Thread: Answers to Your Questions

Version 21.0; Updated 2:25pm EST, 12/12/12

Here we go... I'll try to keep updated as we find more. Thanks to Sapience for the sticky. Thanks to all contributors, as well! They are cited when possible.

If your question is not answered in the first post, feel free to ask it here in the thread. We'll do our best to get you an answer and possibly add the question/answer to this post.

~~~WHAT HAPPENS IF...~~~
PLEASE NOTE: This section was created by a fellow forum-goer named Ozeagle, and it was originally posted in this thread. Ozeagle has, graciously, given his permission to let it be used in this thread. The content was created by them, not myself, and they should be given credit for it. I will do my best to keep it up to date with Ozeagle's revisions; please let me know if anything needs to be updated. This is up to date as of Ozeagle's 2/22/12 revision.


What happens if...

...I establish a free account

- You receive 2 character slots per server
- You can create characters from any of the game's 4 races: Dwarves, Elves, Hobbits and Men
- You can create characters in 7 classes: Burglar, Captain, Champion, Guardian, Hunter, Lore-master or Minstrel
- You can create an Orc Reaver character in Monster Play
- You cannot create characters in the premium classes: Rune-keeper or Warden
- You cannot create characters in the other Monster classes
- You can level your characters all the way to the level cap (currently level 85)
- You have access to all regions of the game world except the Ettenmoors (the Player vs Monster Player region, only your Monster characters can enter here)
- You have access to all quests and deeds in 4 regions: Ered Luin, the Shire, Bree-land and the Lonelands
- You have access to tasks in all regions where they exist
- You have access to all of the quests that make up the epic quest line
- You have access to the Legendary Item system
- You have access to the first 7 ranks of Skirmish traits
- Your characters cannot quest for the riding skill
- Your characters have three inventory bags
- Your characters are limited to 2 Gold each
- Your characters cannot mail gold
- Your characters have anti-spam features on mail and chat limiting repeated chat or in game mail
- Your characters are limited to 2 Virtue Traits, 2 Racial Traits, 2 Class Traits and 1 Legendary Trait at a time
- Your monster characters are limited to 2 Corruption Traits, 2 Racial Traits, 2 Class Traits and 0 Appearance Traits at a time
- You can purchase items from the Auction House, but cannot post items for sale
- You have access to the first 2 skirmishes along with all skirmishes associated with the epic quest line
- You can craft items and advance your crafting skill through all 6 crafting tiers
- You can join a crafting guild and reach Acquaintance standing
- You can earn Turbine Points in-game which can be used to unlock the majority of game content. Regular play will produce a good amount of TP. Unlocking ALL game content without purchasing Turbine Points is possible but extremely time-consuming.

...I buy Turbine Points with real money

- Your account is permanently elevated to a Premium account
- You gain 1 additional character slot (in addition to any previously purchased)
- All your current and future characters' gold cap is increased to 5 Gold
- All your current and future characters are able to trade and mail gold
- All your current and future characters receive a more lenient anti-spam limitation on chat and in-game mail
- All your current and future characters can list 5 items each in the auction house
- You permanently receive a high priority in the login queue if servers are full
- You permanently receive full access to the forums and other community features
- You receive full access to customer service (contacting a GM via in-game support tickets) for 30 days

...I subscribe and become a VIP

While subscribed, you gain:

- All trait slots permanently unlocked on any character you log in with (including Monster characters)
- Ability to trade and mail gold
- No anti-spam limitation on chat or in-game mail
- No gold cap on any character you log in with
- Access to Swift Travel permanently unlocked on any character you log in with
- 3 character slots (if upgrading from F2P, 2 character slots if upgrading from Premium)
- Access to all quests, deeds, instances and skirmishes in North Downs, Evendim, Trollshaws, Misty Mountains, Angmar, Forochel, Eregion, Lothlorien and Enedwaith
- Access to all instances not bound to a quest pack/expansion - including Inn of the Forsaken and Halls of Night
- 500TP per month
- Highest priority in the login queue if servers are full
- Full access to the forums and other community features
- Full access to crafting guild advancement
- Access to the slow Bree-Land starter pony at level 5 (200 in-game silver)
- Access to the Riding Skill quest at level 20
- 20 Wardrobe slots
- Ability to spend destiny points
- Full access to Monster Play (including all Monster classes) and the Ettenmoors (PvMP) on both sides
- Full access to customer service (contacting a GM via in-game support tickets)
- Rest XP for all characters
- Your characters can list 30 items each in the auction house

...my VIP subscription ends

- Your account is downgraded to a Premium account (unless/until you resubscribe).
- All monster characters logged in while VIP keep the unlocks for traits
- You lose access* to all quests, deeds and instances in North Downs, Evendim, Trollshaws, Misty Mountains, Angmar, Forochel, Eregion, Lothlorien and Enedwaith. Quests and deeds already in your log can be completed (just the specific quest/deed, not the chain)
- You lose access* to all skirmishes with the exception of Trouble in Tuckborough, Siege of Gondamon and those associated with the epic quest line
- You lose access* to all instances not bound to a quest pack/expansion - including Inn of the Forsaken and Halls of Night
- You lose 2 character slots. If you do not have 2 empty character slots, you will have to select characters to temporarily lock until your account has enough slots to support them
- You no longer receive 500TP each month
