Alright so here we go, some useful information for LOTRO since I talk about it so much. First there are 9 different classes (7 free and 2 that can be purchased with either cash or turbine points earned through game play), and 4 races (Elves, Hobbits, Men, and Dwarves), you can play as a male or female in every race but the dwarves. The game is also more heavily based on book mythology. Like a lot of the people and places you'll be going were never in the movies. So if you're interested in delving into the world of Middle Earth and you don't mind a really chill MMO...this is a pretty great game.
Each Race has it's own perks and drawbacks and up to five origins you can choose from (Origin in this case literally meaning where they're from) that can affect the coloring of your character. Like Rivendell Elves have darker hair choices then Mirkwood or Lorien elves. Also, each race has it's own starting storyline that differs from the others and lets you met familiar characters from the books.
Elves - Lindon, Mirkwood, Lorien, Rivendell, Edhellon. You actually trained with Elrond in the tutorial and you interact with his sons quite heavily.
Men - Bree-land, Dale-lands, Gondor, Rohan. Your whole storyline in the tutorial revoles around Aragorn as Strider before he heads to Bree. Even afterwards you report to Strider until he leaves Bree with the Hobbits.
Dwarves - Blue Mountains, The Lonely Mountain, Iron Hills, White Mountains, Grey Mountains. Your quests (in the tutorial) involve meeting Gandalf and part of the Company before they leave Thorin's Gate and Ered Luin to visit Bilbo Baggins. And afterwards you get a few quests from Dwalin.
Hobbits - Fallohide, Stoor, Harfoot. You run into Sam and Frodo in your beginning journey and spend most of your time in the Shire.
Not every class can be played by every race and they're all inspired by characters in Middle Earth.
Burglar - Inspired by Bilbo Baggins, more of a support character that uses stealth and agility. Only playable by Humans and Hobbits
Captain - Inspired by Earnur, Last King of Gondor, also a support character but can more easily hold his own. Kind of like a Paladin in that he can attack and buff his allies. Only playable by Men
Champion - Inspired by Gimli, he's pretty much a tank. Goes in swinging and taking on as many foes as possible. Does high damage. Playable by Humans, Dwarves, and Elves.
Guardian - Inspired by Sam, he's the defense guy. Can take a lot of damage and can draw enemies to himself and away from his companions. Playable by all races.
Hunter - Inspired by Legolas. He's the typical RPG Ranger type, uses a bow and a sword or whatever. Light armor. Made for fast fighting styles and tanking. Holy crap. Playable by all races.
Lore-Master - Inspired by Elrond. Magic user and support character. Got lots of skills to keep those bad guys out of the fight. Also can summon animal companions and the elements to help in fights. Playable by Elves and Men.
Minstrel - Inspired by Luthien Tinuviel. Healer and pretty much the bard class in RPGs. Mainly support but can cause some damage and casts a lot of buffs that help members of their fellowship. Playable by All Races.
Then there's the two you have to pay for, which are some of my favorites.
Rune-keeper - Inspired by Celebrimbor the Elf-smith. Damage and Healing though you have to choose before a battle. Pure magic class with some of the most awesome and destructive skills. And some pretty awesome healing spells. Great in a fellowship as either support or damage. Playable by Elves and Dwarves. Favorite. Class. Ever.
Warden - Inspired by Haldir and his brothers. Defense, can take the most damage ever. Pretty much there to draw the focus like the Guardian but far more awesome. Playable by Elves, Men and Hobbits.