
Zombie Columus, part of the LotRO team, recently posted a short teaser of things we can expect in the upcoming Book 7 update for the Rune-keeper class.. Here’s some of what we can expect:
Re-namable Rune’s of Restoration!
More DPS for low level RK’s
Fixing broken traits
Improved Lightning sound FX
New ranged slot item (will NOT give a ranged auto attack, only stats)
A way to shift attunement faster
More tactical resistance penetration
Legacy damage increases
A few small nerfs (hey, it happens)
As with any MMORPG forum, there was quite a bit of negative reaction and Zombie Columbus clarified a bit:
The “stats” on the ranged item will be similar to the stats on other non-weapon ranged items and class items. Specificly, there will be no common fate, might, Power etc. mods. Instead, class specific modification will be seen.
RK DPS at low levels (5−15 specifically) has been a complaint of many players and will be increased with no effect on higher levels play.
Increasing potency of legacies will up DPS at 50+.
Increasing ability to bypass tactical resistance will increase DPS at all levels and make some skills (ST, DW) more reliable.
Fixing traits and the introduction of ranged slot item will help DPS at all levels.
I’m not going to list any specifics on nerfs. Any that do make it through testing are intended to simply tweak down some abilities that are overpreforming reletive to other skills. Overall class effectiveness is intended to increase in Book 7.Per your feedback thus far, I’m considering these modifications to my plans:
Remove attnement shifting to keep Stead Hands potent.
Leave lvl 5 – 15 DPS alone.
Personally I would like to see more DPS for the class early on, but apparently some disagree. I guess we’ll see what happens, as a lot of this is still pending testing and so forth.
A little less important: my Rune-keeper still runs oddly while in combat. It looks like he’s limping or skipping. Has anyone else experienced this?

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