Hidden Nuggets we see all the time...

[ETSubmariner]

i noticed new structures were added, like the arch or the pedestrian stone bridge (i think) and other structures... I am assuming they will finish their work once all of the expantions or books are added for the game...

I wonder if I were to go ask that little holbytla at the camp along the Great East-West Road his silent-partner/funding source, I do hope it is not the Chief!

[thinkingbear]

I guess the goblins did not know of the existence of the ring (seen on the figure's finger) so must have been Gollum...

I agree that the goblins did not know of the One Ring but disagree it necessitates Gollum being the artist. The power of the ring can make itself felt by those who are unaware it is near, and the Ring seems to be capable of engendering visions to the wearer and those who see them. A line out of RotK talks about how Sam saw Frodo as Frodo clutches the Ring to his chest:

stern, untouchable now by pity, a figure robed in white, but at its breast it held a wheel of fire

So I assumed the orcs perceived the power of the ring and the painting to be the orcish depiction of that power.

[Daerambar]

Though in the Hobbit in mentions that the goblins had no idea of the existence of the ring, as if they did they would come looking for it (don't have the book infront of me sorry.. so correct me if my memory fails) which is what I based my supposition on

The Goblins would not have actually seen Gollum much in any case, due to him being invisible, so it is hard to imagine they would have been able to make such an accurate and flattering depiction of him actually wearing the ring itself, even if they could 'sense' something. It also looks like he's flinging one poor goblin around, and has another gripped in his right hand - it just seems like more like the way Gollum would depict himself rather than what a goblin might have seen or imagined. But I agree it's probably moot point. I do like what you are saying, and I honestly find it hard to decide!

[Kittykittybangbang]

Here's another one. One of the hobbit racial traits is "Stoop for a stone". In The Hobbit, the line this refers to is (paraphrased) 'Birds and small rabbits flee when they see a hobbit stoop for a stone'.

It's just a minor thing, mentioned in passing in a mere sentence, but there it is, in the game. Which is why my floppy jester hat is always of for you devs for having put so much effort and thought into the game's creation.

Happen to be rereading The Hobbit at the moment and actually it isn't mentioned in passing but as a description of Bilbo by himself. It is Bilbo that has gotten so good at throwing stones that animals flee when they see him stoop for a stone.

Though in the Hobbit in mentions that the goblins had no idea of the existence of the ring, as if they did they would come looking for it (don't have the book infront of me sorry.. so correct me if my memory fails) which is what I based my supposition on

The Goblins would not have actually seen Gollum much in any case, due to him being invisible, so it is hard to imagine they would have been able to make such an accurate and flattering depiction of him actually wearing the ring itself, even if they could 'sense' something. It also looks like he's flinging one poor goblin around, and has another gripped in his right hand - it just seems like more like the way Gollum would depict himself rather than what a goblin might have seen or imagined. But I agree it's probably moot point. I do like what you are saying, and I honestly find it hard to decide!

The text also talks about the goblins knowing nothing of Gollum other than something sinister lurks down that passage. So they don't actually know what he looks like.

[nexus2g]

Regarding Bill the Pony -- He wouldn't be in Staddle, he'd be in Rivendell with Sam right now. Sam sent Bill away just before entering Moria.

One thing I love is that Dwalin's beard is tucked inside his belt.

[Cleo256]

Happen to be rereading The Hobbit at the moment and actually it isn't mentioned in passing but as a description of Bilbo by himself. It is Bilbo that has gotten so good at throwing stones that animals flee when they see him stoop for a stone.

It does get mentioned in passing in the prologue for Fellowship, in the section "Concerning Hobbits": "If any Hobbit stopped for a stone, it was well to get quickly under cover, as all trespassing beasts knew very well." If it's mentioned in The Hobbit also, then this is probably a reiteration, but it's what my mind went to.

Hmm... Then why does my stoop for a stone miss occasionally? Seems like it should never miss. It says so in the lore!

[Rocketman1882]

Someone should post a screenie of the other cave paintings. My favorite is the one with the dwarves on the Eagles. Although Bilbo and the other dwarf aren't grabbing onto the eagle's legs like they should be!

I think another painting depicted one of the fights at Moria. Showed tons of dwarves with swords sticking out of their butts and them dead everywhere. Also, I think there was a king Goblin, probably Azog or something.

[gradivus]

"I was wrong after all," said Gandalf, "and Gimli too. Merry, of all people, was on the right track. The opening word was inscribed on the archway all the time! The translation should have been: Say "Friend" and enter...."

Thanks for giving the correct quotation.

I appreciate the (successful) effort put into making the game dovetail with the Lore as much as possible within the constraints of balanced gameplay. Even little things like having a superior study in the Mathom House (Hobbits were great collectors of all sorts of things) but not having an expert scholar nearby (aside from Bilbo and Frodo, they didn't put much research themselves into the world outside the Shire, and had little understanding of technology).

I also appreciate how you apparently listen to suggestions and make Lore-appropriate changes when warranted (like adding a superior forge to the Elves of Rivendell rep area).


