Ten Ton Hammer Exclusive

Point of Interest: Brockenborings Orchard

Received by Ralsu

The friendly folks on the Turbine team behind Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar (LOTRO) were kind enough to send me some screenshots of the Brockenborings Orchard.

In particular, I wish to thank Adam Merksy, Director of Communications at Turbine for helping these pictures find their way to my inbox.

---

Exploring Middle-earth: Brockenborings Orchard
A picturesque hobbit village renowned for its splendid orchards, Brockenborings comes to life beautifully thanks to the artful craft of Turbine Developer Chris Pierson. Pierson is a Turbine veteran with over 6 years of lending his talents to the Turbine team. A self-proclaimed Lord of the Rings "lore monkey" who is "way too familiar with the books for [his] own good," Pierson's passion for accurately recreating Tolkien's world shows in the intricate details evident in Brockenborings.

Look closely and you will find that some apples are riper on one side than another. Some leaves show signs of the discoloration that comes with the transition from summer to autumn. Even the bark of the trees displays natural-looking scarring. Clearly, Brockenborings is a labor of love for Pierson, one about which every hobbit fans should be excited.

Also take notice of the accuracy of the stone wall forming a perimeter around the orchard. Rather than smooth, computer-generated stones that all catch the light evenly, the stones in the wall at Brockenborings are rough and uneven. Some of the stones jut out beyond the ones beneath them, creating realistic shadows and textures for the world of Middle-earth.

Finally, pay attention to the detail on the exterior walls of the windmill. Some of the plaster has cracked and started to chip away due to the ravages of weather, exposing the brick foundation underneath. Wildflowers grow at the base of the windmill--just as they do near the bottoms of the hills into which the hobbits build their homes.

Be careful, however, that the serene scene depicted in Brockenborings doesn't lull you into a sense of security. Dangers abound everywhere in Middle-earth, and horrors could be mere paces beyond the stone wall surrounding the orchard. LOTRO players, especially hobbits, should have ample opportunity to visit Brockenborings, and it is sure to be one of the more popular landmarks in the game. With its rustic beauty and authentic design, Chris Pierson has cemented the orchard as a very "real" part of Tolkien's world.

---