Warden

Armed with spears and javelins as their weapons of choice, Wardens use a gambit system to execute powerful combo attacks at the front lines. Unlike other tank classes, the warden uses medium armour and as such relies on self-healing in addition to blocking, parrying and evading. Wardens excel at holding aggro on numerous foes at once through the use of area-of-effect taunts and the transference of threat away from others. Most of the Warden's skills are in the form of Gambits, which take 3 basic elements (main hand attack, defensive shield bash, warden's taunt) and combine as many as five builders to create moves greater than the sum of their parts.

Unlocking the Warden costs 795 Turbine Points from the LOTRO Store, even for VIP's. Included with Mines of Moria Expansion.

Available Races: Elf, Hobbit, Man


Classes	Bu	Ca	Ch	Gu	Hu	Lm	Mi	Rk	Wd
Skills	Bu	Ca	Ch	Gu	Hu	Lm	Mi	Rk	Wd
Traits	Bu	Ca	Ch	Gu	Hu	Lm	Mi	Rk	Wd

Development Background

Turbine has explained that "the Warden's gameplay mechanics owe a debt to Tekken as much as to any Elf-lord." LotRO Executive director Jeffrey Steefel described the Warden as a character "for players [that] want to anticipate what they'll need 10 seconds from now as opposed to right this second."^[1] Creative Director Cardell Kerr describes the Warden as "the local beat cop of Middle earth ... he has this kind of utility about him."^[2]

Warden's Role in Groups

Wardens are primarily tanks. They can also supply interrupts, moderate ranged DPS, and DoTs. Switching between roles effectively can take a short while due to the nature of the gambit system, which builds recent moves upon one another.

Special Class Abilities

Wardens have a toggled run-speed buff, which only works out of combat. They can also port to locations much like a Hunter, but unlike a Hunter, cannot bring anyone with them.

Skills

Active Skills

Basic Gambits

Ability	Category	Level	Range	Description
Gambit Default	Melee	1	2.5	This skill updates to the correct gambit as icons are added to the Gambit display. If no gambit matches the current Gambit display this skill will do a minor melee attack and clear the display.
Quick Thrust	Melee	1	2.5	Spear to the Gambit display.
Shield-bash	Melee+Buff	2	2.5	Shield to the Gambit display.
Warden's Taunt	Threat+Bleed	4	10	Fist to the Gambit display.
Recovery		10		Even Wardens can make mistakes, and being caught in the middle of a long Gambit when fast action is required can be the last mistake a Warden ever makes. This skill completely resets the Gambit Panel.
Fist and Fist	Mastery	20		Quickly adds two Fist gambit builders
Fist and Shield	Mastery	20		Quickly adds a Fist and a Shield gambit builders
Fist and Spear	Mastery	20		Quickly adds a Fist and a Spear gambit builders
Shield and Fist	Mastery	20		Quickly adds a Shield and a Fist gambit builders
Shield and Shield	Mastery	20		Quickly adds two Shield gambit builders
Shield and Spear	Mastery	20		Quickly adds a Shield and a Spear gambit builders
Spear and Fist	Mastery	20		Quickly adds a Spear and a Fist gambit builders
Spear and Shield	Mastery	20		Quickly adds a Spear and a Shield gambit builders
Spear and Spear	Mastery	20		Quickly adds two Spear gambit builders
Quick Recovery		24		Experienced Wardens can change their Gambits in mid-stroke. This skill removes the last Gambit icon from the Gambit Panel.

Javelin Skills

Ability	Category	Level	Range	Description
Javelin-toss	Ranged	1	25	Primary javelin attack.
Ambush	Ranged+Debuff	10	25	When given time to prepare the opening volley of a Warden's attack can be quite painful.
Shield Piercer	Ranged+Debuff	20	25	Special javelins will pierce a defender's shield and bend making the javelin difficult to remove and the shield nearly worthless.
Hampering Javelin	Ranged+Debuff	28	25	Javelins can pierce body parts or equipment and slow the target until the javelin can be removed.
Wages of Fear	Ranged	38	25	Turning your back on a Warden with javelin at hand is likely to be the last thing you do.
Improved Javelin-toss	Ranged	66	25	Primary javelin attack, enhanced through years of study and practice.

