The Lord of the Rings Online Chapter Nine Update

Turbine issued an April Fool’s press release earlier today announcing an update that adds a new playable race (blue hobbits!) to The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar.

Turbine Unveils 1st Update for The Lord of the Rings Onlineâ„¢

New adventure area and a new playable race in (Chapter 9)

WESTWOOD, MA – April 1, 2007 — Turbine, Inc. today announced its first major content update planned for The Lord of the Rings OnlineTM: Shadows of AngmarTM (LOTRO). The first update is set to begin at Chapter 9 where the launched product leaves off. Turbine revealed that Chapter 9 includes a new starting location and playable race based upon the Hobbits of the Blue Mountains.

“Turbine has a long tradition of quickly adding new content and Chapter 9 demonstrates our commitment to The Lord of the Rings Online,” said Jeffrey Anderson, president and CEO of Turbine Inc. “The new race and their starting area fit perfectly into the story and setting of The Lord of the Rings.”

Of all the races in Middle-earth, the most beloved are the hobbits. Now, for the first time, players will be able to play a new form of hobbit known as the Sméorufolc (which means “tallow-folk” in Old English). The Sméorufolc were kin to the Fallohides when they came west across the Misty Mountains (Hithaeglir) on their way to the Blue Mountains. In honor of Johan Pewit, the hobbit who led them to their new home, they traditionally wear caps of white wool. They are a peaceful people, sharing a hobbit’s love of food and, in particular, mushrooms. Through their farming, these mushrooms have grown to surprising size on the slopes of the Ered Luin. However, the Sméorufolc’s passion for mushrooms was their undoing, as eating them altered the tone of the hobbits’ skin.

Their history as a race is likewise tragic, frequently plagued by Azrukh, a fallen Maia and former servant of Morgoth, who took the form of a fearsome lynx. It is said that they dwelt in the Blue Mountains long into the Fourth Age, though they diminished with the passing of time. As with dwarves, they have more males than females, and are quite protective of their females.

Players of The Lord of the Rings OnlineTM: Shadows of AngmarTM will be given the unique opportunity to journey across Turbine’s beautiful version of Middle-earth as they aid the Fellowship on its quest toward Mount Doom in the role of Man, hobbit, Elf or dwarf. Having been in development for over four years, Turbine has painstakingly re-created the unique and mystical worlds from the Books of J.R.R. Tolkien, creating a virtual world that brims with life and opportunity for endless adventure. From the quaint surroundings of the Shire to Angmar, the vile kingdom of the Witch-king, players will experience the world of Middle-earth as never before.

For a glimpse at LOTRO’s new playable race, click here!

“The Lord of the Rings Online,” “Shadows of Angmar,” “Middle-earth,” “The Lord of the Rings,” and the names of the characters, events, items and places therein are trademarks or registered trademarks of The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises under license to Turbine, Inc. Turbine and the Turbine logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Turbine, Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners