said about Fate above? This is kind of a bummer. But there are plenty of ways to counter this trait with other traits or with gear. It okay. No be cry.
Okay, so you're no ballerina. This, too, can be countered. Nobody who ever wanted to play a dwarf was expecting to be nimble and quick. Natural sprinters, remember?
That's better. Not only are you as Might-y as the race of Man, but your health is harder to knock down. Must be all those minerals. (Get it? Minerals? Dwarves? Ha... I'll show myself out.)
Energizer Bunny in the fray, but dead inside when there's nothing to get your blood pumping. Get you a lore-master friend and it'll be just fine.
Hobbit
Happiest when enjoying a simple life with six square meals a day, hobbits are solid and dependable when called to action.
Like... 1% doesn't seem like a whole lot? But I guess it's better than nothing when you're starting out.
Heyyy... this is pretty good. The little troublemakers need something working in their favor, after all.
I guess this means getting back into mischief that much faster than other races.
Talk to the hand, Sauron, 'cause hobbits be too busy eating to listen.
Just facing facts here. This is fine if you're anything but a tanky class. But even if you are, there are fixes. Dream big, Shirefolk.
Elf
Long ago, the Elves welcomed the younger races of Middle-earth and allied with them when the need was great, but centuries of war, betrayal, and hardship have made them fiercely protective of their seclusion.
Elves are the border collies of the races of Middle-earth, though perhaps less personable.
Well, yes, this was expected, wasn't it? Nothing that can't be fixed with gear and such, though. The fair folk aren't done yet.
Look, wasn't the Fading enough? I guess this means they are also the emo kids of the races, too. Ah well -- you know what I'm gonna say about gear and counter-traits.
This is good, at least. Trust me. Those Orc Defilers are EVERYWHERE, man. I know it's only 1%, but it can make a big difference when it comes to diseases and poisons.
High Elf
[Available for Purchase]
High Elves, those who have beheld the beauty of Valinor and their descendants, possess grace and strength beyond even their woodland kin. Those few who remain yearn to see that Middle-earth is safe to bequeath to Men before they depart for the Undying Lands.
Racial Traits: Fading of the Firstborn, Peace of the Eldar, Sorrow of the Undying, Suffer No Illness.
Racial Traits: Fading of the Firstborn, Peace of the Eldar, Sorrow of the Undying, Suffer No Illness.
Stout-Axe
[Available for Purchase]
The Stout-axes were once a part of one of the seven houses of the Dwarves, known as Drása's Folk. Brough tto ruin by their desire for the Ring granted to them by Sauron, Drása's Folk doomed their descendants to an era of thralldom in the Black Land.
Racial Traits: Unyielding Will, Wrought by the Black Land, Shadow of the Eye, Doom of Drása's Folk.
Beorning
[Available for Purchase]
Beornings descend from ancient Men, and can "skin-change" into bears when angered. They are gruff, distrustful, impolite, respect all creatures of nature, and hate Orcs more than anything.
Racial Traits: Might of the Wild, Few in Number, Natural Resistance, Thick Hide.
Racial Traits: Might of the Wild, Few in Number, Natural Resistance, Thick Hide.
This is a long entry, so feel free to jump as needed:
Classes
The classes in LOTRO are broken down by two factors: difficulty and role. The developers' criteria for difficulty may not apply to everyone, so I encourage you to reach for that Advanced class if it interests you more than easier classes. Role, on the other hand, is a bit more straightforward. You aren't likely to be able to tank for a group as a Support class, for example. There are 3 trait trees for every class, however, so you can generally customize your play style to a certain degree. But that isn't this entry!First, let me dash some hopes now that you've probably decided what race you want to play. I'm here to rain on your parade by telling you that not all classes are available to all races. Sorry, I didn't make that rule. Here's a handy chart from the LOTRO wiki to give you a visual of what is and is not available to each race. After that, I'll give my own little blurbs on each of the classes with a link to their wiki pages for deeper reading if they interest you.
Basic Classes
Champion (Damage)
Do you just wanna dive into the fray like the Tasmanian Devil from Looney Tunes? Leeroy Jenkins? Impetuous youth and all that? This is probably the class for you. It's hard to be bad at this one unless you think you're better than you are and run into enemies too difficult for you to handle.
Hunter (Damage)
Playable by all races (except Beorning). Do you want to snipe your enemies and go pew-pew without getting in the middle of things? Lay tricksy traps and bleed out your foe? Be a total glass cannon? This one's for you, Hawkeye. Often called the "taxi" class because you can guide others to a myriad of locations you can earn/learn as you level up.
Guardian (Defence)
Playable by all races (except Beorning). Even if you're a hobbit or a dwarf, this class is like being Andre the Giant. You aren't going to do a ton of damage, which can make the class slow for leveling, but you're a nearly impenetrable wall when you tank for a group. As a bonus, you are rewarded for well-timed blocks and bashes. It's an easy class to play and survive, but can be technically difficult to tank well with unless you're on point!
