Lord of the Rings Online's latest Beta Journal gives us our latest look at some interesting places and characters in Middle Earth.

The last night of Beta 1 was finally here, and I logged on with my level 19 elf huntress to join in the festivities. The Devs had promised some surprise goodies for everyone, and I couldn't wait to see what was in store.

I entered the always bustling Bree Town, but the word in chat was that a big party was happening in Hobbiton, so I visited the West Bree stable-master and made my way to the Shire. This was my first time visiting the Party Tree just south of Bag End, and there was indeed quite the party going on; complete with fireworks, campfires, dancing, drinking, pipe-weed smoking and even a few friendly sparring matches.

The atmosphere was one of revelry, camaraderie and a touch of sadness that the end of an era was fast approaching. Calls from allies on the chat panel informed the party-goers that orcs and trolls were seen invading Bree, and were headed our way. Some sprang into action to help, while others stayed in "true Hobbit fashion", unconcerned with such dire news.

Soon, the call came in that the evil minions were at our very doorstep, and the more brave and adventurous (if not altogether sober) of us ran to the skirmish. What was a level 19 hunter like me going to do against such large foes? Well, shoot arrows - and lots of them! - from a safe distance. Not that they did any damage, but who was counting anyway. I was forced to retreat on a few occasions before we took down the hulking high level orc attacking us. It didn't go down easy, and it must have taken at least 20 players to put a dent in it. Finally, it succumbed to our massive attack and most returned to the party for a victory dance.

Hobbiton was safe once again, and I decided for the remaining time I had in beta 1 to fulfill my goal of reaching Rivendell. Luckily, I was able to mount a horse and made it as far as Thorenhad on my own. I didn't stand a chance against the many fierce creatures just waiting to devour me along the twisting and turning hills beyond the Ford of Bruinen. I was forced to retreat at least 4 times and was in despair that I would never make it in time. Luckily, Veteran beta players sacrificed their own time in order to safely escort the lower levels through the long and dangerous journey to Elrond's home, and I was able to join the escorted raiding party who ran the entire way from the Forsaken Inn to the Ford. The final sprint to Rivendell was the most exciting experience I ever had in Beta! High level monsters and creatures were attacking at every turn, and the exhilaration of defeating them all in the company of a raiding party was beyond compare.

At last, we reached the valley and beheld the breathtaking scene of Rivendell with its magical landscape, tranquil waterfalls and the most spectacular pink sunset you could imagine. All we had to do was cross the bridge.... until the dragon attacked! But alas, we were no match for him; all of us were not only thrown off the bridge, but off the server as well! That was one powerful dragon.

As night was creeping in and midnight was only a short time away, those of us new to the area explored every inch of the Homely House just like a crowd of tourists, asking for directions, meeting Gandalf, Legolas, Elrond, Aragorn, Frodo and Sam, and even taking pictures! I got a great shot of me schmoozing with ole Pointy Hat and the head Elf himself. Our last minutes were spent singing and dancing with Legolas in the gazebo around a bonfire, saying our final farewells, and counting down to the final second to midnight. As fate would have it, beta 1 ended just as my own birthday began.

Read more here.