Turbine announced today the release of the newest Volume in the MMO Lord of the Rings Online with Volume III: Allies of the King. Subscribers are now able to experience Book 1: Oath of the Rangers, which introduces new features to the popular Skirmish system.

More information after the jump.

“2009 was another outstanding year for LOTRO with Siege of Mirkwood™ earning us another game of the year award while driving solid growth in the population of Middle-earth,” said Aaron Campbell, Live Producer of The Lord of the Rings Online.  “Today we continue our journey with the introduction of the third volume of our award-winning story and the addition of new epic battles as we expand our popular Skirmish system.  There has never been a better time to play LOTRO!”

Subscribers of Lord of the Rings Online can look forward to a slew of new features in Book 1: Oath of the Rangers:

• Epic Story with Book 1: Book 1 begins in Rivendell, where Elrond and his songs try to decipher the meaning of Galadriel's mysterious message. One thing is clear: if Aragorn has need of the Dunedain, they will have to be found throughout the wilderness of Eriador and summoned forth. Players with experience in the wide lands west of the Misty Mountains are upon to bring word to the Rangers of the mission that awaits them.
• More Skirmishes: With over ten million Skirmishes completed, Book 1 will introduce a brand new Skirmish that will take players back to the Rift of Angmar along with several new additions to the system. With the new Duo Mode, two players and their soldiers can team up for epic battles throughout Middle-earth, as well as experience four new 12-player Skirmishes.
• Celebrate the Spring Festival!: The Spring Festival returns to Middle-earth! From March 22nd to April 19th, the world will come together in celebration as the free people of Middle-earth enjoy the season with special decorations, festive costumes and special quests such as the return of the Hedge Maze and the introduction of a new arena in Duillond.

For more information, visit www.lotro.com.