Travel Skills

Ability	Category	Level	Description
Muster in Ost Guruth	Travel	26	Wardens are called on to defend many wilderness outposts from attack.
Muster in Esteldin	Travel	32	Wardens are called on to defend many wilderness outposts from attack.
Muster in Evendim	Travel	40	Wardens are called on to defend many wilderness outposts from attack.
Muster in Rivendell	Travel	44	Wardens are called on to defend many wilderness outposts from attack.
Muster in Sûri-kylä	Travel	48	Wardens are called on to defend many wilderness outposts from attack. (reputation required to gain skill - Lossoth of Forochel).
Muster in the 21st Hall	Travel	56	Wardens are called on to defend many wilderness outposts from attack. (reputation required to gain skill - Iron Garrison Miners).
Muster in Mirk-eaves	Travel	62	Wardens are called on to defend many wilderness outposts from attack. (reputation required to gain skill - Malledhrim).
Muster in Harndirion	Travel	62	Wardens are called on to defend many wilderness outposts from attack. (reputation required to gain skill - The Grey Company).
Muster in Galtrev	Travel	70	Wardens are called on to defend many wilderness outposts from attack. (reputation required to gain skill - Men of Dunland).
Muster in Stangard	Travel	75	Wardens are called on to defend many wilderness outposts from attack. (reputation required to gain skill - The Riders of Stangard).

Warden Stances

Ability	Category	Level	Description
Recklessness	Stance	10	The Warden attacks harder and faster but does not pay as much attention to defence.
Determination	Stance	20	A Warden's Determination increases their Morale during combat.
Assailment	Stance	30

Warden Training

Ability	Category	Level	Range	Description
Critical Strike	Melee	10	2.5	Ambush victims and other dazed opponents are vulnerable to a Critical Strike.
Careful Step	Stealth	14		Wardens can move stealthily for short periods of time. This greatly facilitates their ability to ambush their foes.
Forced March	Buff	14		Wardens are used to hard marching to reach threatened towns in time.
Battle Preparation		24
Battle Memory I		40		Wardens live a life of battle. Sometimes the potency of that battle can persist.
Never Surrender	Threat transfer	50		Wardens, after returning to battle following a defeat, can throw off despair and return to war. The Warden's near-defeat will cause some lasting penalties to the Warden's skills. Requires being recently revived or a dread defeat effect.

Fist Gambits

Ability	Category	Level	Range	Description
Goad	Melee+Threat+Bleed+AoE	4	6.2	Goads nearby targets with the Warden's voice.
Precise Blow	Melee+Threat	12	2.5	Aiming for your opponent's vulnerable spots.
War-cry	Melee+Threat+Bleed+AoE	13	10.2	A bold challenge to the forces of darkness.
Brink of Victory	Melee+Bleed	22	2.5	There comes a time when your opponents just know that a Warden cannot be defeated and their morale just fades away.
Fierce Resolve	AoE Morale drain	26	6.2	Wardens are fierce in combat unnerving all enemies.
Piercing Strike	Melee+Threat	30	2.5	Every enemy has weak points. It is all in knowing where to strike. Sometimes even the smallest blow can have large effects on the target's morale.
Spear of Virtue	Melee+Threat	46	2.5	Highly trained Wardens can wield their weapons with such skill that normal armor affords little protection.
Surety of Death	Melee+Threat+Bleed	48	2.5	Challenging a Warden is battle is certainly hazardous and all of the forces of shadow know this.
Desolation	AoE Morale Drain	56	6.2	A Warden can single out a group of opponents draining their morale to the point that they may flee.
Exultation of Battle	AoE Threat+Morale drain	60	6.2	Wardens find strength in the sure knowledge that they are fighting to defend the defenceless. No matter the odds they will not fall. Nearby enemies lose Morale over time while the Warden gains it.
Aggression	Threat transfer	62	2.5	A challenging shout that seems to come from everywhere.
Resolution	AoE Morale drain	72	6.2	The Warden never doubts ultimate victory even when assailed by multiple foes.

