The Lord of the Rings Online: Legendary Worlds Announced

After releasing the dwarf-flavored Update 23 for The Lord of the Rings Online, Standing Stone Games decided to look back at their long-running MMORPG’s history and announce the Legendary Worlds. Launching in November, this unique “Legendary” server will allow you to begin a fresh journey through Middle Earth and experience the game’s gradually expanding content without a need to rush to the end game.

Here’s a short teaser trailer:

And an excerpt from the Legendary Worlds FAQ:

We are excited to announce a new way to experience The Lord of the Rings Online: Legendary Worlds! Relive the tales of Middle-earth, chapter by chapter, visiting iconic locations and adventuring with new friends – or reconnecting with old ones – on the path of Frodo, Gandalf, and the Fellowship of the Ring.
Join us this fall on a Legendary World and make a fresh start with a brand new character; see Tolkien’s bustling realm anew, whether for your first or fiftieth time. Initially, the Legendary World will begin at the very start of the game and run through Angmar, then open new regions and levels over time. Relive the legend: where everyone is here and the story is now.
Look for more information about this subscriber-only experience coming soon on www.lotro.com and on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Legendary server and a standard server?
On standard servers, players can reach the maximum level cap (currently 120) with no restrictions, and players adventure in the story beyond the destruction of the One Ring.
The Legendary server starts out with only the initial Level 50 and below content, with a focus on the Shadows of Angmar story. Gradually the level cap and story content unlocks over time, allowing players to relive the early Lord of the Rings story anew, together!
Do I need a subscription to play on the Legendary server?
The Legendary server is available to VIP subscribers along with Lifetime VIP subscribers.
Can we transfer characters off or on to this server?
Players cannot transfer characters onto this server. There are currently no plans to allow transfers off of Legendary worlds until these servers have caught up with our other live worlds.
Will I be able to access the LOTRO Store on the Legendary server?
Yes, but some items may not be available until the Legendary server advances further in the Story / Level cap.
[…]
If I previously purchased Expansions or Quest Packs, will I be able to access them on Legendary once the server progresses to them?
Yes, any previously purchased Expansions and Quest Packs will be honored and allow you access on Legendary once the server reaches that point in the Story.
Is the Legendary server a “Classic” or “Vanilla” server?
By most descriptions, a “Classic” server is an attempt to recreate LOTRO exactly as it was at launch, using only assets and content that was available in 2007.
A Legendary server runs alongside existing servers, and therefore contains many of the changes that have been made to the game over the years, such as UI improvements, bug fixes, changes to game systems, etc. In cases where we have updated or changed the layout of regions, the Legendary server uses the updated version of the regions. In cases where we have changed items or player abilities, the Legendary server uses those updated abilities. Some content or gameplay that isn’t appropriate to the Legendary server’s current level cap may be restricted, until that portion of the story unlocks with level cap increases (one does not simply walk into Mordor on Legendary until the time comes).