General Discussion

The Mines of Moria, the first expansion for Lord of the Rings Online which is currently in beta, offers many new dark places for adventurers to explore and a new class for players to use while exploring these places. Today the folks at Turbine have released detailed information on these Rune-keepers and their secrets.

Is this Magic?

A question I know some of you will be asking is "Does the Rune-keeper use magic?" The answer is a little yes, and a little no. In Tolkien's world, and in our world, ‘magic' is a term for explaining things that are not well understood. A perfect example of this is when Sam was offered to look in Galadriel's Mirror:

'And you? ' she said, turning to Sam. 'For this is what your folk would call magic. I believe; though I do not understand clearly what they mean; and they seem also to use the same word of the deceits of the Enemy. But this, if you will, is the magic of Galadriel.'

Rune-keepers utilize the Power of writing and of words to change small bits of the world. There are some who would call this magic, while others would call this the natural way of things.

It is worth mentioning that of the races of Middle-earth, only Elves and Dwarves have such innate Power. No Man or hobbit scribe could harness the power of runes in these ways; such talents are not part of their nature. Yet to an Elf, such things can be as natural as breathing.

Read more here.

With the Rune-Keeper, going full damage spec, replace the hunter as the single target DPS class? The question also goes the other way as well; will the minstrel still be the best healer. Would having 2 Runekeepers end up a better choice then a hunter and minstrel. Also, what of the Area of effect abilities? Are these potent, as the champion?

For me, this new class seems difficult to picture. I like the concept of a class that can heal or dps at various levels and potency, as per traited. With such a delicate balance, this class can range from a perfect addition, to an overpowering class. I look forward to this new aspect of play, and seeing the answers to my questions unfold.

I don't post much but had to on this one. I can't wait to try The Rune-Keeper!!!

I haven't played a Dwarf character yet. I may give it a shot as a Runekeeper.

Originally posted by Lazer7

With the Rune-Keeper, going full damage spec, replace the hunter as the single target DPS class? The question also goes the other way as well; will the minstrel still be the best healer. Would having 2 Runekeepers end up a better choice then a hunter and minstrel. Also, what of the Area of effect abilities? Are these potent, as the champion?

For me, this new class seems difficult to picture. I like the concept of a class that can heal or dps at various levels and potency, as per traited. With such a delicate balance, this class can range from a perfect addition, to an overpowering class. I look forward to this new aspect of play, and seeing the answers to my questions unfold.

Yea it will be really interesting to see how the RK works out, the mecanic sounds really run and I hope that the class delivers! It will be really hard for Turbine to balance theese 2 new classes and make them fit with the old ones...

But anyway: Mines of Moria seems more and more ike the perfect expansion, keep up the good work Turbine

The forums at LOTRO are awash with controversy and angst (much of it pretty ludicrous, in my opinion) about how the Rune-Keeper class somehow "breaks the lore".

I say, lighten up, people. This is just a game based on novels upon which it is reasonably well based. Cut the developers some slack. People just need to chill about this issue, imo. The RK sounds like a fun class to play.

My biggest concern with this class is with its dual role. As others have mentioned, will it be a more useful class than either the hunter or the minstrel? Will groups now be saying in the LFF channel, "5/6 for quest. Need RK -- NOT a mini"? I sure hope not.

As with any hybrid class, I would hope the RK can only be a "fairly good" healer or a "fairly good" source of dps. What you give up in power you gain in flexibility. The class should function like, say, a pally or druid or shaman in WoW. In other words, it should NOT be as good at healing as a minstrel, and it should NOT dish out more dps than a hunter. If it does, I think the introduction of this class could really mess this game up.

I don't want to feel like my hunter and minstrel are now "outclassed" and upstaged, as it were, by the RK. Other than that concern, I say, bring it on, Turbine! :)

Originally posted by Lazer7

With the Rune-Keeper, going full damage spec, replace the hunter as the single target DPS class? The question also goes the other way as well; will the minstrel still be the best healer. Would having 2 Runekeepers end up a better choice then a hunter and minstrel. Also, what of the Area of effect abilities? Are these potent, as the champion?

For me, this new class seems difficult to picture. I like the concept of a class that can heal or dps at various levels and potency, as per traited. With such a delicate balance, this class can range from a perfect addition, to an overpowering class. I look forward to this new aspect of play, and seeing the answers to my questions unfold.

Your questions, are Options, somthing MMO's have been lacking. Options are good.

Originally posted by tmr819

The forums at LOTRO are awash with controversy and angst (much of it pretty ludicrous, in my opinion) about how the Rune-Keeper class somehow "breaks the lore".

I say, lighten up, people. This is just a game based on novels upon which it is reasonably well based. Cut the developers some slack. People just need to chill about this issue, imo. The RK sounds like a fun class to play.

My biggest concern with this class is with its dual role. As others have mentioned, will it be a more useful class than either the hunter or the minstrel? Will groups now be saying in the LFF channel, "5/6 for quest. Need RK -- NOT a mini"? I sure hope not.

As with any hybrid class, I would hope the RK can only be a "fairly good" healer or a "fairly good" source of dps. What you give up in power you gain in flexibility. The class should function like, say, a pally or druid or shaman in WoW. In other words, it should NOT be as good at healing as a minstrel, and it should NOT dish out more dps than a hunter. If it does, I think the introduction of this class could really mess this game up.

I don't want to feel like my hunter and minstrel are now "outclassed" and upstaged, as it were, by the RK. Other than that concern, I say, bring it on, Turbine! :)

I'm afraid I'd be one of those players who feel that it doesn't fit.

Because of games that have gone before that include everything but the kitchen sink, it seems difficult for  players to imagine why it should be a problem.

But it just doesn't fit. I'll have to join those discussions as I was dissapointed in this addtion as well but felt conflicted as I was feeling inclined to try the class.

Still doesn't fit ; )

oh I didn't know there was healing in LOTRO....  lol

Wait - I go get my flute !!

And ... I dont remember Tolkien talking about runekeeper.... 

Lore ?

What lore ?

LOTRO is build on crappy system that is said to be following the lore.  Then the devs break it when ever they see fit.

Seriously - I tried to like LOTRO but the moral system and the music playing just made me threw up.  Will that change with runekeeper ?   Nope. 

I like many others that love the LOTR story will have to keep playing battle of middle earth to enjoy what a MMO about LTRO could have been.  And you know what.... There is MAGIC in it.  And HEALING !!

Now pick up ur flutes so I can keep ROFLING.