You're going to raise a number of questions the moment you get to Mordor. Here's a guide to the Allegiance system in LOTRO...

Mordor is yours for exploration...

Good day to you, fellow Middle-Earthers! So, you've reached level 110 in LOTRO, you are roaming the black land of Mordor, and you've just started the Allegiance system by talking to Eomer in the Udun area. Good for you!

So, as you probably understand by now, you are asked to choose an Allegiance to either the race of Men (by speaking to prince Imrahil), Elves (by speaking to Elladan and Elrohir), Hobbits (by speaking to Merry and Pippin), or Dwarves (by speaking to Dori) respectively. Each faction has a unique quest chain and therein lies the question... Which faction do you choose?

As it often is with new features in LOTRO, you probably have no idea where to start, how to pick, and most importantly, you are afraid of making an irreversible mistake. I completely feel for you! 

But when it comes to this new reputation system called the Allegiance - you don't have to worry! You can experience all four stories and questlines. 

However, it is very important which faction you choose as your primary Allegiance. The reason for that is that, while you can go through all four questlines and build a reputation with all four factions, you cannot do it at the same time. Furthermore, the primary Allegiance has the biggest reputation bonuses and is the easiest to max out. For every next faction, reputation is harder and harder to max out. 

That being said, there isn't a "best" choice. It's more of a preference, and which story you want to see first. 

I'll try to create a list of mine and give you some insight, without spoiling much, because as you know, the epic storyline is what it's all about in LOTRO. Bear in mind though that it's all individual and you should feel free to make your own choices when it comes to Allegiances. 

So without further ado, let's dive into it:

4) Dwarves

How did Dwarves end up in the Black Land? Find out for yourself!

As much as I am a fan of Dwarves (and I am the biggest fan of Dwarves), the story revolving around Dwarves was the least important at the time. It creates continuity to the later theme of Erebor and is useful since you get a quick port to Erebor for later quests, but at the time, I didn't find it as engaging as the others. Or maybe it's because I did the Dwarves last and I was just tired of the depressing Mordor landscape.

3) Elves

Caras Galadhon, the city of light...

The story of Elves in Mordor revolves around the defense of Lothlorien during the War of the Ring and the book, so I found it fun, immersive, epic, and highly enjoyable.

2) Hobbits

Merry and Pippin are always fun to be with! 

Who can resist Merry and Pippin? I don't want to spoil much. I'm just going to say that interaction with these silly little creatures is just the dose of light humor and happiness that you need after such a long time in Mordor. It breaks the bleakness of it all.

1) Men

From Strider to King Elessar...

Ok, so 2, 3, and 4 can be done in any order you want. But I strongly recommend doing the Gondor Allegiance first. Why? Because the story of the War of the Ring, the Battle of the Black Gate is finished with Aragorn. It is only fitting that you get to see the coronation of King Elessar as a perfect conclusion to the story and I wouldn't wait for a second for it. It is epic, endearing, and beautiful. And it should have a smooth continuity with the previous epic chapter. Or at least that's how I feel.

Also, I would recommend that after the coronation you proceed to the wedding instance (that was added only last year) and beautifully complete that circle (just like in the movies).

All in all, there isn't a right or wrong answer, whatever order you choose for leveling your Allegiances, I promise you'll get there. And it will be a treat!

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