Javelin Gambits

Ability	Category	Level	Range	Description
Ranged Deft Strike	Melee	30	25	A powerful javelin throw.
Ranged Boot	Melee+Debuff+Interrupt	30	25	A powerful throw that interrupts inductions and has a chance to Root the target.
Ranged Offensive Strike	Melee+Threat	30	25	A double throw that adds Light-based damage over time to the first toss.
Ranged Power Attack	Melee+Bleed	30	25	A throw with the full strength and skill of the Warden is almost impossible to block.
Ranged Combination Strike	Melee+Threat	30	25	A dual javelin throw that will deal enhanced damage if the Offensive Strike damage over time effect is present and then apply another damage over time effect.
Ranged Onslaught	Melee+Interrupt	32	25	Multiple fast throws unnerve the Warden's opponents and interrupt inductions.
Ranged Wall of Steel	Melee+Buff+Interrupt	36	25	A weaving pattern before throwing a javelin interrupts inductions and creates a shield which may reflect damage to all attacking you.
Ranged Mighty Blow	Melee+Bleed	38	25	A mighty throw that is very difficult to parry or evade.
Ranged Boar's Rush	Melee+Debuff	44	25	A swift throw with an increased chance to critical. If the damage over time effect from combination strike is present on the target the throw will deal extra damage. This skill adds another damage over time effect.
Ranged Unerring Strike	Melee+Increased chance-to-hit	50	25	A mighty throw that is very difficult to block, parry or evade. This skill applies an additional damage over time effect to the target.
Ranged Reversal	Melee+Debuff	52	25	Wardens have learned a particular throw that negates Corruption abilities.
Ranged Adroit Manoeuvre	Melee+Buff	58	25	A skilled Warden can throw a sequence of javelins that allow the Warden to move without wasted motion.
Ranged The Dark Before Dawn	Melee+Power Heal	64	25	A skilled warden know how to draw power from unlikely places. This throw heartens the warden and helps to restore their vigor.
Ranged Warden's Triumph	Melee+Buff	70	25	A triumphant throw can inspire the Warden to deal even more damage in close combat.

Shield Gambits

Ability	Category	Level	Range	Description
Defensive Strike	Melee+Buff	2	2.5	A weak attack.
Persevere	Melee+HoT (self)	6	2.5	A quick thrust forces the enemy away long enough to gain some breathing space.
Impressive Flourish	Melee+Bleed+HoT (self)	9	2.5	Wardens are experts with their chosen weapons. Sometimes their enemies need to be reminded.
Maddening Strike	Melee+Threat Transfer	16	2.5	A quick and well-placed attack.
Shield Up	Buff	20		The Warden takes a defensive posture with shield raised high.
Safeguard	Melee+HoT (self)	24	2.5	A quick hit and brief respite in battle is all that it takes for a Warden to regain fighting spirit.
Shield Mastery	Buff	34		Shields are an integral part of the Warden's armament.
Celebration of Skill	Melee+HoT (self)	40	2.5	The Warden's skill at arms is on full display.
Dance of War	Buff+AoE Threat transfer	42		Martial manoeuvre designed to evade enemy blows.
Deflection	Threat transfer	50	2.5	When pressed and in need of respite, the Warden is capable of using his voice and shield to ward against further attacks.
Conviction	AoE HoT+AoE Threat transfer	54	30.2	Wardens are able to share their confidence with their fellowship.
Shield Tactics	Buff	68		Shields are as one with the Warden and can provide increased defensive capabilities and immunity to stun for a short time.
Restoration	Melee+HoT (self)	74	2.5	There comes a time when a Warden's commitment to victory is challenged and only the practiced strokes of spear and shield can restore the Warden's confidence.

