View Poll Results: Which should be the start date: 455, at the start of Dagor Bragollach, when all the Noldor princes were still alive and strong, or 468, when the Union of Maedhros was formed, the time of Húrin and Túrin, for a harder and closer to lore campaign?

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  • 455, start of Dagor Bragollach

    17 80.95%
  • 468, Union of Maedhros

    4 19.05%
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Thread: War of the Silmarils

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    Default War of the Silmarils





    War of the Silmarils

    Welcome to the War of the Silmarils! The mod had indeed been inactive for a long time, but, being a leading member of the original team, since last year I took it upon myself to revive and finish it, retrieving all the content made by the team so far and starting the modfolder from scratch, and finishing the map, which during the last year I have vastly improved and perfected. I shall be posting news and previews as development continues, so stay tuned!

    War of the Silmarils is a submod of Third Age: Total War for Medieval II: Total War Kingdoms, aiming to bring the heroic wars of Beleriand into the Total War engine. It will feature more than a dozen new factions with unique and original unit rosters while taking care to follow the lore of J.R.R.Tolkien as closely as possible, and a new campaign map covering all the lands west of the Blue Mountains in the First Age of Middle-earth.

    War of the Silmarils takes place at a time many thousands of years before the events of The Lord of the Rings, a time when Men had just awakened and mighty Elven kingdoms dominated the west of Middle-earth. A time when the first Dark Lord, Morgoth, commanded Balrogs, dragons, werewolves and innumerable hosts of Orcs from his stronghold of Angband in the North. The campaign starts at the year 455 of the First Age, just before the Dagor Bragollach, when all the Elven princes are still alive and strong. Set amidst a grand tale of theft, exile, blood-curdling oaths and terrible wars, as recounted in Tolkien's Silmarillion, War of the Silmarils lets you take command of one of the many factions vying for power in Beleriand, and fight for survival or destruction in a time of total war!

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    Previews:

    Map Preview (in Second Post)

    Preview of the Campaign Map
    Beleriand and the Lands in the North




    The map regions and faction placement. 106 regions in total!

    Screenshots moved to the second post



    Doriath Preview (with Doriath Trailer!)
    Preview of Doriath





    Lo! there amid immortal flowers
    the nightingales in shining bowers
    sang o’er the head of Melian,
    while water for ever dripped and ran
    from fountains in the rocky floor.
    There Thingol sat. His crown he wore
    of green and silver, and round his chair
    a host in gleaming armor fair…

    Lay of Leithian, Canto IV, lines 981-1011

    In the time before time, during the Years of the Trees, the Elves first awoke under the stars by the clear waters of Cuiviénen. From there it was that Elwë of the Teleri, along with Ingwë of the Vanyar and Finwë of the Noldor, departed with the Vala Oromë as ambassadors to Valinor; and there he saw the Light of the Trees, and upon his return he persuaded many of his kindred to follow him back to the Undying Lands. But on the Great Journey to the West the Teleri came to love Middle-earth, and they did not arrive at the coast until after the departure of the moving island of Tol Eressëa, and thus they stayed in the land of Beleriand for many years. During that time Elwë encountered Melian the Maia in the woods of Nan Elmoth and, enchanted by her beauty, he fell in love with her; and there they lived entranced together for two centuries, and many of the Teleri searched for their lord and would not leave without him. Thus when the Vala Ulmo returned for them, a part of that people remained behind, and the Sea filled them with sorrow.

    After Elwë awoke from the trance, many of the Teleri had grown to love Beleriand and decided to stay. These later became known as the Sindar, the Grey Elves, or the Elves of the Twilight; and they have ever been extremely gifted in music, and their voices are very fair; and when Elwë returned, revealed as a lord of great reverence, he became the King of that people and ruled with his Queen from the land of Doriath, where he established his kingdom. There he summoned all the wandering Sindar, and that land was originally known as Eglador, meaning "Land of the Forsaken", for so those of the Teleri that remained in Beleriand called themselves. For years uncounted the Sindar dwelt in peace and plenty; they roamed throughout Beleriand, from the shorelands of the Falas in the west to the Blue Mountains in the east, and all acknowledged Elwë Singollo as their lord. And in those days he became known as Elu Thingol that is “Greymantle” in the Sindarin tongue, and thus he has been known ever since. His hair is silver and long and his eyes are keen like stars, and he is the tallest of all the Children of Ilúvatar and the mightiest of the Eldar save Fëanor only.

