hey everybody, i have been playing the trial for a few days now and really love the game.  i have decided that i am going to sub but have a couple of questions first.

1) i have decided on either a champion or hunter.  does it matter which race i choose for each and which race is the best for the champion or hunter?  

2)  also any recommendations on either one of these classes would be appreciated too.

3)  is there a good mature server where they are noob friendly especially once i get to raids?  i just feel like i am way behind starting the game so late.

4)  how does the book, chapters, etc work in the game? 

thanks for your help

Here's a link regarding starting stats that will hopefully help a bit in answering your question: http://lotro-wiki.com/index.php/Starting_Stats

Main stat for Champion is Might. Main stat for Hunter is Agility. (http://lotro-wiki.com/index.php/Character_Stats)

Now, as far as which class to play, I am very partial to the Hunter because combat is fun--but even more, for me, is the Hunter's ability in providing me with the ability to romp and explore easily and freely (via a run buff and ports) throughout Middle Earth--and yes, anyone can get a horse at level 35, but I still really like having that run buff! Unfortunately, there is a bit of "Hunter hate" to be had from some players, because there is quite an abundance of Hunters--but dammit to hell, if Hunter is the class you really want to play, don't let it stop you!

The server I'm on is Brandywine. I've been quite happy with it, as its well-populated (I believe its the most populated server?), and in general the amount of asshattery is surprisingly minimal. And please don't feel like you're behind--there are folks levelling up throughout all of Brandywine--I've not yet seen any scarcity of players at any  level range, so you'll be fine! :-)

Originally posted by flguy147

hey everybody, i have been playing the trial for a few days now and really love the game.  i have decided that i am going to sub but have a couple of questions first.

1) i have decided on either a champion or hunter.  does it matter which race i choose for each and which race is the best for the champion or hunter?  

2)  also any recommendations on either one of these classes would be appreciated too.

3)  is there a good mature server where they are noob friendly especially once i get to raids?  i just feel like i am way behind starting the game so late.

thanks for your help

Though there are stat differences I don't really think it matters in the long run. For instnace, I played an Elf Guardian. Now, many would say (and there are many threads arguing this point) that a dwarf is a better guardian. But I have yet to see myself have any serious issues. Now, I did say in the long run because after you do deeds, traits and compensate for gear, some of those stat differences will even out a bit.

I say pick a race you like and a class you like and just go  with it.

Originally posted by Nepentheia

Here's a link regarding starting stats that will hopefully help a bit in answering your question: http://lotro-wiki.com/index.php/Starting_Stats

Main stat for Champion is Might. Main stat for Hunter is Agility. (http://lotro-wiki.com/index.php/Character_Stats)

 

Now, as far as which class to play, I am very partial to the Hunter because combat is fun--but even more, for me, is the Hunter's ability in providing me with the ability to romp and explore easily and freely (via a run buff and ports) throughout Middle Earth--and yes, anyone can get a horse at level 35, but I still really like having that run buff! Unfortunately, there is a bit of "Hunter hate" to be had from some players, because there is quite an abundance of Hunters--but dammit to hell, if Hunter is the class you really want to play, don't let it stop you!

 

The server I'm on is Brandywine. I've been quite happy with it, as its well-populated (I believe its the most populated server?), and in general the amount of asshattery is surprisingly minimal. And please don't feel like you're behind--there are folks levelling up throughout all of Brandywine--I've not yet seen any scarcity of players at any  level range, so you'll be fine! :-)

Yeah Brandywine is the most populated server, with Landroval second. Landroval is the unofficial RP server, though.

Originally posted by flguy147

hey everybody, i have been playing the trial for a few days now and really love the game.  i have decided that i am going to sub but have a couple of questions first.

1) i have decided on either a champion or hunter.  does it matter which race i choose for each and which race is the best for the champion or hunter?  

2)  also any recommendations on either one of these classes would be appreciated too.

3)  is there a good mature server where they are noob friendly especially once i get to raids?  i just feel like i am way behind starting the game so late.

4)  how does the book, chapters, etc work in the game? 

thanks for your help

1) Don't worry too much about race, it doesn't impact game play that much. Play whatever race you prefer, it will help you enjoy the game more.

2) Try them both, play whichever one works better for you. They're both fun classes.

3) For the most part, the community in LotRO is  a very good, mature community. Nothing at all like WoW. Brandywine is the most populated, Landroval is the unofficial RP.

4) They are quest lines you can do or ignore separate from your standard quests. They are actually a lot of fun and add tons to the storyline of LotRO.

thanks for the responses.  still having a hard time deciding between elf or man race for my hunter

Well Elves seem like a cooler race to play but I have 2 humans (hunter and Warden). I just cant stand the elven starting area for some reason. Its all personal preference

Originally posted by Swoogie

Well Elves seem like a cooler race to play but I have 2 humans (hunter and Warden). I just cant stand the elven starting area for some reason. Its all personal preference

Not sure when they did it but the starting areas were slimmed down on quests and have more xp per quest.  You can run though the starting areas really fast now.