The phrase signifies a quest or exploration activity within the Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO) where players seek valuable resources, often metallic, within specific geographic regions of the game world. As an example, a player might embark on a quest to discover rare minerals within the Ered Mithrin, a mountainous region known for its in-game mineral deposits.
Its importance stems from the in-game economy and crafting system. Successfully acquiring these resources enables players to create powerful equipment, enhance their characters’ abilities, and participate more effectively in the game’s content. Historically, these resource-gathering activities have been a core element of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), providing a sense of progression and purpose for players.