Bor Plays Rift……..Again
After having a little disagreement with LOTRO I started subscribing to Trion Worlds Rift. I hadn’t played Rift in quite a while ( from the alpha and beta to be exact) and I must say that a lot of the changes made seem to be wholly for the better. Being this is only the second MMO that I have ever subscribed to you would think that I say better just because it is different. But I do have a few other MMOs to pull from. I have to say on the whole I think that Trion is a company that has it almost completely figured out. From small things like aoe looting to larger things like world events it is like they themselves still remember what it is like to be a gamer. I have been playing Rift since mid to late December and I have leveled 1 character to level 40 and multiple other to 20 or better. And the only major issue I have is fining groups for dungeons or group quests, most of which is my fault for not using the chat system. I have mostly just used the LFG option in Rift which seems to be underutilized or just not enough people know how or want to use it. Otherwise I feel that it has been a very solid and enjoyable experience.
I truly believe the given unlimited resources the people over at Trion could make a true WOW contender, although I still contend that WOW is more of an anomaly than the goal that people make it to be. Due to timing and a story in a world that was familiar to a large sum of people was the main cause of Blizzard’s success. Now to get back on the rails I know that people believe that any development team can make a great game with unlimited resources, I do not believe that to be the case. I am not saying the Trion team is infallible but they do seem to get more right than wrong. I know that in the MMO world there is no pleasing everyone but it does seem they come pretty close.
I know that this is usually when I start pointing out the issues with whatever I am writing about. In this case however I really don’t have much to say. The only real problems are just the typical MMO issues. Most of which normally caused by the players themselves. I will issue a final thought to go along with my former article about Rift. Rift is a solid game and quite enjoyable, by no means could it be a WOW killer. After playing for this short time I will say that I don’t believe at this time the game needs to be free to play by any means. Save that my original thoughts on Rift still remain the same.
So thanks for reading if you have any thoughts leave them below or email me at TheBorReport@gmail.com and also try Rift out for yourself here www.riftgame.com levels 1-20 for free and then let me know how you feel. Until next time ~ Bor
A Thought on Role-Playing
I just wanted to take a few minutes to share my thoughts on RP in LOTRO and other games. I am not much of what has been come to be know as an RPer. Although I do believe that anyone playing a game in a fantasy world where they are able to customize their character are technically role playing I do know that isn’t considered RP. RP is taking the story to a new level by going beyond the just the character creation by creating a back story for their character which they play out as they go through the game. Also they will be seen carrying on conversations in character or doing other group events with other role-players. I can’t imagine the amount of work that people go through to play this mostly because my creativity is maxed out with just the facial features of my characters. I do however want to applaud the people who take the time to play any game that way. I also want to say to anyone that thinks RP is weak or lame to remember whether you want to admit it or not you are role-playing just with less effort and thought put it to it. These are just my thoughts you can choose to agree or disagree and feel free to let me know either way. See you next time ~ Bor
Comment below, email me at bor.nimrodel@gmail.com or @Bor_Jason on Twitter
MMO Etiquette and Protocol
Lately I have been playing a few games at a time and have noticed quite a bit of the normal American “I am the most important person in the world” attitude in the communities. Even in LOTRO which I always felt was one of the most mature and creative communities around has even gone down hill since they introduced the free client model. This isn’t me just voicing a complaint I am just pointing out things I have noticed, nor am I trying to lump all players into this category. Most of the things I have noticed seem to be either a lack of community members speaking up or just a lot of new players that haven’t been told otherwise. Most of these are just little things like blind invites to either groups or guilds which really just drives me nuts at least introduce yourself. Some things are a little more of a social shortcoming like mob or resource jumping. I mean just because you can do it doesn’t mean that you should. For example if there is a quest mob in an area and you don’t need it leave it alone, if you do need it and someone seems to be waiting on it send them a Tell/Whisper to find out maybe even team up and take it down. Like I said these are just a few small things that if people would be more considerate it would allow everyone to enjoy the game that they are playing more. And I want to stress that it doesn’t matter if you are paying to play a game or not you should treat everyone with respect. Just remember that the Golden rule IS “Do unto others as you would want them to do to you” NOT “do unto others before they do unto you”. This is just something I have wanted to get off my chest for a while and now I have. If you have any comments or questions don’t hesitate to ask either below, email me at bor.nimrodel@gmail.com or leave me a message (304) 534-9BOR (9267). Until next time I will see you when I see you. ~ Bor
Turbine Store helpful links
Here are some helpful links for some information from the Turbine Stores including the Turbine Tuesday sales from the DDO and LOTRO Stores.