Spear Gambits

Ability	Category	Level	Range	Description
Deft Strike	Melee	1	2.5	A powerful blow.
The Boot	Melee+Debuff+Interrupt	3	2.5	A powerful kick that interrupts inductions and has a chance to daze the target.
Offensive Strike	Melee+Threat	10	2.5	A double attack.
Power Attack	Melee+Bleed	18	2.5	A blow with the full power and skill of the Warden is almost impossible to block.
Combination Strike	Melee+Threat	28	2.5	A dual weapon strike.
Onslaught	Melee+Interrupt	32	2.5	Multiple fast attacks unnerve the Warden's opponents and interrupt inductions.
Wall of Steel	Melee+Buff+Interrupt	36	2.5	A weaving pattern of weapon attacks that interrupts inductions.
Mighty Blow	Melee+Bleed	38	2.5	A mighty blow that is very difficult to parry or evade.
Boar's Rush	Melee+Debuff	44	2.5	A fast charge behind the Warden's shield that has an increased chance of scoring a critical hit.
Unerring Strike	Melee+Increased chance-to-hit	50	3	A mighty blow that is very difficult to block, parry or evade.
Reversal	Melee+Debuff	52	2.5	Wardens have learned a particular pattern of blow that negates Corruption abilities.
Adroit Manoeuvre	Melee+Buff	58	2.5	A skilled Warden can set up a sequence of blows so that they can be executed flawlessly without wasted motion.
The Dark Before Dawn	Melee+Power Heal	64	2.5	A skilled Warden knows how to draw power from unlikely places.
Warden's Triumph	Melee+Buff	70	2.5	A triumphant blow can inspire the Warden to deal even more damage in close combat.

Passive Skills

Armour Proficiencies

Weapon	Category	Level	Description
Light Armour	Armour	1	Allows the use of Light Armour
Medium Armour	Armour	1	Allows the use of Medium Armour
Shields	Off-hand	1	Increases Armour and Chance to Block
Warden's Shields	Off-hand	1	Warden's Shield's armour ranges between Heavy Shields and regular Shields

Base Passive Skills

For details see Dwarf, Elf, Hobbit, or Man

Combat Characteristics

Name	Level	Description
Critical Defence	20	Reduces the Warden's chance to suffer a Critical Hit.
2 Icon Gambits	1	Allows execution of gambits requiring 2 icons.
3 Icon Gambits	16	Allows execution of gambits requiring 3 icons.
4 Icon Gambits	30	Allows execution of gambits requiring 4 icons.
5 Icon Gambits	40	Allows execution of gambits requiring 5 icons.
Improved Defensive Strike	40	Using the skill Defensive Strike can apply the Potency effect to you.
Improved Deft Strike	40	Using the skill Deft Strike can apply the Potency effect to you.
Improved Goad Strike	40	Using the skill Goad can apply the Potency effect to you.

Instrument Proficiencies

	Ability	Level
	Specialized Equipment	1
	Horn Use	1
	Lute Use	1

Misc. Passive Skills

Name	Level	Description
Carving Use	20	Allows the use of Carvings.
Shield Spike Use	20	Allows the use of shield-spikes.
Use of Fire	20	Enables hunters and wardens to apply fire-oil to their ranged weapons.
Use of Light	30	Enables hunters and wardens to apply light-oil to their ranged weapons.

Weapon Proficiencies

Weapon	Category	Level	Description
Club Training	1H	1	Chance of slowing the target's attack speed
Daggers	1H	1	Chance to land critical hit
Javelins	Ranged	1	Allows the use of javelins
One-handed Axes	1H	1	Chance to reduce enemy's armour
One-handed Hammers	1H	1	Chance to reduce enemy's Evade
One-handed Maces	1H	1	Chance of slowing the target's movement speed.
Spear Training	MHO	1	Chance of wounding the target, causing damage over time.
Sword Training	1H	1	Increases chance to hit
Expert Club Training	1H	15	Wardens learn advanced club techniques when keeping order in civilized lands.
Expert Sword Training	1H	15	Wardens have learned a few fancy sword maneuvers.
Expert Spear Training	MHO	15	Wardens train primarily with spears and have learned how to get the most out of them.
Master Club Training	1H	30	Wardens learn advanced club techniques when keeping order in civilized lands.
Master Sword Training	1H	30	Wardens have learned a few fancy sword maneuvers.
Master Spear Training	MHO	30	Wardens train primarily with spears and have learned how to get the most out of them.