    Now Doriath is a land of forests in the centre of Beleriand, and it means “Fenced Land”; for Melian the Queen fenced the realm with unseen walls of shadow and put a girdle of enchantments and mists about it, so that none can enter without the leave of King Thingol; and this became known as the Girdle of Melian. The vast forests of Doriath are adjoining the Great River Sirion and its eastern tributaries: Mindeb, Esgalduin, Celos and Aros. The kingdom lies in two parts, separated by the river Esgalduin: the lesser northern beech forest of Neldoreth, and the main southern forest of Region, yet there is also the small oak forest of Nivrim at the West March, and the eastern woods of Arthórien between Aros and Celon, where many of the Green-elves of Ossiriand now dwell as refugees since the First Battle of Beleriand. The forests of Brethil and Nan Elmoth are also held as part of the realm, though they lie outside the Girdle of Melian. Yet Elu Thingol sees all of Beleriand as his realm, from the Gelion to Belegaer, the Great Sea: he is the King of Doriath, King of the Sindar, High-king and Lord of Beleriand.

    Towards the end of Melkor's captivity, Melian had counselled Thingol that the peace of his realm would not long endure, and so with the aid of the Dwarves he delved the wondrous halls of Menegroth, the “Thousand Caves”, which became Thingol's capital city and fortress in Doriath. The gates of Menegroth are carved into a rocky hill alongside the river Esgalduin, accessible only by a great stone bridge over the river. The vast caverns beneath are considered one of the finest works of the Elves both in Middle-earth and Valinor. Its many halls and chambers are carved to look like a beech forest with stone pillars in imitation of trees, complete with sculptures of birds and animals, illuminated by torches.

    King Thingol formed a defence of his realm with companies of archers that guard the borders, the Marchwardens, and he made sure that the Sindar of Doriath would be well-armed against the invading wolves and Orcs of the north. Through trade and with the help of the Dwarven-smiths of Belegost and Nogrod, the deep armouries of Menegroth were stored with great wealth of weapons: metal wrought like fishes' mail and shining like water in the moon; swords and axes, shields an tall helms, and long coats of bright mail; for the hauberks of the Dwarves were so fashioned that they rusted not but shone ever as if they were new-burnished. And that would prove well for Thingol in the time that was to come.

    Now when the Noldor returned to Middle-earth at the beginning of the First Age, the borders of Doriath were already closed against Morgoth, and King Thingol welcomed not with a full heart the coming of so many princes in might out of the West, eager for new realms; and he would not open his kingdom, nor remove its girdle of enchantment, and he would allow entry only to the children of Finarfin, who are related to him through his brother Olwë. And when Thingol heard word of the terrible deeds of the Noldor and the slaying of his own kin at Alqualondë, his heart was filled with hatred for the sons of Fëanor, and the very use of the High Speech of the West has been forbidden throughout Beleriand ever since; and all the Sindar heard his command, and they refused the tongue of the Noldor, and shunned those that spoke it aloud. And when in later years Men first arrived in Beleriand, they were also refused passage through, but at the request of Finrod son of Finarfin the Folk of Haleth were allowed to live in the forest of Brethil as vassals to Thingol, charged with the protection of the Crossings of Taeglin.

    Lúthien the Fair is the only daughter of Thingol and Melian, and she is the most beautiful of all the Children of Ilúvatar; for her eyes are grey as the starlit evening, and her hair is dark as the shadows of twilight. As the light upon the leaves of trees, as the voice of clear waters, as the stars above the mists of the world, such is her glory and her loveliness. And she is often seen dancing upon the unfading grass in the woods of Neldoreth, in the glades beside Esgalduin, filling the hearts of those around her with wonder and light and hope.

