The Story of Lotro Story? What story?

If you’re one of the millions who have read the books or seen the movies, The Lord of the Rings has a deep and intricate timeline that follows the trials and hardships of many different characters in the fight against the Dark Lord Sauron. There’s plenty of info on the lore of Lord of the Rings to be found at the Encyclopedia of Arda.

How is that handled in the game though?
Through the use of quests and cinematic events, the story crafted by the Turbine and numerous Tolkien Experts will be played out by you, the player.

Okay, so where does my character fit in?
As a dwarf, elf, hobbit, or human, you are one of the many free people of Middle-Earth. Your character’s path does not follow in the footsteps of the books’ characters, but rather down a different path that was only oft alluded to in JRR Tolkien’s notes and appendices. Without spoiling much of what you’ll see in lotro, there is a mounting dark force on the rise in Angmar, and it is up to you and the friends you make in the game to thwart it.

I’m familiar with the books, but when does my character begin his “life”?
Well, that all depends on your race. As an elf, your very first steps will be taken centuries before the Fellowship from the books is formed, and as a dwarf you’ll begin just before The Hobbit’s events take place. The cinematics of each race’s beginning quests will bring you up to date, along with the men and hobbits, just as Frodo and Sam are leaving the Shire. It is at this point that the game’s story truly begins.