Although I am continuing on with my alt project and with the continuous improvement of my Guardian, I’ve decided that there is another aspect of the game that I have ignored far too long; and that’s Monster Play! For those who may be unfamiliar with the concept, Monster Play is LOTRO’s implementation of Player versus Player (PvP or Player versus Monster Player/PvMP in LOTRO) combat. It allows players (currently VIP only with a character of level 10 or higher on a server) to assume the roles of the forces of Mordor and battle other players level 40 and above. Currently there is only one zone in which PvMP is allowed; the Ettenmoors.
As stated before, the first things that you need to join Monster Play is a VIP membership and a level 10 character on the server on which you desire to play a creep. Leveling to 10 is fairly easy and only takes an hour or two; if that. After you’ve met these requirements you should then be able to log into Monster Play and create your first creep!
There are a variety of classes to choose from when it comes to Monster Play, although most of them are modeled after freeps so you can kind of get an idea of them from their description. However, much like the Free Player characters, it really takes a bit of playing before you can be sure that a class is right for you. I personally started off with a Warleader since most of my characters are tanks, but found that playing the Blackarrow was much more suitable to my type of PvMP play.
Blackarrow |
The Blackarrow is the ranged DPS of the group. He is similar to a hunter in that respect, however he does not have the increased movement speed and no ports. (All creeps have access to different maps that are earned via deeds which substitute as ports.) They do however gain access to traps and Hindering Shot which are a (limited) form crowd control. |
Defiler |
The Defiler is the primary healer of creep-side forces. They come equipped with both direct heals and heal over times. However, it also has the ability to do some damage and debuff enemies’ stats, run speed, melee critical defenses, etc. However, they are also known as the primary targets of the Freeps when it comes to large scale battles. |
Reaver |
Reavers are the equivalent of a Champion, performing melee damage in both single target and AoE forms. They also get a number of self-buffs to increase their damage and several targeted debuffs. This class is known to be the highest burst DPS class on the Creep side, but to have low sustainable damage. |
Stalker |
The stealth melee class, this class is known for its Pounce ability. It also has the option to increase its own run speed and coupled with their stealth they excellent scouts for the creeps. Any freep running by themselves should be wary of Stalkers, especially if they’re running in a pack. |
Warleader |
The Warleader is the central support class of the creeps. Granting AoE rezzes, group buffs, group run speeds and healing it is an important class to have in any creep fellowship and raid. They also have very high defenses and have been known to act as “tanks” within groups as well as healers. |
Weaver |
The distinguished crowd control creep, the Weaver can debuff, root, daze, and slow a target until they poison their prey to death. Although somewhat frail, the are able to burrow into the ground to avoid combat for a short period of time. |
January 21, 2011 at 10:43 am
Great summary of the Creeps, Merric! And a good start to PvMP as well.
January 21, 2011 at 10:51 am
There’s a good tutorial to Monster Play at The Rangers (kin) home page..
http://www.the-rangers.net/joomla/index.php/library/lotro-tips/108-a-guide-to-lotro-monster-play
January 21, 2011 at 2:30 pm
About classes;
There are 6 creep character slots, 1 per class. When you start a character, you just name it – appearance is only possible to change ingame by traiting, like skirmish soldier.
You can’t delete characters, but reset them back to default – losing all infamy and skills.
The Completed rate is refering to how many passive skills you’ve learned. Also the appearance of your potrait depends on passive skills. Having all up to rank 3 (used to be up to rank 2) you’ll get a red ring.
Your choice of class may not just depend on what role you like to play, but also how much time you’re ready to spend in the Ettenmoors NOT MPvPing..
Do the quest deeds to get all maps ain’t that important if you’re playing a solo Stalker. As a Black Arrow you can often go pew pew somewhere, so no big need there either if it’s just PvP you’d like to do.
Others (like me) may like to add a nerve in questing to get the maps..
January 26, 2011 at 2:39 pm
As mentioned, some classes works better in solo than others do – Stalker (warg) and Blackarrow.
Some are harder to rank up solo – especially Warleader.
If you got a friend to duo with, it’s good to know what combo of classes are most dynamic.
Warleader and Reaver is somewhat like Captain and Champion together – Warleader’s assist skills helps Reavers a lot.
Stalker and Weaver are both two stealth classes, though Weavers can’t sneak arround, but “Lie in Wait”.
Of course you can duo two Stalkers, but I think this combo is more dynamic.
Blackarrow and Defiler both use some fire damage skills. Defiler can reduce fire mitigation.
January 21, 2011 at 11:02 am
I started a Blackarrow quite a while back (and I still love his name… Ashklanarat) but I was COMPLETELY lost when it came to progressing his attributes. The day I tried it, the creep side was completely dead. I was all alone. I spent a bunch of destiny points just so I’d have some attacks, and went exploring by myself. Needless to say, it was pretty boring.
Lately, my kin has been heading into the ‘Moors on the Freep side, though, and I’ve been itching to give my orc another try.
I really hope you’ll continue this series! I’d be very interested in any insight you could provide.
January 21, 2011 at 11:13 am
Ah, PVMP. In my opinion, the best part of the game, by far.
January 21, 2011 at 11:15 am
And a nice introductory guide, Merric. Hope to get more people creepside!
January 21, 2011 at 11:59 am
awesome merric, i remember emailing you guys asking for more creep stuff, this is an awesome start to a cstm pvmp guide!
January 21, 2011 at 1:56 pm
Great little intro guide, I have played creep for 4 years and I forget sometimes how daunting it can be for someone new to the game to try out the PvP side. Hopefully this will help some people to come on over to the dark side. Its much better than the freep side and some people (like me) go there and never leave thanks to the awsome community and fun battles.
January 22, 2011 at 6:34 am
I still don’t get why PvMP is for VIPs only, when it’s a nice change of play from the main game. They could allow the Ettenmoors to be bought like a quest-pack, and the same when they introduce the new zone later this year. The creep classes could be purchased individually or in one package like the way RK/warden are done. I guess one of the problems is destiny spending locked for premium players. A nice way of going about it is allow all players to create each class but only able to spend destiny when they own the class or are subscribed.
January 23, 2011 at 11:43 pm
Right now it’s pretty obvious that PvMP is for VIPs only simply because the zone can’t handle that many players. Big fights can become unplayable due to lag as it is. Most of the solutions people put forward to let F2P in would ruin the sense of community and rivalry that currently exists (creating dynamic layers or a new PvMP zone).
January 24, 2011 at 5:38 am
There’s also a great guide on gameplay in the Ettenmoors at AARGH:
http://aargh.stealth-net.co.uk/lotro/guides/lotro-pvp/
January 24, 2011 at 1:21 pm
Here’s a fully MP guide..
http://www.theblackappendage.com/monstermanual