The
shortest-lived of the races of Middle-earth,
yet also the race destined to rule in the
years beyond the Third Age, the race of
Men is defined by their relatively short
life span. Their mortality was considered
a unique gift, but in time it became known
as "The Doom of Men" and a source
of lamentation.
Men are a varied race, from the great Dunédain
of the North to the skilled Horse-lords
of Rohan, and from the proud soldiers of
Gondor to the mysterious Haradrim far to
the east. They are capable of great courage
and honour; yet they can also easily fall
prey to ambition, deceit, and betrayal.
Known simply as the "Big Folk"
to the Hobbits of the Shire, Men are characterized
by a large, strong frame and a driving will
borne out of a relatively short life span.
In designing the race of Men for The Lord
of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar,
the difficulty is in creating a race of
characters that is not seen as simply "ordinary"
amongst the other fascinating races of the
land. Men occupy a unique place within J.R.R.
Tolkien?s lore, since (though they may not
realize it themselves) they are the race
of destiny. Men are also easily swayed and
exceedingly ambitious. Many have been corrupted
by promises of power and these make up a
sizable portion of the armies of the Dark
Lord, along with the other, more outwardly
monstrous races of Middle-earth. The Men
that populate the game as NPCs are particularly
interesting, since the motivations of Men
are often unknown and appearances can easily
deceive. Conversations with Men met in Bree,
for instance, can be challenging to the
unwary; for within that city?s walls there
reside both Free People fighting for good
and also a dark element of corrupted Men
fighting against the light.
Classes available to the Race of Men: Champion,
Guardian,
Captain,
Burglar,
Hunter,
Minstrel, Lore-master
| Elves |
| Throughout
the ages, the deeds and struggles
of the noble race of Elves have been
entwined with the very history of
Middle-earth. They remember all too
well the devastation caused by the
tides of evil that once darkened the
land - a shadow which threatens to
do so once again. In ages past, the
Elves divided into many different
groups, and settled throughout Middle-earth,
primarily in the ancient forested
realms where they yet live. Tall and
strong, fair and graceful, Elves have
keen senses and a deep affinity for
the beauty of the natural world around
them. Elves do not "die"
in the way understood by Men; Elves
often live in the lands of Middle-earth
for thousands of years, suffering
neither the effects of time nor disease,
though the body of an Elf may be struck
down in battle. At the end of their
days in Middle-earth, the Elves travel
to unknown realms across the western
sea.
Long ago, the Elves welcomed the
"younger" races of Middle-earth
and allied with them when the need
was great, but centuries of war, betrayal,
and hardship have made them fiercely
protective of their seclusion. Now,
as the Third Age draws to a close
and the War of the Ring is at hand,
the Elves are once again stirring
from their forested realms and hidden
valleys, allying with the Free Peoples
of Middle-earth against the darkness
which grows from both the North and
East.
Classes available to the Race of
Elves: Champion,
Guardian,
Minstrel,
Hunter,
Lore-master |
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| Hobbits |
There
are few recorded deeds of Hobbits until
late in the Third Age of Middle-earth,
which is just the way Hobbits would
prefer it. They are simple, quiet folks,
preferring to dwell in hillside holes
in and around the area known as The
Shire in western Eriador. Called "Halflings"
by some due to their size relative to
Men, these small folk enjoy the peaceful
endeavours of farming, eating, and gift
giving, rather than concerning themselves
with the dangerous affairs of the rest
of Middle-earth (save the legends of
Hobbit bowmen in the wars of Fornost).
In these dark days, however, it is the
unassuming Hobbits, with their often
surprising adeptness of both word and
action, that will have the greatest
impact in the war between the Free Peoples
and the lengthening Shadow from the
North.
From the most modest of beginnings,
Hobbits are capable of the grandest
of deeds. Their nimbleness and quick-thinking
are well documented of course, but
Hobbits are not to be underestimated.
Hobbits, although small in size relative
to the other races, are sturdy of
body, determined in their actions,
and good with bow or knife (when they
have to be). Their small frame belies
a toughness and spirit of a capable
adventurer in the lands of Middle-earth.
Classes available to the Race of
Hobbits: Guardian,
Minstrel,
Hunter,
Burglar
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| Dwarves |
The
stout Dwarves of Middle-earth are known
for their steadfast determination, hearty
strength, and commitment to all things
found in the world?s deep places. Living
a secretive life in their homes beneath
the great mountains, Dwarves are expert
miners and workers of stone and metal,
capable of crafting with great strength
and renown, along with unparalleled
beauty and intricacy. Unwavering and
proud, the Dwarves fight for the Free
Peoples of Middle-earth (although an
ages-old mistrust exists between Dwarves
and Elves), emerging from their deep
dwellings to bring their strength and
fierce combat skills to bear in the
battle against the Darkness in the East.
Dwarves stand on average approximately
4½ to 5 feet high and typically
live long lives of 250 years or more.
The Dwarves are excellent warriors
and master craftsmen, displaying unique
toughness in battle and the ability
to create great things. Ever secretive,
Dwarves oft begin their adventure
in the soaring halls carved from beneath
Ered Luin (The Blue Mountains), a
land steeped in history and natural
beauty near the western shores of
Middle-earth.
Classes available to the Race of
Dwarves: Champion,
Guardian,
Minstrel,
Hunter
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