Firstly, a quick introduction! My name is Isy (another of Tony’s new MMeOw writers!), and in-game, I am part of the relatively quiet EU server of Gilrain. I have been playing for over a year, and while in the past I have deemed myself to be a ‘casual’ player, I would probably now be better described as a “casual/hardcore” hybrid, having recently joined a more raid-active kin, owning a Level 60, full-radiance Captain, and a Level 60 Rune-keeper. Like many in the player-base who have reached the so-called “end-game” content (and are getting just a wee bit miffed with repeatedly running instances to possibly win some radiance armour, just to access a raid in the hope of getting lucky on even better radiance armour), I like to know what is around the corner. Call it spoilers, call it curiosity… for me, tracking down information or speculating over rumours whets my appetite for LotRO’s future and gives me something to look forward to.
As such, I wanted to share some information that should interest high-level characters who enjoy crafting — especially those of you who can’t stand the radiance gating! Introducing: 2nd Age Legendary crafting!
This news actually broke towards the end of last week over on the official LotRO forums, based on patch notes for the Bullroarer server (that is the U.S. preview server where new patches get tested before general release). However, these patch notes now appear to be confirmed as official: Book 8 Patch 1 Release Notes.
I highly recommend reading through these yourself (they are not long), but, in summary: high-end crafters can now make their own 2nd Age legendary items and weapons [previously crafters could only make 3rd aged legendary stuff]. It appears the cost will be five legendary shards, a mithril flake and a supreme emblem (requiring you have maximum reputation with your craft guild), in addition to the usual materials (metals, woods e.t.c).
However, there is more good news for crafters! According to the folks over at the official LotRO forums, you will also be able to make whole new sets of armour and/or jewellry (as long as you have a reasonably good standing with those secretive Elves of Lothlorien), which will be comparable to the radiance armor (albeit without a radiance bonus): Screenshots of New Craftables. Hopefully, the news will appease the crafters who felt hard done by since the Mines of Moria release, and once more allow crafters to make even more in-game gold!
Of course, if you are less concerned with “end-game”, and prefer to roll an alt to pass the time, you really should check out Orion’s Blog. Orion is one of the game designers who is currently tasked with updating the Lone Lands (to coincide with the eventual release of Vol2. Book 9). If you are prepared to trawl through some technical jargon, he provides some great insight into the thought process behind the redesigns, and it looks like we have a lot to look forward to in the Lone Lands makeover!
Isy