- You fall back to a high priority in the login queue if servers are full
- You lose access to crafting guild advancement. Any advancement already achieved is maintained
- You lose access to the riding skill quest. Characters who have already completed it do not lose the skill
- You lose 20 wardrobe slots. Existing items in the wardrobe are not deleted, but no new items can be added until your total wardrobe items are less than your current wardrobe size
- You lose the ability to spend destiny points
- You lose access to Monster Play and the Ettenmoors (PvMP) except for the Reaver class. All other Monster classes will be locked*, but your Monster characters will not be deleted.
- You lose access to customer service (contacting a GM via in-game support tickets)
- Your characters no longer gain Rest XP (any amassed Rest XP is maintained)
- Your characters can only list 5 items each in the auction house

* Note that you will NEVER lose access to a quest pack, instance, skirmish or class you previously purchased with Turbine Points.

...I resubscribe

- Everything which was lost when your subscription ended (above) is reinstated

...I purchase a Shadows of Angmar retail box/code and apply the code.

- This ONLY works if you have NOT applied a Shadows of Angmar OR Mines of Moria code yet.
- You gain a month of VIP access (or extend your existing subscription by a month) and all of the benefits that entails (including the 500TP stipend)
- Your account is permanently elevated to Premium as you have 'spent real money'

...I purchase a Mines of Moria expansion (Turbine, not Codemasters) box/code and apply the code.

- This ONLY works if you have NOT applied a Mines of Moria code yet.
- You gain a month of VIP access (or extend your existing subscription by a month) and all of the benefits that entails (including the 500TP stipend)
- You gain full and permanent access (regardless of subscription) to the Warden and Runekeeper classes
- You gain full and permanent access (regardless of subscription) to the quests and deeds in Moria
- You gain permanent access to the first 15 ranks of Skirmish traits
- You gain 2 character slots (in addition to any you have as F2P/Premium/VIP or have purchased)
- Your account is permanently elevated to Premium as you have 'spent real money'

...I purchase the Mines of Moria expansion from the LOTRO store

- You gain full and permanent access (regardless of subscription) to the Warden and Runekeeper classes
- You gain full and permanent access (regardless of subscription) to the quests and deeds in Moria
- You gain permanent access to the first 15 ranks of Skirmish traits
- You gain 2 character slots (in addition to any you have as F2P/Premium/VIP or have purchased)

...I purchase the Mines of Moria quest pack from the LOTRO store

- You gain full and permanent access (regardless of subscription) to the quests and deeds in Moria

...I purchase the Rise of Isengard Legendary Edition

- You gain full and permanent access (regardless of subscription) to the Isengard expansion (including the Isengard quest pack, Draigoch Raid and Isengard instance cluster)
- You gain full and permanent access (regardless of subscription) to the quests and deeds in Dunland, Gap of Rohan and Nan Curunír
- You gain full and permanent access (regardless of subscription) to the quests and deeds in Trollshaws, Eregion, Moria, Lothlorien and Mirkwood
- You are granted 1000 Turbine Points
- You receive 3 cosmetic armour sets and 3 horses on all characters, current and future
- You gain permanent access to the first 35 ranks of Skirmish traits (even if you did not previously purchase skirmish trait upgrades)
- Your account is permanently elevated to Premium as you have 'spent real money'

...I purchase the Rise of Isengard Heroic Edition

- You gain full and permanent access (regardless of subscription) to the Isengard expansion (including the Isengard quest pack, Draigoch Raid and Isengard instance cluster)
- You gain full and permanent access (regardless of subscription) to the quests and deeds in Dunland, Gap of Rohan and Nan Curunír
- You are granted 1000 Turbine Points
- You receive a cosmetic armour set, a horse and a title on all characters, current and future
- You gain permanent access to the first 35 ranks of Skirmish traits (even if you did not previously purchase skirmish trait upgrades)
- Your account is permanently elevated to Premium as you have 'spent real money'

...I purchase the Rise of Isengard Base Edition

- You gain full and permanent access (regardless of subscription) to the Isengard expansion (including the Isengard quest pack, Draigoch Raid and Isengard instance cluster)
- You gain full and permanent access (regardless of subscription) to the quests and deeds in Dunland, Gap of Rohan and Nan Curunír
- You receive a horse and a title on all characters, current and future
- You gain permanent access to the first 35 ranks of Skirmish traits (even if you did not previously purchase skirmish trait upgrades)
- Your account is permanently elevated to Premium as you have 'spent real money'

...I purchase the Rise of Isengard expansion from the LOTRO store

- You gain full and permanent access (regardless of subscription) to the Isengard expansion (including the Isengard quest pack, Draigoch Raid and Isengard instance cluster)
- You gain full and permanent access (regardless of subscription) to the quests and deeds in Dunland, Gap of Rohan and Nan Curunír
- You gain permanent access to the first 35 ranks of Skirmish traits (even if you did not previously purchase skirmish trait upgrades)

...I purchase the Rise of Isengard quest pack from the LOTRO store

- You gain full and permanent access (regardless of subscription) to the quests and deeds in Dunland, Gap of Rohan and Nan Curunír

...I purchase the Lord of the Rings Online Mithril Edition

- You gain full and permanent access (regardless of subscription) to the quests and deeds in Trollshaws, Eregion, Moria and Lothlorien
- You are granted 2000 Turbine Points
- You receive the Steed of the Horse-lords mount on all characters, current and future
- Your account is permanently elevated to Premium as you have 'spent real money'

