Lorebook Official Game Entry

	Sting A Strong Offence Guardian Level:  1 A quick attack that will lightly wound your opponent. Cost: Power 3m Range Base Cooldown: 6s

An excerpt from My Shield Will Protect You, the memoirs of Casiodorus Rex, Guardian —

As I was enjoying a pint of Barliman’s Best relaxing at the Pracing Pony, I overheard a hunter, champion and guardian having a chat about their recent exploits in Fil Gashan. The Hunter obviously had a few pints under his belt and was rather loud about how the targets he chose fell at the speed of his bow. The champion smirked, as only a dwarf can, and stated that the elf hunter was rabid if he felt his bow led them through the rash of mobs. “My axe felled the beast to ensure our success,” said the dwarf. The hobbit guardian hesitated for a second and stated how his aggravating of the orcs and foe selection is what lead them to victory. At that suggestion, both the elf and the dwarf laughed. The laughter, enhanced by the ales, echoed through the tavern. The dwarf stated that although the hobbit did anger the orcs to draw their attention that is all he did. “The selection of foe’s, my little hobbit friend, falls on the shoulders of us versed in defeating said foe,” insisted the dwarf. The guardian gritted his teeth as if he wanted to speak but remained silent.

Although I and my brethren have protected Men, Elves, Hobbits and even the occasional Dwarf for centuries, the lack of respect that those with heavy shields receive abounds. In this case I felt compelled to defend my diminutive fellow guardian and joined the discussion….

This one is going to tick off even some of the best Guardian’s in the game so I’ll state it up front…

If you don’t know how to be the Main Tank and Main Assist in a fellowship, step up and learn or consider turning in your shield.

Back in beta the topic of Main Tank(MT) vs. Main Assist(MA) came up on the boards. My comments there were one of the few times that I let my opinion guide my post versus just the facts. As the game and my knowledge of LotRO have grown, I have become even stauncher in this opinion since several facts support the case.

First I’ll deflect some basic assumptions. I’m not talking about most raids and not saying that the MT should always be the MA. What I am suggesting is that if Guardian’s want to improve their standing in Middle Earth, accepting the challenge of being both MT and MA can help. In a raid situation it often makes sense for the MT to absolutely not be the MA. Often there is a necessity to hold a huge boss mob away from his minions so it becomes impractical. This is often not the case in the world of fellowships.

There are several reasons why in the world of fellowships that having the MT be the MA has an advantage.

If people don’t stop standing on top of quest givers, vendors and tradesman, I’m going to have to dig some holes in the Lone-lands, Casino style. There are very few things in game more annoying than a bag PUG, but this is one of them. Although The Police were talking about a Lolita in their song, they could have been writing on behalf of any high use NPC in this game. Sometimes being close can cause more trouble than it’s worth.

Is it possible that people don’t know that they are standing on top of an NPC preventing anyone else from interacting? In the words of the Onyxia raid leader, “It’s not even f@#$ing remotely imaginable.” When people hope that we get collision detection, this type of activity is exactly why I’m glad we dont’ have it. You get roughly a 3m range to interact with an NPC and being any closer doesn’t improve the interaction. All you get is images of dwarves and hobbits performing untoward acts on Elves and Men.

Maybe a more modern song gets the point across even better. I think I’m going to have to start a petition to get a Middle Earth version of Ludacris’ song, to be played by any NPC that someone stands on as they interact with them.  When you step up to an NPC and are less than 1m away, he/she will crouch down and the red swirl will start. If you don’t get back to a reasonable distance you’ll get knocked back, all gear takes a 50% durability reduction and the NPC will start playing ”Move B@tch.” Maybe then people will step back far enough so others can use the same NPC. 

Until then please be courteous or the blade of a Guardian axe may hit you in the back.

An excerpt from the diary of Casibank recovered from the floor in Filikul —

Since Elves are so known for their ability with a bow, I always take pride when requested to bring mine to battle, especially from a dwarf. Even though they have “diminished” from their former selves, the elves innate skills and range of attack are to be respected. This fight however will be all about the will to stand toe to toe with another great beast and fell him before the evil in this place becomes overwhelming and we expel our last breaths in retreat.