Trait Sets

All Warden Traits cost 11 25 to slot.

Way of the Spear

Name	Description	Level	Deed/Quest
Skill and Power	While using Careful Step you will have a 100% chance to score a critical strike with Ambush and your successful spear gambits reduce the cooldown on Shield-piercer by 3 seconds. Spear Gambits will reduce the cooldown of Shield-piercer by 3 seconds	1	Strike with Deft Strike 200 times (50/day)
Efficient Thrust	All of your Gambits initiated with a Spear or Javelin symbol will cost less power. -40% to all Gambit Builders beginning with Spear or Javelin; this extends to masteries	1	Strike with Quick Thrust 200 times (50/day)
Find Weakness	Your Critical Strike skill has an even higher chance of scoring a critical hit. +[Level x 8] to Critical Strike Rating for The Boot, Power Attack, Mighty Blow, and Unnerring Strike.	10	Achieve critical hits with Critical Strike 75 times
Veteran	Application of additional bonuses potentially applied by Basic Spear Gambit Builders in increased by 10%. Adds 10% to chance to apply bonuses when using Quick Thrust, Quick Toss and Quick Stab.	15	Complete the class quest A Spear at the Southern March
A Keen Response	Increases parry rating from gambits starting with Spear or Javelin and on a successful parry restores power to the Warden. +[Level x 4] Warden Gambits Parry Rating Successful Parries or Partial Parries will restore 1% of Warden's Power	20	Strike with Precise Blow 350 times (50/day)
Force of Personality	Increases the pulse count of all Warden Damage over time effects by 2. +2 Fist Gambit Damage Over Times Pulses	40	Strike with Surety of Death, Resolution or Spear of Virtue 500 times (50/day)
Deadly Thrust	All of your Gambits initiated with a Spear symbol have an increased critical hit chance. +[Level x 8] Spear Gambit Critical Rating	50	Strike with The Dark Before Dawn 250 times (25/day)
Master of the Spear	So great is the Warden's Skill that their Spear Masteries now provide the benefits of their base Gambit Builders.	40	Strike with Mighty Blow, Wall of Steel or Boar's Rush 500 times (50/day)

Way of the Shield

Name	Description	Level	Deed/Quest
Wary Blocks	The duration of the benefits gained from all effects exclusively enhancing Block are increased by 10 seconds. +10s buff Duration to effects exclusively affect Block	1	Strike with Defensive Strike 200 times (50/day)
Shield Trickery	Application of additional bonuses potentially applied by Basic Shield Gambit Builders is increased by 10%. Adds 10% to chance to apply bonuses when using Shield Bash, Shield Blast and Behind the Shield.	10	Strike with Shield-bash 250 times (50/day)
Perseverance	All Warden Heal over Time effects will last two additional pulses. +2 Pulse Heal Over Time Skills	30	Strike with Persevere 500 times (50/day)
Skillful Blocking	Your Block value is increased. +[Level x 8] Block Rating Successful Blocks or Partial Blocks will restore 1% of Warden's Morale	10	Block attacks 500 times (75/day)
Never Say Die	Reduces the cooldown of Never Surrender and increases the base amount of power and morale healed by Never Surrender by 10%. Reduces the cooldown of Never Surrender by 60 seconds	20	Strike with Safeguard 200 times (35/day)
Efficient Shieldwork	All of your Gambits initiated with a Shield symbol will cost less power. -5% to any Gambit beginning with a shield; this extends to masteries	20	Strike with Shield Up 200 times (50/day)
Ward of Justice	Your Goad can now affect 3 additional targets. +3 Goad Targets	30	Complete the class quest A Defence in the Darkness
Master of the Shield	So great is the Warden's Skill that their Shield Masteries now provide the benefits of their base Gambit Builders.	50	Strike with Shield Mastery, Celebration of Skill or Dance of War 500 times (50/day)

