The MMORPG Lord of the Rings Online is getting a new class 16 years after its release, which is not commonly found in MMORPGs. The “Mariner” is inspired by the character “Eärendil”, a legendary half-elf from the Silmarillion. He acts like a mix between a bard and a rogue and brings interesting new mechanics to the online role-playing game.
How is it with classes in Lord of the Rings?
- Lord of the Rings Online started in 2007 with 7 classes, including relatively unusual classes for an MMORPG, such as the Captain or the Bard. With the significant expansion “Mines of Moria”, two more classes were added in 2008.
- Then there was a long period of silence until 2014 the Beorning was introduced to the game. After that, it was quiet again for a long time.
- However, in recent years, Lord of the Rings has picked up speed again: the “Brawler” class came to Lord of the Rings Online in 2021, which was considered “difficult”; now it is soon time for the “Mariner”. The character Eärendil serves as the template for the class: a legendary sea traveler and father of Elrond, who plays a role in “Rings of Power”.
The Amazon series “Rings of Power” is controversial, but it brings fans a new dose of Lord of the Rings:
New class aimed at experienced players
What is the concept of the new class? The “Mariner” is intended to be a class for experienced players; he wears medium armor and uses daggers and one-handed swords – like the rogue, he can carry two weapons at the same time. Additionally, the new class uses an instrument like the bard and has a support effect: the Mariners sing sea shanties to assist their companions.
As MassiveyOP notes, the class is about being “in the flow” and adjusting your rotation to the circumstances.
This is how he is supposed to be played: The basic idea of the Mariner is a type of “fencer”: a pirate, as you know them from swashbuckler movies. He has a slider that shifts depending on skills either to the left or right: defensive or offensive abilities move the slider in one direction or the other.
He has numerous abilities that trigger either buffs or debuffs.
The Mariner has 3 skill trees to choose from:
- In the blue tree, he uses sea shanties to support teammates. In this way, he can mark a target so that it takes 5% more damage from all sources. Or he can increase the healing received from group members.
- The red skill tree revolves around strikes and feints that deal damage to enemies. Here, you will find attacks that cause bleeding.
- The yellow skill tree revolves around the Mariner using items at hand to hinder enemies. For instance, he can hold an opponent in place by throwing a bola.
More about the Mariner and gameplay can be found in a one-hour video from the developers (via youtube).
The red tree is suitable for solo players, while the other two are clearly intended for group play. The developers also say: The character is more suited for “experienced players” who are playing in groups.
The “old” MMORPG Lord of the Rings will soon face competition:
