Extra beta rounds for U23 (no launch week 40)

Seems SSG understands they chewed off a bit too much with this update. The content seems to ready, but the additional mastery/scaling revamp on top was too much. While you can live with a quest being broken, everyones dps isn’t. So ..
 
U23 won’t launch next week And more (2 a week?) beta builds are planned. Also layed out their objectives a bit. 
  • Easier to survive in an area (main stats will give you enough dps and morale to progress)
  • Harder to get the maximum dps (damage bonus 0 – 100 % is free, 100-150% is easily gotten, 150-200% you need to neglect morale or defense)

Squirles conjecture
If done correctly, you can actually use more skills and playstyles within landscape and instances. You can choose to kill mobs one by one quickly or get sturdier and take on 3 mobs, but kill them slower. Giving each class a chance to do their part.  Tier 2, raids or challenges will need to be approached more thoughtfully. No more overpowering mechanics and adds by just killing them before they are a danger.

All in all, lotro slowly returns to a more old style mmo for harder content while remaining solo and (easy/accesible make your choice) relaxed questing friendly.

As an extra bonus, 105 ettenmoors bugged looks to be fixed as well. If you want the details you can read on.
 
Level Scaling is absolutely broken!
Absolutely correct. Broken as hell for LI’s. I can now see that it’s been like that for a long time – it just got worse with each progressive update.
We fixed some level scaling bugs for regular gear, but unfortunately LI scaling still apparently has… issues, and those issues were exacerbated when I extended the LI damage tables well into the future. Basically the scaling system is doing some kind of bogus lookup for LI’s and grabbing some arbitrary level value from somewhere well above the level it is supposed to. In other words, because LI damage uses its own unique level progression, the scaling system doesn’t know what to do with it.
On the plus side, the quick fix is easy – all those theoretical ‘future’ LI damage values I added are now the same as cap, so it doesn’t matter where it looks up, it should never go above the 120 (LI 58) cap value (for now).
Real Fix – engineering has to slog through the scaling code and figure out how to make it play nice with LIs.
-Vastin
Hey folks, Vastin here.

We’re definitely still iterating on the ratings changes and tweaking some DPS/morale pool values.

Unfortunately, the big ratings rework we did for palantir a while ago didn’t make it to bullroarer until this last drop due to a propogation error – so, sorry about that dropping on you at the last minute.

Anyway, we’re making substantial adjustments for the next bullroarer (there will definitely be at least one more). Overall the gear ratings will be getting stingier – I simply didn’t adjust it enough to compensate for the fact that mastery is no longer an infinite stat dump in many builds.

I also normalized the different stat values too much on the first pass. DPS/Healer builds simply don’t care deeply about as many stats as the tank builds do, so the dps stats will be getting comparatively more expensive to cap on gear – all the new curves and caps remain unchanged, it’s just the gear stats themselves that will change.

The main stats on gear are not being reduced, so they’ll be better comparatively than they were – though I doubt most builds will be interested in throwing in main stat essences even then. They are mostly intended to provide a stat floor for various key character ratings rather than to act as a power stat.

On the morale pool side I’m making some minor tweaks to cap level mobs, and bumping up the lower level (50-105) mobs somewhat.

We are in a position to iterate on these values quite rapidly – but we need detailed feedback on order to make those changes more effective. When posting balance feedback please include salient details like Character Level, general class/build (I don’t need full tree breakdowns, ‘blue loremaster with a splash of red’ is fine), average equipment iLevel, enemy types/levels, and of course what instance and tier you are running (if any).

Without these details for context, it is very hard to squeeze any meaning out of responses. 

-Vastin

Lottery, lotro anniversary and Daybreak games updates

Our own lottery draw will be this sunday around 20:30 Cet. And the first batch of kin auctions are live already for this weekend. Check out the normal auction house and click the kinship only bar at the top to find all the bargains.

Lotro anniversary stream
Last wednesday the SSG studios had their anniversary stream where they had the creators of the the game come in, answer a few questions and talk about their different roles. To watch the interview themself they edited out the fluffy parts on the below link

Havn’t found a comphrensive write-up. But there is a topic with some extra info Lotro topic

The developers letter is also supposed to be released really soon. And that will contain more details that they kept under wraps during the stream.

Lotro’s publishers (parent company) under fire
Earlier this week massivelyOP published an article about a Russian investment company assets being frozen by the US as part of sanctions against Russia. That company has (allegedly) a stake in Daybreak games. This company in turn has a studio Daybreak Austin that publishes Lotro and DDO. Following those days a misleading statement and scrubbing/hiding of information was done by said game.

If you’re still following it, waited with posting the news since hardly anyone knows whats happening. They released a new statement across their game website and forums.