We approach the gate that the dwarves had opened recently to find a beast that must have been raised on evil and fed with dread. How else could a beast the size of Helchgam fit in the place. With its armored shell it will take more than a quiver of arrows to clear this dungeon of this beast.

As our group discusses the attack strategy, my ears perk up when it is suggested that the guardian must fall in this fight. I’m too stunned to ask why we must accept the defeat of one of our fellows, especially the one most skilled at engaging beast and most capable of mitigating the damage the beast will do. I’m doubly stunned when the guardian agrees that his falling would be the rallying cry for the team.

If only my brother Casiodorus was here to hear such drivel. He’d certainly teach them a thing or two about the importance of all fellows fighting to the death but not accepting death before it is upon us.

A sad trend seems to pop up more and more as this game marches on. The “Death Strategy” seems to be gaining popularity with PUGs and adding to the belief in the uselessness and or expendability of guardians. I first heard of this “Strategy” in The Rift where some people were apparently dying on purpose to get out of combat to use certain skills. Beyond being an asinine approach to any fight, it is compounded by believing that a guardian dying can ever be a good thing.

First, let’s address the major issue with this procedure.

DEATH IS NEVER AN ACCEPTABLE APPROACH TO AN ENCOUNTER!!

If you know anyone that truly thinks that Turbine would design an encounter that requires the death of someone in a fellow or a raid for success, have them send a tell to Noglin on Windfola and ask when he’ll be driving his bus up to Boston to storm Turbine Headquarters. While he is inside complaining about legitimate issues with the game (i.e. a healing class, namely rune-keepers, being able to out damage a class designed for damage), you can ask for the head of the developer that would design the death scenario. When that person isn’t found, you can wait on the grass in Hahvuhd Yahd and watch the Bahnies walk by a Bubbla* with a Hoodsie. Once you’ve come to the reasonable conclusion that premeditated murder of a fellow is wrong, even in LotRO, come up with a strategy that does make sense for whatever encounter you are doing.

Now I know defeat will often come during a fight and the group will tarry on and/or get rez happy. I’ll even stand on the premise that a sacrificial hunter** makes any encounter a greater success. But a guardian is the last class that should be thrown under the bus in almost any situation.

1. Guardian’s are at the top of the threat meter, followed closely by minstrel’s most of the time.

The guardians who are or want to be across the line generate more agro than anyone in the group who understands their class and role in a fellowship. The other guardians need to step up so that they matter in the area of our greatest expertise. Right behind the guardian is the person who has been keeping the guardian and everyone else alive, the healer (MNS, RK). Too many runs have fallen apart because the guardian dies, then the healer, then everyone else as they run around in fear. The reason anyone would sacrifice a guardian specifically is short-sided at best.

BTW, Repositioning is fine and often needed but remember this: Don’t run…you’ll only die tired.

2. Guardians are still, the best for multi mob agro management.

I know Wardens have joined in on the agro dance and on really long fights can out agro a guardian if they really try. The problem is that places them into the same category as all of the other classes when it comes to managing agro. If you are not the assigned tank, you should never be trying to out-agro the tank. This goes for multi-guard groups too. So since the guard is the best equipped to handle the agro from mobs and the damage they cause, why would you want that person gone…ever? My homies over in Preying Mantis have shown with things like the No Fly Zone, that a Guardian is not needed, but if he’s there, he’s still the best at doing his job well. The classes that can out-agro the guardian can NOT do a better job in mitigating the damage. Add avoidance into the equation and one class still stands tall.

3. Guardians can limit healing necessity better than any class.

Good guardians not only have high morale, mitigation and avoidance. They understand their skills to stay alive and positioning. Nothing as simple as proper positioning increases the damage done by the group consistently. With a guardian turning the back of the mobs to the group, all attacks increase the chance of hitting by removing block and parry. Add to that a well used Guardian’s Pledge and the massive non-bleed damage is gone for 15 seconds. This means in most encounters the healers can heal less people and sometimes only the guardian which absolutely improves the odds of success.