Moderate Classes
Captain (Support)
Only playable by Man and High Elf, this is one of only two pet classes. You are a seneschal of buffs and debuffs, and so is your bannerman. You can damage, you can heal -- but don't expect to lead the pack by any means. By default this class is meant to be a little of everything and thus elevate a group. It is not as cut and dry as you might think.
Minstrel (Healer)
Don't be afraid when you use Piercing Cry for the first time and instead of singing... you're shouting like a toddler pretending to be a dinosaur, or a parent who's stepped barefoot onto a LEGO. You'll play your instruments for other skills, and even use a one-handed weapon and a shield if you wish. But for the most part you're going to be invaluable to a group as their healer. Just... remember to be in the right stance. Just remember when healing: no glow, good to go. (Right, Elaelin?)
Rune-keeper (Damage/Healer)
[Available for purchase.] This is definitely a harder class to level with if you're impatient. Once you reach a certain level, you will mow down your enemies with elemental power and force -- or heal a whole group with one click. It's getting to that point and getting a good feel for Attunement that's tricky. Too far to the healing side and your damage dwindles, too much damage-dealing and your healing goes to pot.
Advanced Classes
Beorning (Damage/Support)
[Available for purchase.] This is both a race and a class, and a very fun one at that since it's had some good revisions in the time it's been available. Get mad, be a bear, lay waste to everything with claw swipes and roars. Or, wield the power of nature to heal and buff your buddies. Your form determines which skills you can use, so knowing what's best at any given time is the trick to learn.
Warden (Defence)
[Available for purchase.] People either love or hate this class because of its gambit system -- building combinations of skills for different effects. Learn them well and you are a force to be reckoned with as either a tank or damage-dealer. Wing it and you will be tossing away all kinds of potential and be more of a detriment to a group than a help. The versatility of having both a melee and ranged stance to toggle between is a boon, however, and those who master this class are phenomenal to have in a fellowship.
Lore-master (Support)
Restricted to just Man and both Elven races, this is the other pet class. You can focus on slinging forces of nature (fire, lightning, wind) or work side by side with an animal companion with various strengths of their own. Not the best as going solo, but capable of it, this class is great in a group to have that crowd control element and catch whatever the healer might miss or power up a tank running out of juice.
Burglar (Support)
I've never been a fan of this class, as it can be rather difficult. If you like being sneaky, often invisible, stabbing people in the back, picking pockets, and debuffing enemies for your group... this is your class. Just don't anger all of the enemies at once. (Just kidding. I know you're going to. Probably on purpose. Just don't tell the angry tank and healer you did. It'll be our secret.)
This is a long entry, so feel free to jump as needed:
Origins
Each race has options for an origin (with the exceptions of Beorning and Stout-axe -- they only have the one option due to their heritage). These origins change two factors for your character: a title, and available colors for hair, eyes, and skin. Play around to see what options give you the choices you prefer!
Man: Bree-land, Dale-lands, Gondor, Rohan
Dwarf: Blue Mountains, Iron Hills, Lonely Mountain, Grey Mountains, White Mountains
Hobbit: Fallohide, Harfoot, Stoor
Elf: Lindon, Lórien, Mirkwood, Rivendell, Edhellond
High Elf: Gondolin, Imladris, Nargothrond, Beleriand, Ossiriand
Stout-Axe: Mordor
Beorning: Vales of Anduin
This is a long entry, so feel free to jump as needed:
Appearance
Once you have the above choices made, it's time to put those sliders to work! You can be as vague or specific as you like at this point of the character creation. Keep in mind that you CAN change some of the options later at an NPC Barber at various locations in the game. You can change any of the Details, but you can't change your Origin -- so be sure to get the option that lets you pick blue eyes or red hair if that's what you may want!
This is when you want to consider a personality for your character. Let the lore, classes, and racial history inspire you to make a character that is fun and will allow you to have fun with others in-game!
This is when you want to consider a personality for your character. Let the lore, classes, and racial history inspire you to make a character that is fun and will allow you to have fun with others in-game!
Here are a few examples of characters I designed but did not finish creating to give you an idea of the possibilities! There are also countless cosmetic options for attire and gear in-game. We'll talk about that in a later entry, too.
Man • High Elf • Dwarf • Stout-Axe
Elf • Beorning • Hobbit
Name
You're on your own with this one. The character creation screen in the game gives you some general ideas on how to name by race or origin, and there are even name generators you can Google for Elven or fantasy names. Or you can even hit that Randomize button if you're feeling lucky.
I have another blog entry coming at some point in which I discuss how I named a variety of my characters over the 20 years I've been playing games and roleplaying. It really depends on if you want to have a serious character with a personality for roleplay or mental persona, or if you want to pick a theme and make similar names for all of your characters so people know it's you if they happen upon you in the game. I promise to elaborate more on this later, so just do your best in the meantime and stay true to yourself. You won't be disappointed!
Whew! That was a lot, wasn't it? Ought to be about time for elevensies, yes?
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