~~~ACCOUNT TIER QUESTIONS~~~
1. Will I lose character slots if I maintain my paid subscription?

NO. If you are a VIP and maintain your subscription (including a Lifetime subscription), the introduction of the LOTRO Store does not remove any functionality that you had before the Store existed. VIPers do not have any more restrictions than they had before the introduction of the LOTRO Store.

2. Will I lose characters if I downgrade from VIP to Premium?

NO. You may lose access to them, but you can regain access by paying for extra account slots.
If you are a Premium player, you have access to 3 character slots by default. Moria unlocks 2 more. The Adventurer's Pack unlocks 2 more, if you purchased it. Thanks to Jiraiyaisnolia for the information.

3. Will DDO and LOTRO points combine?

NO. Turbine Points are not transferrable, so Turbine Points purchased in the DDO Store cannot be transferred to the LOTRO Store or vice versa.

4. What are the "premium classes that non-VIPs must spend Turbine Points on to unlock?"

Warden and Rune-keeper. Players who did not purchase Moria and want to play these classes from the start can purchase them separately.

5. Are there Free-2-Play and Pay-2-Play servers?

NO. All servers may be accessed by any account type.

6. What is the maximum amount of character slots achievable?

17, if you purchase all possible slots.

7. Can Free-to-Play Players purchase in-game homes??

Yes, if they can afford it via in-game gold. The gold cap will be the issue, here.

8. If my VIP Subscription goes inactive, do I lose my gold?

NO. If you are a VIP and you downgrade to premium you will not lose any of your gold.

9. What happens when a VIP stops paying to subscribe?

They become a "Premium" member. If you have ever spent money on the game (subscribed or bought Turbine points) you'll never be downgraded below Premium.

10. If a player decides to downgrade to a Premium account from VIP, and that player now has only 3 slots available (and chooses to not unlock any more slots) how will that player be able to select those 3 characters?

They will be allowed to select/pick which three characters you have access to.

11. If a player goes down to Premium for a few months, but then re-sub to VIP, do they keep expansions and the adventurers pack benefits?
YES. You keep ALL benefits you paid for.

12. Do current subscribers lose any benefits if they continue paying?
NO. Current subscribers keep what they have.

13. Will Turbine honor the current pricing plan of VIPs in the future, if they do not allow their subscription to lapse?
YES. Per Marketroid, "The price of your plan remains the same. That subscription plan will simply start to provide VIP benefits once we launch the new release." Thanks, Belisana, for the help!

14. If you have 2 subscriptions on 1 account, will points be based on account or subscription?
Per subscription, according to Sapience.

15. Can non-VIPs of any sort access Monster Play?
Non-VIP players can access the Ettenmoors as a Reaver, one type of Monster Player.

16. Can Free/Premium players earn in-game points, and buy anything (including expansions) that VIP members can?
YES. According to Sapience in this very topic, "There will be ways in game to earn various amounts of Turbine points. In theory, you could never spend a penny in the store but still acquire enough Turbine Points to purchase everything you would want. It would take a great deal of effort, but it would be possible."

17. Will Turbine be offering Lifetime Subscriptions again?
Sapience has spoken; no plans to offer lifetimes again, at the moment. This has been reconfirmed.

18. What areas and quests can Free Players access?
They can access all quests in the Shire, Ered Luin, Breelands, and the Lonelands. Additionally, they can access all epic quests, crafting quests, and class quests. They can access all areas, but will have to purchase access to their respective quests.

19. Can non-VIPers join or start kinships?
It used to be the case that they could JOIN kinships, but not START them.. However, Crell_1 reports that F2P players can now start kinships.

20. How do I now access the User CP for the forums?
Hold your mouse over "My Preferences" at the top-right of the page and click "Forum Settings".

21. How do I create a new Free-to-Play account?
Go here: http://trial.turbine.com/lotro.php?ftui=lotrof2p

22. What are the differences between a Premium, VIP, and F2P in terms of content?
For an answer to such a broad question, see this: http://www.lotro.com/betasignup/vipchart.html

23. If I purchase Mines of Moria, will I be VIP?
You will be VIP for the duration of the 30-day game card that comes with the retail box. If you purchase it online, it may or may not come with a game card-- be sure to verify before you purchase. Once you purchase it and add it to your subscription, your account will never be downgraded below Premium.

