Main Keeps

Dâr-gazag and Ost Ringdyr have both seen a slight modification to building structure and defensive troops. The larger change is to the building structure of Dâr-gazag; it is more clear and channeled in a way that you must fight through the same number of encounters as are present in Ost Ringdyr. There are still some optional battles that you can partake in, but the main path to the keep Tyrant will now force you through a greater number of fights. We have also added a small room behind the Tyrant. This room is where you will find Artifacts, which will be discussed in depth in another developer diary. Ost Ringdyr has also seen some revision, mostly in the addition of the same artifact room behind the Captain-general. Access to the artifact rooms can only be granted once the Captain-general or Tyrant is killed.

Elf-camp and Orc-camp

Both camps now are ringed with stockade fences that make the areas safer for their factions. There is one entry point into each camp and multiple ways to leave. The camps have each seen an increase in the number of archers who defend each location. At each location, players will be able to find a flag that represents the forces there. (Again, there will be another dev diary that will speak about flags and artifacts.) The addition of these walls should do well to address the issues that we have seen with certain quest objectives in the Ettenmoors.

Bridges of Tol Ascarnen

Despite the sound of the heading, this is not the love story of a wayward Orc and pleasant hobbit. No, it speaks of the two bridges leading to the island where Tol Ascarnen stands. We have instituted flags at each location which represent either the Free Peoples or Angmar. The flag displays which faction controls the bridge, and defenders arrive around the flag to safeguard the location. Reaching and using this flag gives control of the bridge to the captors’ side. There are several guards at the location, but it should be easily captured by a smaller group of players or monster players.