So stop trying to find a way around turbine’s design and just conquer it. Figure out how to use the skills aguardian brings to the table well and the tough encounters can get easier. Remember, the only time guardian should ever die is when a Summoner in Thrang’s room decides to stick a worm in the wall so you can’t get out of combat. Even then, if he chooses to drop group, be re-invited and walk all the way back in, understand that his sacrifice is out of honour and an attempt to restore faith in our great class.  

“People should love you. They really should, okay? And I want to deliver that for you. It’s the least that I can do. You’re a superhero. Kids should be running up to you, asking for your autograph, people should be cheering you on the streets…” - Ray Embrey, Respecter of Guardians

*Yes, I know there isn’t a bubbla in the Yahd

**If a hunter dies before anyone else, he overaggroed and/or is under geared. His death is therefore educational, which makes it good(luck). 

An excerpt from the diary of Casiodorus Rex recovered from a set of stairs in the 16^th Hall —

I joined up with a new group of adventurers today. Although I would prefer to enter the deeps of Moria with my kinsman and a few others that I have travelled with, this fellowship was in need of a heavy shield. Knowing the groups newness to the area, I had planned to guide them through with discipline that would lead us to success with the lowest amount of risk. The orcs and Urukai in these areas deserve our respect as much as they deserve the steel from my axe.

As we entered the first room, I looked forward and saw the first set of orcs we would find. The dwarf champion with us steamed with the rage of Dwalin seeing his halls sullied with the presence of these warmongers. As I was ready to engage the first target, an arrow flew over my head from the anxious elf hunter. He truly must think that he is Bard himself being so bold as to enrage these orcs before his fellowship was ready. His medium armour is no match for the orcs ranged attacks and it takes all of my skill to save him from certain defeat. Sadly, I have seen this approach from Minstrels and even the occasional Loremaster.

Before we encounter another group of orcs, a lesson needs to be taught.

As LotRO has become a DPS fest it seems that many people have given up on the concept of efficient pulling. Pull ‘em all and let the Maia sort it out seems to be the mantra. While there is nothing wrong with a skilled group to do this, the art of pulling has become lost for many people who should have the skill.

This art, best lead IMO by a guardian, is essential as new content is pushed upon us. When you don’t know the skills of either the people you are fellowed with or the content before you, the proper pull can be the difference between a few silver repair and demoralizing half gold plus repairs. First, let’s address why I consider the guardian the best puller.

1. No class is better suited to take damage, especially in the beginning of a fight, than a guardian.

Unless you carry a heavy shield with you as a standard approach to a new fight, you are missing a significant amount of armour (around 2K in MoM, 1.5k in SoA) and Ranged Vulnerability (+10% ftw). Since initial agro is so important and will activate most mobs best attack within 5 seconds, who other than guardians are best suited to take that damage?

2. Initial aggro gives the guardian a better chance to stay ahead in threat to other fellowship members.

Even though there are some other classes that like to start a fight, the initial hit should ALWAYS be from the guardian. Even in the case of the “Mez Pull” the initial agro generating hit should be from the tank. One of the best examples is the second pull in the rift (Slave Master, Slave, Hillmen). To ensure the buff from the master doesn’t go off, people often start with having the Master CCed, (LM mez, Brg Riddle, HNT Bards Arrow). The problem is now the slave (if she doesn’t drop to her knees) and her Hillmen friends are running toward a med/light armour wearer. That is not a recipe for success. Although the intent is good (CC), the order is not ideal. The CC should happen moments after the guardian has pulled the mobs with his/her bow. This way those mad mobs are running toward the person whose job it is to gather them up instead of someone who will normally spend the rest of the fight hoping nothing hits them.