24. I played this game years ago. Are my characters still there?
As of 9/13/2010, Turbine does not delete characters due to a player failing to renew a subscription. If the characters were on live servers, not deleted by you, and your account was not banned, your characters ought to still be there.

25. Can F2P players trade?
While F2P players use the Auction House to purchase items, they cannot sell items there. They can trade via Secure Trading in person (next to the other toon). You will need to be next to the other player in the game world to do this. Thanks to Mirality for notifying me to to fix this.

26. Are Quest Packs unlocked per Character or per Subscription?
Quest packs are unlocked per Subscription and affects all characters on all servers on that subscription.

27. I had two subscriptions on this account, and the wrong forums history is displayed!
Thanks to Maedhros for the help with this one. There is currently an issue that if you have more than one subscription on your account you can only access one of the subscriptions. Turbine has a fix in testing that will allow you to chose which subscription you wish to log into the community site with.

28. I have credit card questions! Or, what are all these $1 charges doing on my account?
Please review this thread. It should have the answers you seek. If you still have questions, feel free to ask. The $1 charges are to verify your card is legitimate and will returned to you within 5 business days. If they are still gone, contact Account Management.

29. I have serious account/point related issues and need to speak to Account Management! How can I reach them?
Call them any time from Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Weekends 12:00 noon to 9:00 pm Eastern (GMT -5). Their number is (781) 407-4020 There is a web form as well, but I highly recommend calling, as you are likely to get a quicker response.

30. If I purchase VIP, do I still need to purchase expansions (SoM, MoM, RoI) if I want access to their content?
If you do not purchase the Mines of Moria or Siege of Mirkwood expansion packs, you will not have access to their content. Their content may be individually purchased (such as access to the Warden/Runekeeper classes or to the Mines of Moria quests), but they must be purchased and are not automatically acquired by becoming a VIP, even during the duration of your period as a VIP.

31. What restrictions are there for free players regarding trading gold?
Free players can receive gold in trades and mailing, but cannot send it. However, they can trade items without any more restrictions than VIP players have.

32. If I am F2P/Premium and haven't unlocked the gold cap, is there a way to see how much money is being trapped in escrow?
If you open up your wallet, you'll see how much gold you have access to and how much gold/silver/bronze you have "in escrow". It's listed separately in your wallet now. Thanks to Shriya for pointing this out.


33. I'm a F2P player, and have never purchased the base game. Can I purchase the expansions right away, or is there a prerequisite to my purchases?
You can purchase the expansions right away. You do not need to pay for the base game; as soon as you purchase an expansion, its perks and content will be immediately available to you.

34. If I am a VIP and cancel my subscription, do I immediately drop to Premium, or does it wait until my remaining VIP time is expired?
Good news-- you will remain a VIP until time has run out on your subscription. You will not immediately jump down to Premium.

35. If I am a VIP and cancel my subscription, do I lose access to my unlocked trait slots?
Any character that you logged into while VIP will never lose access to those trait slots, even after you are Premium. Any character that you did not log into while VIP, including newly created characters, will not have unlocked trait slots.

36. I don't have a VIP Account but need support. I can't call via telephone. How do I contact support?
If you need support but can't call, submit a ticket here: http://support.turbine.com/ics/suppo...01&task=ticket

37. What happens if I played as a Monster character, aside from Reaver, while VIP, and then cancelled my VIP subscription? Will I maintain access to the non-Reaver Monster class?
My understanding is that you will lose access to your Monster character. In order to regain access, either become VIP or purchase the Monster character class from the LOTRO Store. Once you have purchased the class, your character will be unlocked and you can continue playing.

38. I had a Codemasters account and didn't migrate my account to Turbine. Can my account be migrated?
According to this thread by Sapience, "Any player who has not migrated their account by this date (November 9) will be unable to do so. Due to EU privacy laws we cannot force migrate player accounts." Ornaith confirmed that it is technically impossible to migrate, at this point, as Turbine literally does not have the data.

39. Can I become a VIP for just one month?
Yes. Note that VIP subscriptions auto-renew by default. As mjk47 notes, "don't cancel immediately after you subscribe. Leave it for 2 or 3 days. If you cancel immediately Turbine's system will think you have changed your mind and cancel your subscription (without charging you). Once you sub is established, and you have been charged, you can cancel you sub at any time. This will prevent it from auto-renewing, and you will remain as a VIP until your renewal date."

~~~ITEM STORE QUESTIONS~~~

1. Can I buy top-tier raid gear at the store?

No. While items in the Store are designed to immediately enhance your in-game experience, premium loot and rare gear are the rewards of adventure and are only obtainable through gameplay.

2. Can you buy expansions with Turbine Points?
Yes.

3. Do points ever expire?
NO.

4. Do individual characters earn and spend points, or does your account earn and spend them?
Points are by subscription, not character (and not necessarily account either, if you have multiple subscriptions on one account). Thanks, Brennancm, for the notice that this needed to be updated.

5. Is there a cap on the amount of Points you can have?
No.

6. Can you give Points to others?
Not in-game, but there are point cards for sale in real life.

7. Do current VIPs have to purchase the wardrobe?
No. It is included in their subscription. They can purchase more room, if desired.

8. Does the Wardrobe accept non-cosmetic armour?
Yes. According to Adastrea, "even if the item is bindable, it does *not* have to be bound before being placed in your wardrobe".

9. What is the maximum amount of slots that the wardrobe can have?
140 slots.

10. How does item binding work with items purchased from the Store?
Most items are bound to the character who purchased them, although some are bound to your account.

11. Are VIPs able to purchase content that they get for free as a VIP, so that they will have it if the turn Premium?
No. VIPs will only be able to purchase content that they did not already have access to as a VIP. Eluros thinks that this is so VIPs don't accidentally spend points on something they already have.

12. Are your Points be usable by all characters on your subscription?
Yes. Points are per subscription, not character.

13. How can we earn points?
Reputation, deeds, and a few quests. They can also be purchased in the Store or through cards located at several retail locations.

14. If I downgrade from VIP to Premium, do I have access to all quests I had as a VIP?
No. You will have access to any quest packs you individually purchased from the store. As a VIP, all non-Expansion quest content is unlocked. Content is relocked unless it has been purchased on your account.

15. Can I purchase Turbine Points without a credit card?
Yes, you can purchase them from stores, including Target, Best Buy, and Gamestop, as well as through the Turbine Web Store (not the Lotro store) at: http://store.turbine.com/store/turbi...Page.lotropage.

16. Are Stat Tomes allowing people to pay to max stats at low levels?
No. Stat tomes are restricted by level (and other factors).

17. Stat Tomes give +280 to a stat, right? 10+20+30+40+50+60+70...
No, the max they give is +70. The +20 one cannot be used until you get the +10 one, and it does not stack with the +10 one. In other words, if you use a +10 and a +20, your base stat is only increased by +20. Using a +30 after that will only increase it by 10 more points over the +20.

18. Is there anything F2P players cannot acquire through in-game achievements (without spending real money)?
Several things, including Ettenmoors access. However, this may change in the future.

19. How can you purchase Turbine Points?
You can purchase points in-game or at select retailers, while logged into the game, or through the Turbine Web Store (not the Lotro store) at: http://store.turbine.com/store/turbi...Page.lotropage.

20. If I purchase Rise of Isengard, does that include all previous content, too?

No. Rise of Isengard is a standalone expansion. It does not include Siege of Mirkwood, Mines of Moria, or Shadows of Angmar content.

21. Is the Riding Skill purchased per character or per account?
It is purchased per character.

22. Can I view the Item Store outside the game?
No. The item store can only be viewed inside the game client.

23. If I downgrade from VIP to Premium, do I need to purchase the gold cap unlock?
Not for any characters that were played while you were VIP. Any character that you played while your account had VIP Status will not have any cap (well, a 9,999 cap). Any toon that was not logged into while you were a VIP will still have a locked gold cap.

24. What is included with the purchase of Mines of Moria Expansion?
It includes all quests and instances within Moria, 2 character slots, access to the Warden and Runekeeper classes, and Skirmish Trait Max 15. There is also the Mines of Moria Quest Pack, which only includes the quests. Thanks to JeanCarlo for pointing this out.

25. If I downgrade to Premium from VIP, do I lose my auction slots?
Anything you already had posted will remain, but you will lose the ability to post new things in those slots. You do, however, retain the 5 auction house slots that you would keep for being Premium.

26. How many Crafting Guilds can I be a member of one one toon at the same time?
You can only be a member of one crafting guild at a time for each character.

27. I'm VIP for a month, but about to go back down to Premium and won't return to VIP for a long time. What should I spend my Destiny Points on?
Most likely, you should spend it on either removing dread (the negative effect from losing all Morale) or extra Rest XP. If you're not dying much, use it on Rest XP to maximize leveling potential while you are still VIP.

28. Do you need to re-purchase crafting guilds access for each tier (Friend, Ally, Kin, etc.), or will one purchase from the LOTRO Store unlock the guild in its entirety?
According to Crell_1, it is "a once per guild, per account unlock. A single purchase will enable you to go from acquaintance to kindred with a crafting guild."

~~~CONTENT QUESTIONS~~~

1. Will LOTRO ever get flying mounts, now that it is F2P?
NO, confirmed by Patience.

2. Will there continue to be free content updates?
YES.

3. Will we be getting more bag space?
Maximum bag space was increased with Riders of Rohan from 5 (as it had been from Shadows of Angmar until then) to 6. No news on whether that number will increase further.

4. Isn't Dunland supposed to be in Enedwaith?
Technically yes, but it was not be in the "Enedwaith" content update. By "Enedwaith", they are excluding Dunland proper; it refers to the area of Enedwaith outside of Dunland, more or less.