Dear Daybreak Community,

There has been some confusion concerning Daybreak’s ownership and rumors about the state of the company that have circulated from a few online game websites, and we want to set the record straight. We assure you that these rumors are entirely false and that there’s no impact on our business or games in any way whatsoever.
From the get-go, Daybreak has been primarily owned by Jason Epstein, a longtime investor who also has investments in a variety of media properties. Jason acquired Daybreak (formerly SOE) in February 2015 and has been the executive chairman and majority owner of the company since that time. 
We’re well aware of prior statements from Daybreak indicating our company was acquired by Columbus Nova. We have since clarified that the company was acquired by Jason Epstein when he was a partner at Columbus Nova, which he left in 2017. We’ve also taken steps to clarify those facts on our website and on third-party internet sites to ensure that all of the information currently made available is consistent and accurate. 
We apologize for the previous miscommunication and hope that this clears up any confusion. As always, we greatly appreciate your continued support for our games, and we’ll continue to work hard to bring the best experiences to you.

Lotros connection has always seemed light, but it’s still their current publisher. While browsing MassivelyOP did another story in connection with the issues. Again lotro doesnt seem to be affected by it. But since im posting the other part. Layoffs and problems for daybreak dont seem over yet.

Daybreak has now been hit with layoffs [Confirmed]

Lootboxes and lotro
Several countries consumer agencies have declared that loot boxes with items that can be legally sold for cash value are considered gambling. And as such fall under very strict gambling laws such as Fifa 18, Overwatch and counterstrike systems. Lotro doesn’t, but during the anniversary stream they did discuss that an update would come details regarding its contents.

“I have been working on a page in recent days that’s going to provide more transparency on both Hobbit presents and the seal-bound Gorgoroth lootboxes,” he said. “It’s going to talk about what you can get from these things, what’s considered rare, what’s considered common, what’s super-rare.

April update – Anniversary and events

Spring has started and the spring festival has ended. Next up are the anniversary events, developers letters and our own anniversary.  This means it’s time to party, enjoy the sun and more old-school events on top of our normal activities.  As usual, details follow.

Cap group level 60 starts 18th of april
Lotro 11th year anniversary 19th of april
Kin lottery weekend  27-29 th april
Kinauction weekend 27-29 th april
Anniversary festival support (porting, instances, raids, guides) ongoing.
Warsteed training and racing events

For abyss of modrath T2, we’ll keep on the same path with our allied kins from MSA. Interested? Ask an officer for the channel details.
Unified channel events will also pick up with the anniversary and instance runs getting some much need love.

On a closing note, need help with something? Planning to run a box run or grabbing some deeds. Lets your kinnies know. Over the past few weeks we’ve cleared Tower of orthanc T2, grabbed plenty of deeds, scrolls and we’ve rebooted the cap-team cause we got people together that wanted to do these.

Cap group
During the spring/summer we’ll run our cap group again. This time we’ll start on level 60 and bring our characters around Moria, Lothlorien and anything else available to us at that level (range). Join us with a character at level 60 (xp disabler encouraged). And team up to retake 2009.

Anniversary lottery and weekend
We’ll join Lotro in their celebrations with our very own kin lottery and kin auction weekend. For a lottery ticket send 500 silver to Lottovalar. Or find some cheap bargains, cosmetics on the kin AH during the weekend. Quartervalar and consorts will post plenty of items for all to browse.

Anniversary support
The special anniversary events need all sorts of instances, travels and help across Middle-earth. We’ll host kin runs and porting nights over the weeks that the anniversary will be live. Since all tickets will go live at week 1. We’ll have to plan them as we go.

Warsteed races and training runs
Unified will host warsteed race and squirle will host research, information and training nights for anyone interested. Learn and teach the tricks of a great race and warsteed (bridle).

Black friday sales – really cheap expansion and Mordor

Lotromarket – 85% off – $ sales 

  • Mines of Moria™ – Digital Download –$19.99 $3.00
  • Siege of Mirkwood™ – Digital Download – $9.99$1.50
  • Rise of Isengard™ Base Edition – Digital Download – $19.99 $3.00
  • Riders of Rohan™ Base Edition – Digital Download – $19.99 $3.00
  • Helm’s Deep™ Base Edition – Digital Download – $39.99 $6.00

Verdict, Get them now if you ever considered getting one of these expansion. Especially Helms deep. Weirdly no sale on the quadpack for easy clicking

Lotro ingame store – $ sales – Double bonus points
With every packet of lotropoints you get a bonus of 20 to 80% extra points. During this you will get double those extra points.

Base Bonus % offer Type
500 200 40,00 Double bonus point
1250 700 56,00 Double bonus point
2500 1900 76,00 Double bonus point
4200 5000 119,05 Double bonus point
8400 11200 133,33 Special offer
12600 18800 149,21 Special offer

Remember, you usually get half of these bonus points. So the numbers are a bit lower. But still a nice boost.