    But now a time of great peril and darkness has fallen upon all; for Morgoth has without warning broken the Long Siege of Angband in the North and the proud armies of the princes of the Noldor were scattered in the four winds. One winter’s night in the year 455 of the First Age, the fires of Angband burnt and destroyed the vast green field of Ard-galen in the north, and many of the Noldor were slain, and thus the battle known as Dagor Bragollach, “Battle of Sudden Flame”, has began. And though the Hidden Kingdom is still protected and shielded from evil eyes by the Girdle of Melian, the Marchwardens of Doriath must now guard the borders with ever greater vigilance, and prepare to face the coming darkness…


    ____________________________________________________

    * Doriath is a Sindarin faction in the heart of Beleriand, with strong and versatile infantry and elite archers yet lacking in cavalry, starting with seven settlements in a land covered by forests: Menegroth, Hírilorn, Esgalduin, Arthórien, Nivrim, Aelin-uial and Iant Iaur.



    Here is a small video presentation of the armies of Doriath, with the soundtrack made specifically for Doriath by a new addition to the team, Diogolindir aka Diego Alessandro. We apologize for the poor video quality, future videos will be better.
    You can listen to more of Diego's work here: https://soundcloud.com/diego-alessandro-vergara

    1st Tier:

    Doriath Hunters

    From an early stage in their life many of the Grey Elves of Doriath are taught two things above all else: how to master the string of the harp and of the bow. When hunting their prey in the woods, accuracy and speed are most highly valued as they learn to bring a quick and painless death. When roused to anger, the Sindar bring these skills to bear, loosing their feathered arrows at the enemy with lethal accuracy. Garbed in muted hues and wearing hooded cloaks woven with the mastery of the Grey Elves, these silent hunters can easily hide unseen in the green forests and ambush their enemies bringing swift and silent death from the shadows.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Doriath Militia

    The folk of Doriath may be unaccustomed to the ravages of war, having lived long under the protection of the Girdle of Melian, yet when called to arms they are more than capable of forming a battle line and presenting an effective defence against any foe; for they had not always been at peace, and have on occasion been moved to skirmish against Orc raiders sent by the Dark Lord into Beleriand. Robed in muted hues and the grey garb of their people, they can easily hide in the woods and disappear from enemy eyes; and they march into battle armed with simple spears and sturdy round wooden shields bearing the royal device of the King and the flowery devices of their beloved princess, Lúthien the Fair.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    Doriath Riders

    The Kingdom of Doriath has long employed a system of errand-riders to pass messages swiftly across great distances. They ride their horses without reins or saddles, as is the elvish way, for they need them not; and in times of war it often falls upon these mounted heralds to act as scouts as well as light cavalry; for they are lightly armed, carrying with them only enough to defend themselves when cornered, preferring to escape with haste on their fast steeds or hide under leaf and branch rather than fight; and often they are used for flanking enemy formations or hunting down retreating Orcs on the battlefield. Wearing the dusty, travel-worn garb of one who spends many days and many nights on horseback, they carry a spear and a round wooden shield bearing the colourful devices of Doriath, counting more on the speed of their mounts rather than the strength of their arms.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Woodland Levies


    Before the darkness of Morgoth returned to Middle-earth and forced the Sindar to retreat within the safety of Doriath, many of them walked freely through Beleriand and lived in harmony and peace. Now there are still some who dwell beyond the Girdle of Melian, hardened by the constant threat of Orc raids and the many skirmishes fought near their woodland homes. Should the Lord of Beleriand call the Sindar to war, these valiant Elves would take up arms and march into battle proudly under the banner of Doriath. Clad in dark forest colours and protected by leather armour and helmets and sturdy wooden shields, they march into battle armed with swift javelins and sharp elven axes, as is the way of their people. Their light armour and their ability to hide in the woods allows them to be swift and lethal skirmishers, providing support for the heavier troops of Thingol’s armies; and though not as disciplined or highly trained, these woodland levies are grim and experienced warriors bearing cold hatred for the creatures of Morgoth, from whom they have defended these lands for years uncounted.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    2ns Tier:

    Sindar Spearmen

    Heavy spearmen may be an uncommon necessity among the Sindar, who have ever preferred the use of the swift bow and the sharp axe, yet those of the Grey Elves that choose this path become highly disciplined and skilled in battle. They form the backbone of the hosts of Doriath, and they are equipped with the finest arms available in the realm; for the Grey Elves of Doriath keep in the armouries of Menegroth great wealth of sharp blades forged by the masterful smiths of Nogrod and Belegost. Garbed in the long grey cloaks of their people, they can hide if so they wish from all but the most skilled and cunning spies of Morgoth; and they march under the banner of Elu Thingol clad in full hauberks made of the linked mail of the Dwarves, which is impervious to the slow decay of time; for they are so fashioned that they rust not but shine ever as if they are new-burnished. And they bear tall helms, wielding sharp spears and carrying sturdy shields bearing the royal devices of Doriath, and iron greaves protect their legs; and they can swiftly form an impassable shield-wall and stand their ground effectively and without fear against their foes.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Sindar Swordsmen

    These disciplined Elven swordsmen form the backbone of the hosts of Doriath, and they are equipped with the finest arms available in the realm; for the Grey Elves of Doriath keep in the armouries of Menegroth great wealth of sharp blades forged by the masterful smiths of Nogrod and Belegost. Armed with such swords and clad in full hauberks made of the linked mail of the Dwarves, which is impervious to the slow decay of time; for they are so fashioned that they rust not but shine ever as if they are new-burnished. And they bear tall helms and carry long sturdy shields adorned with the royal emblems of the house of the Lord of Beleriand; and iron greaves protect their legs, and the grey cloaks of Doriath hang from their shoulders. A brother’s rivalry exists between these swordsmen and their axe-wielding brethren; disputes arise from their choice of arms, both contending that theirs is the better weapon, and citing deeds of valour on the field of battle as proof of their prowess.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 





    Sindar Axemen

    The Sindar have always favored the axe throughout time, ever since they were taught its use by the Dwarves in ages past. These disciplined Elven axemen form the backbone of the hosts of Doriath, and they are equipped with the finest arms available in the realm; for the deep armouries of Menegroth are filled with great wealth of axes and armour and shields and helms forged by the masterful smiths of Nogrod and Belegost. Robed in grey cloaks, they are clad in full hauberks made of the link-mail of the Naugrim, which is impervious to the slow decay of time; for the hauberks of the Dwarves are so fashioned that they rust not but shine ever as if they are new-burnished; and they wield elven ornate axes, elegant in shape and yet sharp and deadly. They bear tall helms and carry round iron shields with the royal device of Thingol engraved upon them, and iron greaves protect their legs. In battle they throw iron javelins at the enemy lines before charging, and they are chosen among the strongest and stoutest of the Elves of Doriath; for it is their part to break the enemy formation through the sheer momentum of their thunderous charge. A brother’s rivalry exists between these axemen and their sword-wielding brethren; disputes arise from their choice of arms, both contending that theirs is the better weapon, and citing deeds of valour on the field of battle as proof of their prowess.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Sindar Archers

    The skill of the Sindar of Doriath with the bow is renowned among the realms of Beleriand, and not without cause. These disciplined Elven archers form the backbone of the hosts of Doriath, and they are outfitted with the finest mail available; for the deep armouries of Menegroth are filled with great wealth of armour and helms forged by the masterful smiths of Nogrod and Belegost. They are clad in full hauberks made of the link-mail of the Naugrim, which is impervious to the slow decay of time; for the hauberks of the Dwarves are so fashioned that they rust not but shine ever as if they are new-burnished; and they bear tall helms and iron greaves, and they carry great bows longer and stouter than those of the Falathrim or the Green-elves, each strung with a string of elf-hair, and swift arrows with shafts made of hard ash or oak fill their quivers. Wearing the long grey cloaks of their people, they are able to move in stealth if they so wish, drawing upon their common past as hunters of wood and glen to ambush their enemies; and the Orcs of Morgoth fear the silent bows of the Sindar as much as they fear the bright swords of the Noldor.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Marchwardens of Doriath

    Led by Beleg Cúthalion, the Marchwardens are the most renowned and most important of all the warriors of Thingol’s armies; for they alone keep the borders of Doriath safe from Orcs and werewolves and the terrible spawn of Ungoliant, and keep them away from the Girdle of Melian, protecting those not within the safety of the Queen’s powerful enchantments. Their status is so high that they receive gifts from the very hand of the King and Queen themselves, as they are the bravest and stoutest of all bowmen and ambushers of Doriath, equally skilled in battle with the sword and with the bow, and they know the tongues of all the birds and the beasts of the forest. Of the hand of Melian they receive the elvish waybread called lembas made by the Queen herself, bringing healing and reviving effects on weary body and spirit. And of Thingol their King they receive powerful bows made of the beech woods of Doriath and strung with a string of Elf-hair; and bright long swords from the royal armouries and full coats of the linked mail of the Naugrim hidden under grey hooded cloaks, making these wardens silent and invisible yet deadly and invulnerable against all but the most potent weapons of the Dark Lord.

