Many MMORPGs allow characters to have so called “non-combat” pets. They serve no real purpose and simply follow your character around once they’re summoned. A lot of people enjoy this little extra, however, and the practice has become extremely common. World of Warcraft, for example, seemingly has dozens of the things. Some of them can be purchased, while others are far more rare. Either way, they’re quite popular and some Korean developed MMORPGs revolve around them.
Many people don’t know that there are non-combat pets in LotRO. The most likely reason why people don’t know is that the ability is restricted to only one class in the game: Lore–masters. The other reason is that this ability wasn’t added until Book 11, a while after the launch of the game.
In LotRO a Lore–master can only have one pet out at a time, regardless as to whether or not it’s combat or non-combat. Don’t expect your little snake friend to dish out any damage .… Their sole goal in life is to be cute and impress your friends.
There’s been a lot of talk about the new Warden and Rune-keeperclasses and what they’ll be able to do in Mines of Moria, but there’s been very little talk about what will happen with our existing Level 50 characters. Today Turbine updated with three separate articles that cover just that. If you’re a Burglar, Hunter or Lore–master you’re in luck as Turbine has you covered. The rest of us will have to wait for new articles.
Mines of Moria adds a new Trait Set system to the game. According to Turbine, “Trait Sets group each class’s Class Traits into three loosely related sets of eight traits and give additional bonuses for using multiple Traits in a set.” Players would be choosing a set based upon how they’d like their character to play … This is similar to trees used in other MMORPGs and finally gives LotRO players a way to quickly tell others how they’re specced (i.e., a “mischief-maker burglar”, which is focused on tricks).
Additionally, the expansion will also see improvements to existing skills, both active and passive. Hunters can find three new group travel skills (one apparently leading to Forochel if you’re on good terms with the Lossoth). Lore–masters will gain access to two new pets, the saber-tooth and the bog–guardian. Burglars will find that their class quest reward, the Burglar’s Tools, will be converted to Legendary status and can be leveled up alongside the character.
For Burglars, it’s all the more reason to go after those class quest items now while the Token promotion is going on.
Be sure to at least read the article about your own class, assuming one is ready. It’s a nice way to get a headstart on what to expect.
Even if you’re a Lore–master you might not be aware that your class has access to “vanity” pets. Unlike typical pets used by Lore–masters for combat, these pets are simply for decoration. Like many things, however, using these pets requires certain level and quest requirements.
Shawn Schuster at Massively has detailed what you need to do in a new guide. It’s definitely worth checking out.
No other class in the game currently has access to vanity pets. I’m not sure of the exact reasoning of this and it’s something I wish was opened up to everyone to some degree. It’s just a nice touch.