Verdict, It’s not 85% off, but still one of the best times to get them*. Cause you will usually want these points. Especially for the next paragraph

Lotro in-game store – LP sales

The long-awaited release of the expansion and the high elf to the lotre is here for the price stated in August

  • The mordor expansion is now available for 2495 lotropoint – No Aria of the valar included
  • The high elf is now in the store for 1000 Lotropoints

Other sales

  • Today
    • Wardrobe storage,
    • Cosmetic items
  • Till monday
    • 75% off Virtue Bundles if you want them
    • 3 more unlocks for shared storage and bank storage
  • 50% of select housing sets (no idea which)
    • Complete Crafting Tiers
  • 30% off Valar and Valar upgrades
    • Third Age Item
    •  Legacy Scroll Boxes

Mordor showdown – sale prices

Which mordor do i want to get? They balanced the prizes and sales pretty well.

Option 1 Full – Aria of the valar  (5021) + mordor (2495) + high elf (1000) = 8500 Lotropoints/ $60  or $ 80 digitial sale
Dont want the cosmetics, mount etc for the digital sale. Get the double bonus lotro points

Option 2 LP expansion – No valar + mordor (2495) + high elf (1000) = 3500 Lotropoints/ $40  or $ 80 digital sale
Easy, Get the double bonus lotro points.

Option 3 Mix
Option 3.1 – Mordor (2495) $30 or $ 40 digital sale, but with valar that you don’t want
Dont buy the lotromarket Mordor if you dont want a valar. Get LP and buy it from the store. Safe 10$.

Option 3.2 – Aria of the valar  (5021) + mordor (2495) =7500 Lotropoints/ $60 (1700 leftover)  or $ 40 digital sale
If you do want the valar, but you don’t want the high elf. Buy the 40$ market standard bundle. Safe 5 to 20$

Option 3.3 – Only high elf  (1000) $ 12 or $ 80 digital sale
Be smart and get the lotropoints

Halloween party weekend

When Elfs go riding, and black beornings are seen, the moon laughs and whispers ’tis near Halloween.To stave of the upcoming All hallows eve and the return of the wights. Wotv will hold a party weekend the days before halloween. Lots of prizes, fun and events.

Halloween screenshot competition 
Find your “scariest moment in lotro”, “evil costume” and “ominous landscapes” will be these weeks themes. Upload your  to the forum, facebook or another website. Multiple entries are possible, but only 1 screenshot will be considered. Entries are open till the 30th of october.

Halloween lottery drawing and party evening
Sunday the 29th of october wotv will have their evil lottery. Parade your costumes, halloween themed triva and sinister keg race. We’ll start with a triple 666 prizepool for 1998 gold. As usual it’s 1 entry per member by sending 500 silver to the lottovalar character.

 

Ghostly nightrider race
On the evening of the 28th we’ll organise a normal and warsteed race. The race will be Scary, you will be watched and oaths will be broken. Join us on your steeds and race as though this might be your last calm night.

Kinauctions
From friday till monday we’ll host a kinauction weekend as well. Need some space for those fall festival items, looking for cheap cosmetics, crafting mats or symbols. Check out the Kin ah for lots of steals. Can’t wait? Use the kinhouse chest for donations or send donations to Quartervalar and we’ll make sure they find a nice new home.

Aria, downtime and other Mordor info

Mordor is here ofcourse. But some extra information. On friday there will be a downtime to fix the not receiving the Aria of the valar. So a few quick important pointers.

Aria will be bound to your first eligble character on the first server you log into!
https://www.lotro.com/forums/showthread.php?&postid=7757351#post7757351

Downtime on friday from 16 to 20 Cet.
Downtime Notice: Friday, August 4th 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Eastern (-4 GMT)

To add mordor to your account. Use the codes in your mail in the redeem code button in the ingame store.
https://www.lotro.com/forums/showthread.php?&postid=7757223#post7757223

The lotro beacon #21 is here with MORHURT for a 5% attack scroll bonus
https://www.lotro.com/en/game/articles/lotro-beacon-issue-21

To enter Mordor, visit Aragon west of the Milestone in the Slag hills
Message of the Day

Mordor delayed – Normal programme back on the menu

For the ones that havn’t seen the new yet. Sunday evening the Executive producer let us know that they delayed the Monday (today) launch of the expansion. We’d know a lot more in the next 24 hours and they would let us know as soon as they could. It has been 24 hours. And only a single blue post on the forum since. So we’ll go with the only info we’ve available that tomorrow won’t be the day.

Until we’ve a final confirmation we’ll continue our normal events on a 2-day basis. No use planning weeks ahead at this time. So tomorrow we’ll have our creepnight at 20 Cet and wednesday we’ll head into the ettenmoors on our freeps around 20:30 Cet.

If we know more about Mordor, we’ll ofcourse let you know ingame, the website and the facebookgroup.

This week in Wotv

On monday we’ll have a new box run with Seat of the great goblin and a small outing for the moria cap group.
Tuesday we’ll go creeping in the ettenmoors around 20 Cet.
Wednesday we’ll fight back around 20:30 Cet on our freeps.
Thursday its request night in wotv and Throne in Unified.
Friday (tentative) chicken race in unified and (tentative beta #1 Mordor)
Saturday Cap group
Sunday – open