    [Special AOR unit]

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Mounted Wardens


    At times of need the Marchwardens will ride fast steeds to battle without using reins or saddles, as is the elvish way, and they will fight without fear as swift and deadly archers on horseback under the banner of the Lord of Beleriand. Led by Beleg Cúthalion, these mounted Wardens are the most renowned and most important of all the warriors of Thingol’s armies; for they alone keep the borders of Doriath safe from Orcs and werewolves and the terrible spawn of Ungoliant, and keep them away from the Girdle of Melian, protecting those not within the safety of the Queen’s powerful enchantments. Their status is so high that they receive gifts from the very hand of the King and Queen themselves, as they are the bravest and stoutest of all bowmen and ambushers of Doriath, equally skilled in battle with the sword and with the bow, and they know the tongues of all the birds and the beasts of the forest. Of the hand of Melian they receive the elvish waybread called lembas made by the Queen herself, bringing healing and reviving effects on weary body and spirit. And of Thingol their King they receive the finest horses of the realm, and powerful bows made of the beech woods of Doriath and strung with a string of Elf-hair; and bright long swords from the royal armouries and full coats of the linked mail of the Naugrim hidden under grey hooded cloaks, making these wardens silent and invisible yet deadly and invulnerable against all but the most potent weapons of the Dark Lord.

    [Special AOR unit]

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    3rd Tier:

    Heavy Doriath Infantry

    The ranks of the heavy infantry of Doriath are filled with the bravest and stoutest axemen in Thingol's armies, and they are outfitted with the finest arms and armour available in the realm; for the deep treasuries of Menegroth are abundant with great wealth of axes and armour and shields and helms forged by Telchar himself, or by his master Gamil Zirak the Old, or by elven-wrights more skillful still; for some were even wrought by Fëanor in his mastery, greatest of all craftsmen to ever live in Arda. They march into battle clad in long coats of bright mail, impervious to rust and corrosion and the slow decay of time; for the hauberks of the Dwarves are so fashioned that they shine ever as if they are new-burnished. And they wield long and sharp elven axes, and they bear tall crested helms and carry long leaf-shaped shields inlaid with gold and gleaming like silver starlight; and the grey cloaks of Doriath decorated with patterns of leaves hang proudly from their shoulders.

    (Inspired by a painting of Ted Nasmith.)

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Sentinels of Neldoreth


    Selected by Elu Thingol for their unsurpassed skill and strength, the Archers of Neldoreth are considered to be among the finest in Beleriand, and they are renowned for their ability with the longbow. They are girded with arms and armour from the very royal vaults of Menegroth: linked mail of dwarven-make, great longbows made of the beech woods of Neldoreth, and great elven double-bladed axes which they wield with two hands against any foe lucky enough to survive their deadly arrows. Garbed in the grey cloaks of their people, they wear their hoods over their shiny gilded helms, and they march into battle under the banner of the princess of Doriath, the fairest of all the Children of Ilúvatar, displaying her two devices: the first showing the white niphredil that grew at her birth, similar to a delicate snowdrop; and the second holding an elanor in the centre surrounded by stars, echoing the device of her father. Protected by their elven cloaks they can easily hide in the woods, and having mastered the art of ambush and stealth they will deliver quick death to anyone who dares trespass their lands, and they will protect their beloved princess to the death; for they are the Sentinels of Neldoreth, silent guardians of the enchanted forests where Lúthien the Fair often dances in the moonlight.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Guards of Menegroth


