Lord of the Rings Online expands

Lord of the Rings Onliners will soon be able to explore Moria, the ex-capital city of the dwarves. Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria will be the second chapter in the massively multiplayer online game based on J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy series, and is due for release in autumn.

This first retail expansion pack will let gamers explore the underground caverns, tunnels, mines, and chambers of Moria, in northwestern Middle-earth. There will be hundreds of new quests for players to undertake, along with an increased level cap up to level 60. The new level cap brings with it new traits, virtues, skills, and class quests.

There will be six new books in Mines of Moria, which is described as "the beginning of volume II of the LOTRO," in which there will be events such as the release of Durin's Bane, a battle with the Watcher, and the option to aid Galadriel.

The crafting system will also be expanded, and players will be able to craft more-powerful items. They will also be able to forge legendary items that will level up along with the player and can be customised with virtues, runic legacies, and personalising titles, as well as for use in forming fables.

Last but not least, Mines of Moria will add two new classes to the game, the Rune Keeper and the Warden.