5. What's on tap for after Isengard?
Changes will include new 1st Age Legendary Weapons and a revamp of the legendary item system to remove randomness and allow a more "intuitive layout".

6. Does Rise of Isengard involve Orthanc before or after its destruction?
Before its destruction.

~~~TURBINE QUESTIONS~~~

1. How long has Turbine wanted to go Free-to-Play with LOTRO?
Since the beginning of 2010.

2. Is it true that Turbine only puts "convenience", not "advantage", in the LOTRO Store?
According to Sapience, " It’s one of our guiding principles. Some people have time, others have money and when players are willing to trade money for time we usually consider that a convenience. Our goal is to allow players to customize their play experience to deliver as much fun per hour of play as they want without impacting the play of others."

3. What is considered to be an "advantage", as opposed to being a "convenience"?
According to Sapience, "Anything that’s compulsory to be competitive in ranked play or achieves something by degrading another player’s experience. We have not and will not make that part of our F2P offering."

4. Did Warner Brothers significantly impact Turbine's game development decisions?
According to Sapience, "WB did indeed buy Turbine, but they have largely left the game studio alone. We now have more resources to put into LOTRO and a much nicer office, but otherwise much is as it was. Specifically, there is no-one outside of the walls of Turbine HQ who had any say in the release of these items or any aspect of our MTX catalog."

5. Will Turbine ever sell end-game gear?
According to Sapience, "To make it perfectly clear: We will not sell end-game gear."

~~~TECHNICAL QUESTIONS~~~
1. Help, I'm getting Error 201 when installing!
Try taking ownership of the installer folders, if you're not logged in as an administrator. Alternatively, log in as an administrator.

2. Help, I don't see my characters!
Turbine doesn't delete characters. You either logged into the wrong subscription, you logged into the wrong server, or someone (you/Mom/dog/boyfriend/Gandhi/etcetera) deleted them.

3. Help, my computer crashes/freezes when I play!
Read this topic and do what it says, including posting in the Technical Support forums. If/when you post, put your dxdiag file in code brackets in the initial post. Be reasonable and level-headed. Hopefully, someone will be able to help you out.

4. Why can't I enable DX11?
DX11 will only work on Windows Vista or Windows 7. Windows XP is not supported. Additionally, very few graphics cards (the hardware itself) can support it. View the manufacturer's information page or ask here if you need to know if yours is supported.

5. How do I move between dynamic layers?
When you are in a fellowship, if you do not see a "dynamic layer" icon in the same area where mail and deed icons normally show up, you do not need to do anything; you are not in a dynamic layer. If you do see that icon, one of you will need to click it and you will be moved to the same layer.

6. I downloaded the standard-resolution textures and want to upgrade to high resolution. How do I do this?
As Fredelas points out, the best way is, unfortunately, to uninstall the standard client and install the high-res client from scratch. You won't lose access to characters/etcetera by doing this.

7. When I go to the LOTRO Store, it is all black. I cannot see any content. What do I do?
Here's what Sapience recommends:
Open your Options panel and choose "Troubleshooting" (the last option on the right hand list). Depending on which browser you use choose either "Load Mozilla Firefox Proxy Settings" or "Load Internet Explorer Proxy Settings". Then click "Apply Proxy Settings" and click "Accept". Restart your game and try to access the LOTRO Store from the character select screen.

8. I'm getting error 30005 when trying to upgrade my account!
I would recommend you read this excellent post on A Casual Stroll to Mordor by Goldenstar. It provides a walkthrough to help you out.

Change #2 to also include: You keep the two characters slots you got if you purchased Moria.

Question: If we are Lifetime subbers, will we see the pop-up store advertisements ingame? I surely hope not. This is what I mean by "cheapening the game" (I posted in my What do you think? thread).

Awaits an answer...

Will LOTRO Turbine Points and DDO Turbine Points be combined into the same pool?

Originally Posted by Steiner-Davion

Will LOTRO Turbine Points and DDO Turbine Points be combined into the same pool?

Answered in the post.

Originally Posted by Steiner-Davion

Will LOTRO Turbine Points and DDO Turbine Points be combined into the same pool?

I wish

My question:

Wardrobe (20 (more purchasable)) from this chart: http://www.lotro.com/betasignup/vipchart.html

Wardrobe? O.o I wonder what this refers to. This sounds like one of the few additions that VIP users would be able to upgrade.

Updated with more answers.

Updated with even more information, based on posts people have made.

Originally Posted by Eluros

3. Will I lose characters if I downgrade from premium to free to play?

NO. You will lose access to them, but you can regain access while paying. From the FAQ: "Other previously created characters will be visible but not accessible unless you unlock more character slots."

Actually, from what I read, you NEVER downgrade from a Premium account to a Free account. Once you upgrade to Premium or VIP, you never go back to Free.

Originally Posted by Deusdictum

Actually, from what I read, you NEVER downgrade from a Premium account to a Free account. Once you upgrade to Premium or VIP, you never go back to Free.

Thanks, I appreciate it! I'll add that in.

What is going to happen to those that already own houses?