    The guards of the Thousand Caves are an elite division hand-picked by Mablung the Heavy-Handed among the stoutest and tallest Elves of Doriath. Like their Lord and King Thingol Greymantle they wear long grey cloaks, and their garments are wealthy and decorated with bright gems and elvish patterns. Equipped with the finest arms from the royal treasuries and vaults of Menegroth, they are clad in metal wrought like fishes' mail and shining like water in the moon; and they bear tall helms adorned with large emeralds, and they carry sharp spears and long ornate leaf-shaped shields gleaming like silver in the starlight. They fly the royal banners of Doriath: the device of Elwë Singollo, a winged moon on black surrounded by stars; and the device of Melian the Maia, with flower-shapes and stars resembling a single flower of Telperion; and the two devices of Lúthien, one showing the white niphredil that grew at her birth, and the other holding an elanor in the centre with stars about it. The Guards of Menegroth may serve as ceremonial guards of the King and his Halls, yet they are highly disciplined and more than capable of forming a deadly spear-wall in battle. Renowned for their precision in drill and close-order fighting, they will gladly give their lives to protect their Lord and Lady from anyone foolish enough to threaten them.

    [AOR unit and bodyguard]

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Credits:

    Rusichi:Total War for various stuff
    Shredder for some models and textures and the banner carriers
    koultouras for the elven axe from FRoME
    glassakias for making the models
    Squeaks for the Heavy Doriath Infantry
    Earl of Memory for helping with skins and shield textures
    LostLT for helping with the descriptions
    Diogolindir for the soundtrack
    Ellin Athinaios for unit concepts, descriptions, mapping, remodeling, retexturing, revamping and putting together the finished roster
    And of course, J.R.R.Tolkien for the inspiration and the source material (The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, HoME)



    Gondolin Preview
    Preview of Gondolin





    "Gondobar am I called and Gondolindrimbar,
    City of Stone and City of the Dwellers in Stone;
    Gondolin the Stone of Song and Gwarethminas am I named,
    the Tower of the Guard, Thurigardh
    or the Secret Place".

    *The seven names of Gondolin as they were told to Tuor, the mortal son-in-law of Turgon.

    In the land of Beleriand, within the Echoriath, the Encircling Mountains, just west of Dorthonion and east of the river Sirion, lies a round level plain with sheer walls on all sides and a ravine and tunnel leading out to the southwest known as the Hidden Way. The location of the hidden valley of Tumladen was revealed to Turgon son of Fingolfin in a dream by the Vala Ulmo, Lord of Waters. In the fifty-third year of the First Age Turgon journeyed from his halls in Vinyamar and found the vale, with the guidance of Ulmo. In the middle of this vale there is a steep hill which is called Amon Gwareth, the "Hill of Watching": it was there that Turgon decided to found his Hidden City, designed after the ancient city of Tirion in Valinor — which the Noldor had left when they rebelled against the Valar and went into exile — for it would be protected by the mountains and hidden from the eyes of the Dark Lord Morgoth.

    Turgon and his people built the city in secret, and the first building took fifty-two years to complete. When the city was completed, in the year 116 of the First Age, Turgon took with him to dwell in the Hidden City his entire people in Nevrast — almost a third of the Noldor of the House of Fingolfin — as well as nearly three quarters of the northern Sindar, who secretly entered the valley of Tumladen. Turgon was recognized as King of the Hidden City, and he gave it the name Ondolindë, which is “The Rock of the Music of the Water” in Quenya, because of the fountains of Amon Gwareth; but in the unique Elvish dialect they developed it became known as Gondolin, the “Hidden Rock”. After their arrival in the new city, the Gondolindrim continued to labour in its building, until it was said to rival even Tirion itself: its walls stand high and white above the plain, and its most prominent feature is the great Tower of the King, where, among the fountains, Turgon made Glingal and Belthil, trees of gold and silver made in memory of the Two Trees of Valinor. The Hidden Way in the mountains is protected by six gates, all constantly guarded by the Seven Divisions of Gondolin; the first of wood, then stone, bronze, iron, silver, gold, and steel. And the city itself is divided and guarded by eleven noble Houses, all of which have their own leaders with unique heraldic customs in all of Middle-earth, their devices set against a single-coloured background upon long and tapering shields. Many and mighty Elf-lords dwell in Gondolin, and Ecthelion of the Fountain is among them and Galdor of the Tree, and Glorfindel the golden-haired, and Enerdhil the master smith and Pengolodh the loremaster of the Noldor, the tallest of all the Elves in the city. Great is the bliss and the beauty of Gondolin, and great is the wisdom of its people.

