Level cap
I started playing Lord of the Rings Online a few months after the release of the Rise of Isengard expansion. Since then, I've been slowly making my way up the food chain, from lowly noob to fairly experienced player. Then, just before I hit the cap at level 75, the Rohan expansion came out, raising it to 85. I was almost resigned to never hitting cap, but actually managed to just this December.
Despite reaching 85, there was still plenty to do. I'd still have to finish the Entwash Vale and Sutcrofts quests, then start rebuilding a town called Hytbold. Rebuilding certain structures like the Mead Hall and defensive towers would allow me to barter for raid quality armor. Right now, I actually have the full set and have gained Kindred reputation with all 4 factions of East Rohan (still rebuilding the town though, that will take some time).
I was also lucky to hit cap when the drop rate was pretty good for Tarnished Symbols of Celebrimbor. I joined quite a few raids in Barad Guldur (the main tower in Dol Guldur) and managed to get 2 symbols, which I used to make a Second Age weapon as well as a rune. The drop rate was reduced just a few weeks after I got the second one, so it was definitely lucky timing. Haven't had much chance to try the 3-man Rohan instances that released recently, probably because it's difficult to get a good group with only 3 people, and many are waiting for the Rohan 6-man and raids that will be coming out soon.
Despite all the level 85 stuff, I've still been doing Moria instances. Turtle raids are fast and fun due to all the level capped characters that help out. Weird things can still happen though. Just a few days ago, I joined one and my first reaction was: That is a *lot* of lore-masters. My second: That is a *lot* of level 50 odd lore-masters. There were at least 6, and even stranger, a level 40 champion (turtle is about level 60) and no tank. For some reason, the hunter volunteered to tank but died halfway through, Threat then went to me and I managed for a bit before everyone appeared to realize they had an 85 champion. The lore-masters kept me supplied with power for the rest of the fight, and I managed to tank and dps up to the end. Funnily enough, I joined another turtle the next day with the same leader. This time, there was a level capped warden (tank) but apparently, I grabbed threat right at the start and tanked in damage mode until turtle was at 1/10th health, at which point I ran out of power and died. Fun in a really weird way, and definitely something to remember.
Despite reaching 85, there was still plenty to do. I'd still have to finish the Entwash Vale and Sutcrofts quests, then start rebuilding a town called Hytbold. Rebuilding certain structures like the Mead Hall and defensive towers would allow me to barter for raid quality armor. Right now, I actually have the full set and have gained Kindred reputation with all 4 factions of East Rohan (still rebuilding the town though, that will take some time).
I was also lucky to hit cap when the drop rate was pretty good for Tarnished Symbols of Celebrimbor. I joined quite a few raids in Barad Guldur (the main tower in Dol Guldur) and managed to get 2 symbols, which I used to make a Second Age weapon as well as a rune. The drop rate was reduced just a few weeks after I got the second one, so it was definitely lucky timing. Haven't had much chance to try the 3-man Rohan instances that released recently, probably because it's difficult to get a good group with only 3 people, and many are waiting for the Rohan 6-man and raids that will be coming out soon.
Despite all the level 85 stuff, I've still been doing Moria instances. Turtle raids are fast and fun due to all the level capped characters that help out. Weird things can still happen though. Just a few days ago, I joined one and my first reaction was: That is a *lot* of lore-masters. My second: That is a *lot* of level 50 odd lore-masters. There were at least 6, and even stranger, a level 40 champion (turtle is about level 60) and no tank. For some reason, the hunter volunteered to tank but died halfway through, Threat then went to me and I managed for a bit before everyone appeared to realize they had an 85 champion. The lore-masters kept me supplied with power for the rest of the fight, and I managed to tank and dps up to the end. Funnily enough, I joined another turtle the next day with the same leader. This time, there was a level capped warden (tank) but apparently, I grabbed threat right at the start and tanked in damage mode until turtle was at 1/10th health, at which point I ran out of power and died. Fun in a really weird way, and definitely something to remember.