Originally Posted by monjeu83

What is going to happen to those that already own houses?

Answered in my post. No effect. All account levels can get housing.

In the Statement it says that VIP players will receive PREMIUM SERVER Access - what does this mean. Will there be new servers designated for VIP Players. Or will all Newbies be added to one specific designed server. Any way you can elaborate on that statement.
Thanks,
Metzler

Originally Posted by Metzler

In the Statement it says that VIP players will receive PREMIUM SERVER Access - what does this mean. Will there be new servers designated for VIP Players. Or will all Newbies be added to one specific designed server. Any way you can elaborate on that statement.
Thanks,
Metzler

Check out Question 6 in my FAQ-- this has been answered there. Tarrance (a dev) clarified.

Originally Posted by rhegan

I wish

My question:

Wardrobe (20 (more purchasable)) from this chart: http://www.lotro.com/betasignup/vipchart.html

Wardrobe? O.o I wonder what this refers to. This sounds like one of the few additions that VIP users would be able to upgrade.

I'm also curious about this. I wonder if this means we get a special storage place for wardrobe items and can thus finally get them out of our precious bank slots. As a crafter, it's always a struggle keeping bank slots free. Getting those cosmetic items out would be very helpful.

Originally Posted by thegr8one2k2

I'm also curious about this. I wonder if this means we get a special storage place for wardrobe items and can thus finally get them out of our precious bank slots. As a crafter, it's always a struggle keeping bank slots free. Getting those cosmetic items out would be very helpful.

I'm unsure, but I'll see if I can find out. I added a new question, by the way, based on another topic.

I don't know what the policy is, but would this topic of consolidated information be helpful to sticky? Many people are asking the same questions, and it'd be good for them to have a place to look on the actual forums...

I know existing subs will still have whatever level cap they paid for, but new VIPs will cap at 50 unless they pay points for expansions? The chart show a 50 level cap across the board.

If you gain points be leveling, should players STOP leveling until they earn points for it?

Originally Posted by Metzler

In the Statement it says that VIP players will receive PREMIUM SERVER Access - what does this mean. Will there be new servers designated for VIP Players. Or will all Newbies be added to one specific designed server. Any way you can elaborate on that statement.
Thanks,
Metzler

As I understand it this has to do with queues. If there is a login queue, VIPS>Premium>Free is how the queue will handle the "line".

Originally Posted by Deryk_Son_of_Aelric

Question: If we are Lifetime subbers, will we see the pop-up store advertisements ingame? I surely hope not. This is what I mean by "cheapening the game" (I posted in my What do you think? thread).

Awaits an answer...

If they follow DDO with the load screens (of which LOTRO has a lot LESS of), yes, you will see ads, but only then.

I've got a question I've not seen answered in any of the information I've read so far...

From the FAQ (http://www.lotro.com/betasignup/faq.html)

27. If I decide to downgrade from VIP to Premium player, what will happen to my characters?

If you downgrade from VIP to Premium player, you will have access to 3 characters slots per server by default. You will also have access to any other character slots that you have purchased. You may decide to unlock more slots if you want to play more characters or pick the characters you want to play. Your other previously created characters will be visible but not accessible unless you unlock more character slots. At any point, you can unlock more character slots in the LOTRO Store, up to 11 per server.

My question is:

If a player decides to downgrade to a Premium account from VIP, and that player now has only 3 slots available (and chooses to not unlock any more slots) how will that player be able to select those 3 characters? By the first 3 characters which show up on the Character Select log-in screen? Alphabetically? By being given a choice of which 3 characters they want to play?

So No new content till this releases in Fall?

And yes this would make a good sticky!

Originally Posted by Nepenthea

I've got a question I've not seen answered in any of the information I've read so far...

From the FAQ (http://www.lotro.com/betasignup/faq.html)



My question is:

If a player decides to downgrade to a Premium account from VIP, and that player now has only 3 slots available (and chooses to not unlock any more slots) how will that player be able to select those 3 characters? By the first 3 characters which show up on the Character Select log-in screen? Alphabetically? By being given a choice of which 3 characters they want to play?

I believe that the answer is actually in what you cited. Here's what I wrote:

<<<<<13. If a player decides to downgrade to a Premium account from VIP, and that player now has only 3 slots available (and chooses to not unlock any more slots) how will that player be able to select those 3 characters?

They will be allowed to select/pick which three characters you have access to. From the FAQ, you can "...pick the characters you want to play. Your other previously created characters will be visible but not accessible unless you unlock more character slots.">>>>>

Maybe I'm reading it wrong, but it explicitly says that you can pick the characters you want to play.

Great thread!

So, Turbine, if I go down to simply Premium for a few months, but then re-sub to VIP do I keep MoM and SoM, and the adventurers pack benefits (i.e. 9 character slots).

I assume I don't have to re-buy those character slots if I re-subscribe?

Originally Posted by hex2323

If you gain points be leveling, should players STOP leveling until they earn points for it?

This is a good question. Thought it worth re-iterating.

