On this whole "appraisal" "mechanic"

[itshuntah31]

The recent Epic Quest has been alright except for one thing that sticks out like a sore thumb: this whole appraisal system and basically "seeing" the stats of NPC. I don't really see why this has to be in the game, it breaks immersion and is the equivalent of a big red flashing "YOU ARE PLAYING AN MMORPG" sign on the quest dialogue. LOTRO has done a pretty good job up until this point of separating or incorporating the gameplay aspects into the story to the point where I can feel immersed in the world, even with elements such as quest trackers, swift travel etc. that are obviously essential to an MMO but are not necessarily realistic. One major consistent theme with Tolkien is that stuff is supposed to be vague and mysterious, we don't know exactly what powers the ring can give, what the full extent of Gandalf's powers are, etc. Stuff like this just really goes against this whole idea of mystery in favor of quantifiable stats, which work fine in the GAMEPLAY aspect of LOTRO of course, but why bring them into the narrative.

Who knows, maybe this is some meta commentary on MMOs that SSG is doing, I don't know, it just felt unnatural to me.

[Banaticus]

The recent Epic Quest has been alright except for one thing that sticks out like a sore thumb: this whole appraisal system and basically "seeing" the stats of NPC.

Are you talking about the loremaster skill? It doesn't let you see the true stats, it's only relative to your level. So if you're level 50 and you look at a level 100 mob, it will seem powerful. If you're level 100 and you look at a level 50 mob, it will seem weak. So what you're really doing is not seeing the stats of an NPC, you're seeing their relative threat level to you at that time.

[Zoroasterax]

It's new, in the Epic quest line leading up to War of the Three Peaks area there is an overview in de quest dialog box which gives certain "stats" like determination. or something, after you "appraise" a npc. it happens about 8 times or so and has no function outside that quest line (sofar).

[Brinswith]

Are you talking about the loremaster skill? It doesn't let you see the true stats, it's only relative to your level. So if you're level 50 and you look at a level 100 mob, it will seem powerful. If you're level 100 and you look at a level 50 mob, it will seem weak. So what you're really doing is not seeing the stats of an NPC, you're seeing their relative threat level to you at that time.

It's the Wells of Langford epic line. Chapter 3.3 of the Legacy of Durin. I agree it really knocks you out of the game and sits out of place with any other questline. Seeing the stats was like "Top-Trumps". You have to appraise various NPC's around Limlok. The quest then gives you some spiel that rates each one as such:

Yrsa Spearwife, Beorning Woman of Limlók
Skin-changing: 95
Observation: 90
Hardiness: 80
Resolve: 90

[OldMadeOfLions]

it happens about 8 times or so and has no function outside that quest line (sofar).

I don't think appraisal will be making a return, since I was using it for a pretty specific reason in those chapters: to give you a tangible look at the willpower and state-of-mind of certain returning characters. That accomplished, I think it's served its purpose and isn't the sort of thing I'd expect to see again.

MoL

[Laurelinarien]

I don't think appraisal will be making a return, since I was using it for a pretty specific reason in those chapters: to give you a tangible look at the willpower and state-of-mind of certain returning characters. That accomplished, I think it's served its purpose and isn't the sort of thing I'd expect to see again.

MoL

Tbh, appraise was one of the details I loved about this storyline. It's ok if it doesn't make a comeback, since it was a "flavour feature" if you will.. but maybe we'll see another when the next storyline starts!

[auximenes]

I thought it was a funny addition related to the quest series storyline. I don't expect to ever see it again nor do I want to.

[LagunaD2]

I thought it rather pointless, but at least it doesn't have an induction bar like so many other time sinks in the quest chain.