Way of the Fist

Name	Description	Level	Deed/Quest
Know Your Enemy	Increases the Critical Chance of your Fist Gambits. +[Level x 8] Critical Rating	1	Strike with Goad 200 times (50/day)
Deadly Insult	Fist Gambits will deal more damage to targets. +5% Fist Gambit Damage Over Time Damage	10	Strike with Warden's Taunt 250 times (50/day)
Strong Voice	Reduces the chance that your Fist Gambits will be resisted. +[Level x 20] Target Fist Gambits Resist Rating	20	Strike with War-cry 500 times (75/day)
Terrible Visage	All damage over time effects from Fist Gambits inflict increased damage. +[Level x 44] Target Warden's Taunt Resist Rating Increases threat generated by skills in Determination Stance Increases Warden DoT Damage by 5% in Assailment and Recklessness Stances	30	Strike with Fierce Resolve 500 times (50/day)
Confidence	Application of additional bonuses potentially applied by Basic Fist Gambit Builders is increased by 10%. Adds 10% to chance to apply bonuses when using Warden's Taunt, Warden's Scorn and Warden's Aim.	30	Strike with Brink of Victory 350 times (35/day)
Expert Hurler	All Javelin skills other than Javelin Toss have reduced cooldowns. -15s to all Javelin Skills Cooldown except Javelin Toss	30	Strike with javelin skills 500 times (50/day)
Mighty Throw	All skills using a Javelin to incrreased damage. Increases the critical damage dealt by Fist Gambits. +10% Javelin Skills Damage +5% Fist Gambit Critical Multiplier	40	Complete Expert Hurler Strike with Ambush 350 times (35/day)
Master of the Fist	So great is the Warden's Skill that their Fist Masteries now provide the benefits of their base Gambit Builders.	50	Strike with Exultation of Battle or Desolation 500 times (50/day)

Set Bonuses

Legendary Traits

All Legendary Traits cost 101 25 to slot.

Name	Description	Level	Deed/Quest
Defiant Challenge	You may use Defiant Challenge to force all nearby enemies to attack you. Skills Earned: Defiant Challenge	39	Find pages of the book Bullroarer's Boy
Grand Master Weapons Training	The ultimate level of training with the Warden's preferred weapons. +5% Melee Damage The inherent bleed damage from Spears happens more often The inherent attack speed debuff from Clubs happens more often +1% inherent Sword to hit bonus modifier Damage from intrinsic spear bleeds is greatly increased(~double).	39	Find pages of the book Chieftains of the Dúnedain
Javelin of Deadly Force	You may throw your javelin with such deadly force it can pierce multiple bodies on the way to its final target. Skills Earned: Javelin of Deadly Force	39	Find pages of the book The Watch Against the Night
Way of the Warden	Combine all of the Warden's fighting styles into a single master style using the best parts of each. Skills Earned: Way of the Warden	45/50	Complete the class quest chain Watching the Marches A Warden's Second Best Ally / A Weapon of Might and Glory Wisdom of the Wardens
Way of the Spear	You have mastered the Warden's art of physical combat. +5% Melee Damage +30% Warden's Triumph Damage Increases the duration of the Warden's Triumph damage increase by 10 seconds. Requires: 5 traits in Way of the Spear line slotted.	58	Get the book The Path Less Trod Requires: Kindred Standing with Iron Garrison Guards
Way of the Shield	You have mastered the Warden's art of defensive combat. +2 Pulse Heal Over Time Skills Increase the morale healed by Warden Heal over Time effects by 10% +30% Heal bonus for Conviction Requires: 5 traits in Way of the Shield line slotted.	None	Complete The Mines of Moria epic books
Way of the Fist	You have mastered the Warden's art of drawing monster attacks upon yourself. +10% Perceived Threat +25% Chance for Desolation to apply Fear +3 Maximum Targets for Desolation Requires: 5 traits in Way of the Fist line slotted.	58	Complete the deed The Path of the Masterful Fist

References

[0] ttp://pc.gamespy.com/pc/the-lord-of-the-rings-online-mines-of-moria/887242p1.html

[1] ttp://www.warcry.com/articles/view/interviews/5104-LotRO-Executive-Producer-Jeffery-Steefel-Talks-Moria

[1]

[2]