LAGWAR | GAMING'S BEST IN TOP NOTCH MEDIOCRITY

One of the things I rarely have the opportunity to do in MMORPGs is to engage in what the common vernacular refers to as end game quests / raids / content.  It’s not from lack of level – I usually level cap – but it’s a logistical nightmare.  By the time I hit the high levels, I usually lose interest.  Not so in LOTRO.  One of the game’s most interesting game mechanics is legendary weapons.  Legendary weapons earn experience from combat.  This incents you to KILL KILL KILL!  It also incents repeatable quests which complete with a weapons XP reward.  Much of the quests in end game in Mines of Moria tend to be center around weapon XP.

It all starts in Esteldin for level 55 or higher characters with Niels, and the quests he offers can be repeated daily.  I did a round this evening with an impressive and well-practiced group.  If you travel by conventional means, it will take forever.  Thus, most bounty activities involve a hunter who has locations pre-programmed around Middle Earth. 

Bounty Farthlug The Ice Worm:  75,000 Weapon XP Rune, 13, 915 item XP, and 6,955 XP

Bounty Mangemaw The Wolf:  60,000 Weapon XP Rune, 8,403 item XP, and 4,200 XP

Bounty Morrafn, The Flame of Hate:  35,000 Weapon XP Rune, 8,403 item XP, and 4,200 XP

Bounty Dhit The Troll: 125,000 Weapon XP Rune, 13, 915 item XP, and 6,955 XP

Bounty Rothlug the Drake: 170,000 Weapon XP Rune, 13, 915 item XP, and 6,955 XP

When you are in the /glff channel looking for a bounty group, you need to be prepared to go on Mr. Toad’s Wild ride.  It is fast and furious, and as a n00b to bounties I found it difficult to keep up for the first couple of sessions.  Alas, I know the rhythm, and I want to share my recent experience with you.  Tonight, I went for my fourth bounty set tonight with a group on the Gladden server led by a hunter named Trueflight.

I won’t bother you with the details, as I have already shown you the list of rewards, but I thought I would put down the sequence and the issues with each.  None of these have presented a challenge – other than group organization and logistics.  Your mileage may vary, as your hunter may start you at different locations, but here is the sequence in which we undertook the series:

 Step 1:  High in the Misty Mountains — Rothlug

Generally, people gather at the 21st Hall in Moria and two things could happen.  First, you may port to Esteldin and pick up the quests, or the hunter may summon you directly to Rivendell.  Once in location, people generously share out the quests.  This is purely an exercise in game mechanic rewards, so if STORY MATTERS to you, you might want to be willing to set aside your need to read things!  It will move too fast.

After Rivendell, you head into the Misty Mountains and move down into giant country.  Just set your quest guide to each one in case you get lost.

Rothlug has 36,350 morale.

Step 2: Trollshaws

No trick here.  Tank it, kill it.  Be advised, however, that the respawn rate is fast.

Step 3: Shire 

Warning!!!!  You may travel quickly when your hunter makes the summons, so no sudden movements!

 Step 4: The North Downs Fields of Fornost via Evendim

Advice:  Don’t forget to loot!!!  Each kill requires a component from the creature to complete it effectively.

Step 5: Forochel – some swift travel, summons required.

Now this is the tricky one, as you need to have your swift travel in place.  Otherwise, Guardians can use an acorn.  If you are not a guard, you need a patient group or a Captain with you to summon.