    Now the Hidden Kingdom slowly became wealthy and prosperous, concealed from friend and foe alike and guarded from trespassers by the Eagles of Thorondor, friends and allies of Turgon who had made their eyries on the Encircling Mountains on the bidding of Manwë; and the Elves of Gondolin have lived undisturbed by the events outside their fair city for more than three centuries, and their days have been full of joy and peace. Every summer they celebrate a great festival on midsummer’s eve, when all the people of Gondolin are upon the walls at night to await the rising sun, singing songs at its uplifting; for the morrow is the great feast they name the Gates of Summer. But the Gondolindrim also love mining and quarrying after metals and jewels, and many of them work in the mountains distant from the city, seeking after metals for their smithying of things both of peace and war. And the smiths of Gondolin have mastered the arts of Aulë and they became unrivalled in their craft, using Noldorin techniques to forge powerful weapons and bright mail, impervious to rust and corrosion and the slow decay of time; and Turgon has accepted into his court Maeglin his sister-son, who inherited great knowledge and mastery in smithing and craftsmanship from his father Eöl the Dark Elf. And the King gave orders for an outpost to be built on the isle of Balar, from where with the help of Círdan they might sail the Great Sea and reach Aman.

    But now the times have changed; for Morgoth has suddenly broken the long Siege of Angband in the North, and the inevitable doom of the Noldor shall fall upon them. One winter’s night in the year 455 of the First Age, the fires of Angband burnt and destroyed the vast green field of Ard-galen in the north, and many of the Noldor were slain, and thus the battle known as Dagor Bragollach, “Battle of Sudden Flame”, has began. Dark and uncertain times lie ahead, and the people of the Hidden Kingdom have to prepare for whatever future may come…


    ____________________________________________________

    * Gondolin is a mixed yet predominantly Noldorin faction, with powerful and versatile infantry yet lacking in cavalry (not many horses there), starting with four regions: Gondolin, Orfalch Echor, Anghabar, and a small outpost on the isle of Balar. The roster is a unique mix of the old Houses of Gondolin with the Seven Divisions described in the Unfinished Tales, which were indeed the evolution of the Houses in Tolkien's mind.

    1st Tier:


    First Division, Dark Guard

    The army of the Hidden Kingdom is divided into seven Divisions, and those who belong to the House of the Pillar serve in the First Division, under the command of Elemmakil. They are Noldor of the House of Fingolfin, and their lord is Penlodh, and they form the backbone of the army of Gondolin. They are mail-clad and armed with long swords and tall helms, and their shields bear the royal emblems of the king, and the device of Idril Celebrindal the fair, and the heraldry of their own house. They are the Dark Guard, for they are charged with the duty to patrol the secret tunnel leading to the First Gate of the Orfalch Echor, the Gate of Wood: a wide arch with tall pillars upon either hand, hewn in the rock, with a great portcullis of crossed wooden bars, marvellously carved and studded with nails of iron, known also as the Dark Gate; for the Hidden Way that leads to it is dark and unlit, yet constantly guarded. Once an intruder has been captured by the Dark Guard, they are not permitted to return the way they have come, and by law they are slain where they stand.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    Second Division, Grey Guard

    The army of the Hidden Kingdom is divided into seven Divisions, and those who belong to the House of the Harp serve in the Second Division. They are mostly of the northern Sindar in origin, armed with long spears and robed in grey, wearing similar cloaks in kind as their kin in Mithrim, and tassels of silver and gold; and in battle they fight as one man, marching with spears like a forest. And they have mastered the art of playing the harp, and so it is that their heraldry presents a silver harp on sable background, save only for Salgant their lord, who alone bears the device of a golden harp. They are charged with the duty to guard and defend the Second Gate of the Orfalch Echor, the Gate of Stone: a great archway blocked with a single mighty stone amid a great wall built across the ravine from side to side, with stout towers of stone at either hand.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    House of the Tree