Lord of the Rings Online Downtime
Turbine will be working on the game servers or sites.
Click the sign for more info.
Thanks for your patience, and we’ll see you back in the game soon!
Have fun and I will see you in Middle-earth ~ Bor
To Guardians
Recently I have received emails from Stratus of Crickhollow and Senseye of Evernight requesting some more information for Guardians I have chosen to answer them here. First there is a guide on the lorebook that is very involved you can find it here. Second as to virtues there are two very good resources the virtue finder at Mmorsel.com and the virtues tab at burgzerg.com. I have only used the one at burgzerg myself but try them out and see what you think.
Gondor Awaits Podcast
Greetings all,
Just a quick post to let you guys know that the Podcast is archived over at Mordor or Bust. For those who use Itunes and Zune to subscribe I do not believe the RSS feed will work anymore we are trying to tackle that problem but you can listen direct from the MoB site. I do not know how long I am going to be gone from the game but I will continue to answer any questions that I can get you an answer for. As to the emails I have outstanding I will get you the answers you want. Thanks you for your support and I’ll see you in Middle-earth ~ Bor
Downtime 9/27/2010
This Monday 9/27 the LOTRO game servers will be down for the first patch since F2P launch please check out the release notes as to the changes. Until later see you in Middle-earth ~Bor
Original post by Sapience
The LOTRO Game Servers will be brought down on Monday, September 27 from 6:00AM – 10:00AM Eastern (-5 GMT) for an update to the game. (Click here) to read about the changes. Bullroarer will remain up and available during the downtime. Thanks for your patience, and we’ll see you back in the game soon!
Captains lets finish this 61-65 for now
Captains are armoured melee fighters and masters of buffing; skills that enhance allies. They may summon a Herald companion to fight by their side, ensuring they always have an ally to buff. They can also Mark foes, giving benefits to all who attack them. In fellowships, a Captain supports his allies with healing and buffs, while still dealing respectable damage. The Captains of Middle-earth hold the future in their hands. By their own strength of arms and the inspiration they instill in others, they must lead the Free Peoples to victory. With this in mind let us move on into Mirkwood or soon into Enedwaith. You may want to wait to level 62 to head into Enedwaith but that is entirely up to you.
Hunters lets finish this 61-65 for now
Hunters are masters of field and forest, unmatched in their dexterity with the bow. They use their survival skills to guide companions and lay traps for enemies. The coming of the Enemy has forced them to adapt these skills to use against new prey. With this in mind let us move on into Mirkwood or soon into Enedwaith. You may want to wait to level 62 to head into Enedwaith but that is entirely up to you. (more…)
Guardians lets finish this 61-65 for now.
A doughty fighter and protector of the weak, a skilled Guardian can face even the toughest foes and survive. The Guardian is one of the few classes willing and able to try to draw more blows onto themselves, so they can retaliate with devastating maneuvers in response. and with this in mind let us move on into Mirkwood or soon into Enedwaith. You may want to wait to level 62 to head into Enedwaith but that is entirely up to you.
Captain's leveling guide 51-60
This week we cover the areas for leveling from 51-60 and the skills you will attain from them.
Having reached level 50 and finishing your level 50 class quest we can finish up in Eregion and move into Moria which is like nothing you have ever seen. Gaining access to Moria requires the purchase of the Moria expansion and the completion of Volume 2 Book 1 of the epic quest line, so we are going to operate on the assumption that you have both of these taken care of. After entering Moria you will first notice that it is huge with multiple quest hubs. The first few are levels 50-56 and then the lower levels are 55-60.
Another option once you are in the level 55-56 range is to quest in the outer Moria pre-Lothlorien areas for reputation with the Elves of Lothlorien which will grant you access to the Lothlorien areas. There are two Factions of Dwarves in Moria for reputation the Miners and the Guards both of them have decent
rewards. The Guards have a book for a legendary trait 
Master of Oaths from The Master of the Charge. The Miners have a Nimble Goat for you to purchase for 6
24
and of course for both rewards you need to be Kindred with both factions.
Hunter's leveling guide 51-60
This week we cover the areas for leveling from 51-60 and the skills you will attain from them.
