The developer's corner over at the Lord of the Rings Online website has a new article up this morning covering some of the changes and additions coming for the Minstrel class in the game's next update - Book 11.

Solo players can expect a host of new skills added to the Minstrel's arsenal, including War-Speech - a skill that increases the potency of "Piercing Cry" and "Chant of the Oathbreaker," while decreasing the potency of the Minstrel's healing ability and two other skills that are as-of-yet unnamed.

For buffing and support, the Minstrel sees two skill revamps to "song of Aid" and "Tale of Heroism," as well as the addition of several new very potent skills. The only drawback to these new skills is they have longer cooldowns, as the team is fairly happy with the Minstrel's quick-reuse skills in the buffing and support areas.

While there are some cool changes mentioned already, there are no doubt balance changes to bring the class in-line; with that in mind Turbine has increased the cost of heals at higher levels. Don't let that get you down, though - there are some new skills added for healing as well. "Chord of Salvation" is a new instant heal with a 30-second cooldown, while "Gift of the Hammerhand" is an instant cast shield that can be placed on allies - reducing their Power instead of Morale.

And of course, it wouldn't be Middle-earth without the fun skills that make playing the game while not hunting enjoyable. Minstrels are gaining access to a new skill called "Irresistible Melody," new instruments, and a brand-new skill system called the "Mentor system." The Mentor system allows Minstrels to teach other players how to play Minstrel-specific instruments.

To read all of the details on the changes coming for Minstrels, head over to the Month of the Minstrel article.