Originally Posted by canyouaddcolour

Great thread!

So, Turbine, if I go down to simply Premium for a few months, but then re-sub to VIP do I keep MoM and SoM, and the adventurers pack benefits (i.e. 9 character slots).

I assume I don't have to re-buy those character slots if I re-subscribe?

Answered in the main post. I didn't copy it; mind checking it, and let me know if it answers your question?

Originally Posted by Eluros

Answered in the main post. I didn't copy it; mind checking it, and let me know if it answers your question?

Yeah, I saw that, thanks. Just a little confusing. Not totally sure if it definitely answers my question. I'd imagine it does.

Originally Posted by canyouaddcolour

Yeah, I saw that, thanks. Just a little confusing. Not totally sure if it definitely answers my question. I'd imagine it does.

I'll go back in and clarify it for you, see if I can make it more simple.

Updated with answers to 2 more questions; hopefully this is helping many people.

My goodness, this forum moves quickly!

People have been asking questions answered in this post... hopefully it'll help prevent some unnecessary topics.

Originally Posted by Eluros

My goodness, this forum moves quickly!

People have been asking questions answered in this post... hopefully it'll help prevent some unnecessary topics.

It needs a stick asap to do this. You keep getting buried. Had to subscribe.

Originally Posted by hex2323

It needs a stick asap to do this. You keep getting buried. Had to subscribe.

Is there a way to request that this get stickied?

Also, answered another question. Working on the source for it-- I know the answer, but am trying to find the official citation.

Thanks for the collection of information. +rep

How do characters versus accounts factor into all this? I have 9 characters and I know I get to keep those... but does each character get 500 points a month or does my one account get 500 points and I have to buy things for each toon from that one pot?

Similarly, If I buy bank space or certain items, does it just go to one toon or to all of them?

If I have already been in beta in the past, does that apply to the beta starting up for FtP or do I have to sign up for beta again with all the changes?

Found the source, and cited it!

Originally Posted by hucklebarry

Thanks for the collection of information. +rep

How do characters versus accounts factor into all this? I have 9 characters and I know I get to keep those... but does each character get 500 points a month or does my one account get 500 points and I have to buy things for each toon from that one pot?

Similarly, If I buy bank space or certain items, does it just go to one toon or to all of them?

If I have already been in beta in the past, does that apply to the beta starting up for FtP or do I have to sign up for beta again with all the changes?

Hey there,

Thanks for the rep! To answer your questions, each account gets points, not individual characters. Source: http://www.lotro.com/support/policies/loyaltyreward

Don't know about the Beta stuff yet; we'll see what turns up.

I will add specific quotes and citations to the main post. Thanks for the question!

Edit: Added your question, an answer, and a source to the main post.

Originally Posted by Deryk_Son_of_Aelric

Question: If we are Lifetime subbers, will we see the pop-up store advertisements ingame? I surely hope not. This is what I mean by "cheapening the game" (I posted in my What do you think? thread).

Awaits an answer...

I doubt we'll see any pop-up ads in-game for the store. If it's anything like DDO, it will be available by clicking on your (current) Lorebook icon on your minimap.

Originally Posted by hucklebarry

Thanks for the collection of information. +rep

How do characters versus accounts factor into all this? I have 9 characters and I know I get to keep those... but does each character get 500 points a month or does my one account get 500 points and I have to buy things for each toon from that one pot?

Similarly, If I buy bank space or certain items, does it just go to one toon or to all of them?

If I have already been in beta in the past, does that apply to the beta starting up for FtP or do I have to sign up for beta again with all the changes?

Points are on an "account" basis, not per character.

Originally Posted by KouklaGirl

Points are on an "account" basis, not per character.

Aye; I added this info in the main post, as well as cited a source. Glad that this topic is helping people.

Originally Posted by KouklaGirl

I doubt we'll see any pop-up ads in-game for the store. If it's anything like DDO, it will be available by clicking on your (current) Lorebook icon on your minimap.

Correct. For those who have not played DDO, the store is a UI window much like your character sheet or inventory. Or even more accurately, much like accessing the Lorebook in game. It does not pop up of its own accord.

Originally Posted by Eluros

I'll go back in and clarify it for you, see if I can make it more simple.

Thanks. That helps clarify things a lot further. I'm too lazy. Reading the forums before I completely read the FAQ probably isn't smart.

+ rep (first point I've ever given!1).

Eluros,
Fantastic job, thank you!

Have you seen how points are earned through gameplay, and how many can be earned per month? Not through the special offers pre launch, or the VIP bonus points. I see it says they can be earned through gameplay but not how or how many, though with the vast info flood it would be easy to overlook.

Originally Posted by Sapience

Correct. For those who have not played DDO, the store is a UI window much like your character sheet or inventory. Or even more accurately, much like accessing the Lorebook in game. It does not pop up of its own accord.

Dang, I was so looking forward to this pop-up: You have just entered Carn Dum! Be sure to visit the LoTRO Store for Hope Tokens and Power Potions! <link>