3. The position of the puller determines the location of the fight.

When ranged (HNT, RK) or people who often prefer to be at range (LM, MNS) pull, the mobs often run right by the tanks back to the squishy classes which makes all the heavies work harder than necessary to do easy things. If the guardian pulls, the melee mobs end up coming to the guardian, while the ranged mobs stop at a distance increasing the chance that any CC on them will not be interrupted. This also allows the heavies to see if the ranged mobs have lost their anger at them as they move forward to damage people in the back. This positional move allows options for the group in the form of fears (MNS, HNT), additional CC (LM, BRG, HNT) or, as one guardian used to say, the ultimate CC, tanking.

So far I have only spoken about pulling from range with the bow of the guardian. Why not discuss body pulling? Mostly because, with very few exceptions, a body pull decreases the value of all of the rules above. When you body pull you may get all of the agro but any guardian who has been around the block a few times knows that an overzealous range class or healer can have those mobs fly right by you to the squishies and you’re right back recovering from a mess instead of controlling one. This leads to having less control over the location of the fight and often means you’re catching up on the agro generated from the healing and DPS classes. This is not to say that I or many others have never body pulled. But in new content or a PUG situation, it’s not recommended. Moreover, a body pull normally means a Challenge or CtD ends up being used and there are times that you might not want to lead with a skill that is so useful to recover with.

So here’s the challenge. When you are in a group, you should be the puller. Your kinmates will understand and the PUGs you join will again learn that a Guardian has a role that some have forgotten but you haven’t. Don’t let a class that is not as suited as you do the one job, aggro management, which we are supposed to be most suited to accomplish.  

It is amazing how the love for Guardian’s ebbs and flows in this game. Sometimes this is due to a shift (wounds should matter), clarification (Grd’s aren’t the only tanks, get over it) or error in Turbines design (the threat rollercoaster from SoA to MoM to MoM.2) and sometimes it’s due to the talents of players who can work outside the box and accomplish feats that are not intended with the class make-ups (Ranged tanking/6-manning raids/Soloing 6-man’s). While these feelings toward the validity and value of guardians are felt on each server, there is nowhere that the whining/love dance can be felt more than on the guardian boards. It never ceases to amaze me how, before most people even log on and try something, multipage complaints can pop up on changes to the system. In a constantly changing world where things cannot and will not be perfect or even close every time a change is made, we need to be able to play first and type second. Even when typing, we need to bug first and forum post second. 

The biggest problem that many have seen is that we have a core of experienced guardian’s out there but significantly more guardian’s whose play is more laid back and/or uneducated. The former is fine; the latter, not so much. This lack of experience and/or knowledge makes people often think the class is diminished.

This is not so.

Like so many other classes, there are some who know the deal (as much as the deal can be known) and others who are still learning. Being an undersized class in relation to many other classes means the cream rises to the top but there isn’t much of it.

So here I am drawing a line in the sand for all guardians on all servers. Are you going to whine over the class that many of you swear to love? Or are you going to learn the tools of the guardian so well that people on you server will realize that any complaints they have about a particular guardian, is not a general complaint in the class? If we do stumble on a change is truly bad, you will be among those of us that write bug reports to turbine full of FACTUAL information so they can do their best to keep our class viable and fun to play. Moreover, you will be a champion for those who think that everything we can do can be done by other classes just as well. For those who are or want to be in the latter group, here’s where some of your learning will hopefully occur.

On the forums I have had a history of keeping it factual. I’ve always done my best to post the facts as they can be proven versus emotional tirades. Although that forum behavior will continue, this journal will be for the things that fit more in the area of experience. Mixed in with this knowledge will be the occasional general rant, I am going to take the time to break down, sometimes in grave detail, some of the basic and advanced techniques that every guardian needs to know. These are the things that the top Guardian’s of the game know and even disagree on but do enough that they are welcome even in groups that are looking for other classes. The guardians that make the chance of success for any raid or fellowship they join higher.

So read and rant back but remember the words typed here. Your sword and board will become lighter, your two-hander swifter and the people you tank for will again be proud that this slow killing, long lasting monster is in the group.

“You’re [Guardian's] now. You adapt. You overcome. You improvise. Let’s move.” - Honorary Guardian, Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Highway