Which reminds me: I understand why Elves have the "Sylvan Shadows" racial trait, but why don't Hobbits have a similar trait?

"They possessed from the first the art of disappearing swiftly and silently, when large folk whom they do not wish to meet come blundering by; and this art they have developed until to Men it may seem magical."
- Tolkien, Concerning Hobbits

[Berephon]

Which reminds me: I understand why Elves have the "Sylvan Shadows" racial trait, but why don't hobbits have a similar trait?

"They possessed from the first the art of disappearing swiftly and silently, when large folk whom they do not wish to meet come blundering by; and this an they have developed until to Men it may seem magical."

- Tolkien, Concerning Hobbits

They do...it's called (I believe) Hobbit-stealth. Or at least it used to be there...pretty sure my hobbit still has it. Heh, now I'll have to check.

[gradivus]

They do...it's called (I believe) Hobbit-stealth. Or at least it used to be there...pretty sure my hobbit still has it.

Hmm... perhaps my Hobbit will get it at a higher level; he's only level 25 (seems a bit high not to have it).

Or perhaps a Hobbit doesn't get it if he (like mine) is a burglar so already has a stealth skill?

[Stilgaard]

It's lvl 29 racial deed/skill/trait

[Deusdictum]

And you can get it even if you're a burglar. Two different skills... I haven't tested it, but I'm pretty sure they'd use the same rules for Mischief and Trip... Hobbit stealth probably has a longer cooldown.

[gildhur]

And you can get it even if you're a burglar. Two different skills... I haven't tested it, but I'm pretty sure they'd use the same rules for Mischief and Trip... Hobbit stealth probably has a longer cooldown.

Longer cooldown, slower movement (not buffed by class traits), and lower stealth level.

[fentual]

After you retreive the palantir in one of the books, the ranger at tinnudir says he will take it to someone who he knows he can trust with it's care. Making a reference to sauramon before his betrayal.

[gildhur]

After you retreive the palantir in one of the books, the ranger at tinnudir says he will take it to someone who he knows he can trust with it's care. Making a reference to sauramon before his betrayal.

I don't think that's Saruman. I don't recall the actual dialogue, but it's more likely Elrond. Gandalf is already back in Rivendell after his captivity by Saruman. Saruman already had the palantir at that point, so his palantir could not be the one that came from Carn Dûm.

[Cleitanious]

I don't think that's Saruman. I don't recall the actual dialogue, but it's more likely Elrond. Gandalf is already back in Rivendell after his captivity by Saruman. Saruman already had the palantir at that point, so his palantir could not be the one that came from Carn Dûm.

Also, I don't believe the Dunedain had any sort of friendly relationship with Sauroman ever.

[gildhur]

Also, I don't believe the Dunedain had any sort of friendly relationship with Sauroman ever.

By no means. The only way it would have been possible would be if they had given it to Gandalf and Gandalf given it to Saruman. But as I said, by this time, they knew what the palantir was, and they knew what Saruman was up to, so that would have been even less likely.

[JonBongJovi13]

After you retreive the palantir in one of the books, the ranger at tinnudir says he will take it to someone who he knows he can trust with it's care. Making a reference to sauramon before his betrayal.

The seeing stone in Orthanc was one of the 4 given to Gondor. The other three were were at the two towers Minas Anor and Ithil (Tirith and Morgul later) and the last was at Osgilliath. Saruman came into posession of the stone when one of the Stewards of Gondor gave him the Keys to Orthanc.

[eliasgames]

It's not hidden, but I still love the fact that the game calls them "taters".

What's taters, Precious?

[Ariosto]

What's taters, Precious?

PO-TA-TOES.

[Amonceleb]

PO-TA-TOES.

Boil 'em, mash 'em, stick 'em in a stew!

[nitrofenix]

I got bored waiting for a kin-mate to come online so I translated the dwarven runes in the target circle when you click on another player/mob.

"The one that is chosen"

Nice one, Turbine. :P

[Witchdoctor]

Someone should post a screenie of the other cave paintings. My favorite is the one with the dwarves on the Eagles. Although Bilbo and the other dwarf aren't grabbing onto the eagle's legs like they should be!

I think another painting depicted one of the fights at Moria. Showed tons of dwarves with swords sticking out of their butts and them dead everywhere. Also, I think there was a king Goblin, probably Azog or something.

What other cave paintings?

[Beleg]

I got bored waiting for a kin-mate to come online so I translated the dwarven runes in the target circle when you click on another player/mob.

"The one that is chosen"

Nice one, Turbine. :P

Check out this page: http://lorebook.lotro.com/wiki/Category:Translations

[Canticle]

One of the things that made me laugh (I know, this sounds inappropriate) were the tortured prisoners swimming in the water in the Port of Annuminas. One of the things they say?

"Must keep swimming...must keep swimming..."

From Finding Nemo (ok, in Finding Nemo it's 'Just keep swimming...just keep swimming...', but still)