The Lord of the Rings Online Developer Diary

A new developer diary is up on the official The Lord of the Rings Online website, this time with content designer Joe Barry covering the new and expanded skirmishes coming in the game's Volume III: Book 1 update.
After much tuning, balancing, and play testing, we are prepared to release four additional raid versions of the initial Siege of Mirkwoodâ„¢ launch Skirmishes. Now, all Skirmishes within the Volume II, Book 9 Epic Story can be completed with any of the currently available group sizes, from solo to raid. The upgraded and expanded spaces include:

Strike Against Dannenglor

Rescue several kidnapped Elves and Rangers from a sorcerer within the ruins of Dannenglor. The sorcerer gains a powerful new ability if any Limrafn are sacrificed.

Protectors of Thangúlhad

Defend a forward outpost of the Elvish invasion of Mirkwood against an overwhelming enemy force by manning the siege weaponry. More barghests, more warg-riders, more chaos!

Breaching the Necromancer's Gate

Assault Dol Guldur and establish a foothold within the ancient fortress. The Olog-hai standing in your way now has a ranged attack that nullifies anyone not near him, but make sure he doesn't get to fire off his knockback. It's a long run back up the hill.

Assault on the Ringwraith's Lair

The second half of the attack on Dol Guldur, where you attempt to push to the entrance of the tower itself. The Fell Beast now lands on the platform with the Cargûl, and while left together, they are devastating.

The structure, design, complexity, and enhanced difficulty of these Skirmishes and boss fights bring a new set of challenges to the table for those looking for additional casual raiding experiences.