Having reached level 50 and finishing your level 50 class quest we can finish up in Eregion and move into Moria which is like nothing you have ever seen. Gaining access to Moria requires #1 the purchase of the Moria expansion and the completion of volume 2 book 1 of the epic quest line. so we are going to operate on the assumption that you have both of these taken care of. After entering Moria you will notice first that it is huge with multiple quest hubs the first few are level 50-56 and then the lower levels are 55-60. Another option once you are in the level 55,56 range is to quest in the outer Moria pre-Lothlorien areas for reputation with the Elves of Lothlorien which will grant you access to the Lothlorien areas. A few things of note there are two Factions of Dwarves in Moria for reputation the Miners and the Guards both of them have decent
rewards the Guards have a book for a legendary trait 
Improved Fleet Stance from The Jolly Hunter. The Miners have a Nimble Goat for you to purchase for 6 24 and of course for both rewards you have to be Kindred with both factions.
Guardian's leveling guide 51-60
This week we cover the areas for leveling from 51-60 and the skills you will attain from them.
Downtime Monday 8/30/2010
The LOTRO Game Servers and http://myaccount.turbine.com will be offline for maintenance on Monday, August 30 from 6:00AM to 2:00PM Eastern (-4 GMT). The forums and wikis will remain up, but players may not be able to log in. Click Sign for link to post by Sapience.
Captains………….It is time to become Legendary
Now it is time to cover The Noblest Path is Service your level 50 class quest that you can pick up from your class trainer.
Hunters………………………………..It is time to become Legendary!!
It is time for your level 50 class quest but first you’ll have to go to your local hunter trainer and he will guide you on your way. Your trainer will bestow the quest The Swiftest Arrow is Learning.
Guardians……………………It is time to become Legendary
This week we are going to cover the steps required to finish your level fifty class quests. nThe first thing you will notice when you go to your class trainer at level 45 they will have a quest for you The Bravest Deed is Selfless.
And the winner is…………….
With 32% of the vote I will be leveling my Lore-master Ethelbor on Brandywine in the upcoming months.
Anyone on Brandywine keep an eye out for Ethelbor I wll update you on her progress at weekley intervals if possible. See you in Middle-earth ~ Bor
Calling all Minstrels
Hello all of you Minstrels out there, if any of you would like to be on my next episode email me at bor.nimrodel@gmail.com or send me a dm on twitter @theobor or @gondorawaits. I am looking for as many people as possible to give me your opinions on your beloved class. Don’t be shy let the world know what you think. Thanks in advance ~ Bor
Captain's leveling guide 41-50
This week we will point you in the right direction to get you going for your level 50 class quest. As you will notice your questing will most likely be getting more and more spread out. your area Choices will be Angmar and The Misty Mountains. Once you get into the level 45 range you will be able to converge on Eregion and or Forochel. also at level 45 you will want to make your way to the Hollin Gate in the far east of Eregion to start Volume 2 of your epic quests that will grant you the ability to use Legendary Items but that is another post.
Hunter's Leveling guide 41-50
This week we will point you in the right direction to get you going for your level 50 class quest. As you will notice your questing will most likely be getting more and more spread out. your area Choices will be Angmar and The Misty Mountains. Once you get into the level 45 range you will be able to converge on Eregion and or Forochel. also at level 45 you will want to make your way to the Hollin Gate in the far east of Eregion to start Volume 2 of your epic quests that will grant you the ability to use Legendary Items but that is another post.
Guardian's leveling guide 41-50
This week we will point you in the right direction to get you going for your level 50 class quest. As you will notice your questing will most likely be getting more and more spread out. your area Choices will be Angmar and The Misty Mountains. Once you get into the level 45 range you will be able to converge on Eregion and or Forochel. also at level 45 you will want to make your way to the Hollin Gate in the far east of Eregion to start Volume 2 of your epic quests that will grant you the ability to use Legendary Items but that is another post.
Captain leveling guide 31-40
This week we will cover a few ideas on which area to head into for your leveling purposes. If you went the Lone-lands route you should be about ready to head to Oatbarton and Evendim or to Esteldin and the eastern North-downs. If you chose to go through the North-downs then you will have naturally progressed to the eastside of the North-downs. At level 38 you will find that quests are either few and far between or require a group to complete. I would suggest doing Skirmishes as needed for the XP help in this situation. Unfortunately we have just hit the proverbial wall as it comes to leveling you will get there but it is going to seem like work. Don’t be afraid to use the different chat channel to ask for suggestions.
Th3 B0r R3p0rt 