    The folk of the House of the Tree guard the western entrance to the Arch of Ingwë day and night. They are a great house of both Noldor and of Sindar, and their lord and captain is Galdor, a Noldorin Elf who is seen as the most valiant of the Gondolindrim save Turgon alone; and the Folk of the Tree do not lack in valour or bravery either, and they will be among the first to throw themselves into the fray. Their raiment is green, and in battle they prefer to fight with swift slings from afar; yet if the enemy draws near, they will defend themselves with iron clubs and stones, and they carry sturdy wooden shields displaying the heraldry of their house; yet they bear no helm nor mail. And though the lack of heavy armour makes them more vulnerable to harm than their kin, it also makes them excellent light support infantry, able to cross the battlefield swiftly and strike hard and fast to weaken the enemy before heavier troops join the fight.


    [Special AOR Unit]

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Mariners of Gondolin

    These valiant and adventurous Elves of Gondolin have set out by command of the Hidden King to build an outpost on the isle of Balar and from there sail the Belegaer with the help of Círdan, in an attempt to reach Aman and beg the Valar for forgiveness and deliverance from the growing darkness in the North. They are of the high folk of the Noldor, grey-eyed and dark-haired, and their clothes are simple and grey. No arms do they carry save for a short sword in the fashion of the Falathrim, yet fierce and deadly they are in battle; for the light of Aman still burns in their eyes, and their hearts ever long to glimpse the wonders and beauty of Tirion once again: the ancient city of the Noldor upon the green hill of Túna, which Gondolin itself in many ways is said to resemble.

    [Recruitable only from settlements with ports]



    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    2nd Tier:

    Third Division, Bronze Guard

    The army of the Hidden Kingdom is divided into seven Divisions, and those who belong to the House of the Tower of Snow serve in the Third Division, and their lord is Penlodh. They are for the most part of the kindred of the Sindar of Nevrast, and they are clad in bronze helms and scale mail that glows like dull fire, and they wield deadly axes, the traditional weapon of that people; and the blades of their axes are red, and their hatred for the Orcs burns hot. They are the Bronze Guard, charged with the duty to hold and defend the Third Gate of the Orfalch Echor, the Gate of Bronze: a great twofold door hung with shields and plates of bronze, werein are wrought many figures and strange signs, amid a great wall crowned with three square towers, roofed and clad with copper that by some device of smith-craft are ever bright and gleam as fire in the light of the red lamps set like torches along the wall. It is said that the very name of their house reflects the snow-covered peaks of the Echoriath above the ravine of the Orfalch Echor, their long shoulders mantled with white snow in the cold mountain wind.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Fourth Division, Iron Guard

    The army of the Hidden Kingdom is divided into seven Divisions, and those who belong to the House of the Mole serve in the Fourth Division. They are for the most part Noldor, ore-delvers and miners at the mines of Anghabar, and their leader is Maeglin son of Eöl the Dark Elf. Black are their mantles and their mail and their long shields, and they are armed with short spears, and their faces are masked with visors bearing each an eagle’s peak, in honour of the Eagles of Manwë; and it is said that their armour is made of an alloy of iron and Galvorn, a rare and strong black metal the secrets of which had been passed on to Maeglin by his father before he died. They are the Iron Guard, and they are charged with the defence of the Fourth Gate of the Orfalch Echor, the Gate of Writhen Iron: an iron gate wrought and hammered into the shapes of trees with writhing roots and woven branches laden with leaves and flowers, amid a high and black wall crowned with four towers of iron; and in their midst is set an image of a great eagle wrought in iron, in the likeness of King Thorondor himself, as he would align upon a mountain from the high airs.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    Fifth Division, Moon Guard

    The army of the Hidden Kingdom is divided into seven Divisions, and those who belong to the House of the Swallow serve in the Fifth Division, and their lord and captain is Duilin the master archer, swiftest of all Elves to run and leap. These are the finest archers of Gondolin, and it is said that the swallow is reminiscent of an arrow flying swiftly through the air with speed and grace and always finding its mark. They are robed in white and they wield powerful longbows and swords, and they are clad in silver mail and bright white-crested helms; and in battle they will blot out the sun with volleys of sharp and deadly missiles to defend their posts, pouring arrows like the dark rains of autumn. They are the Moon Guard, for they are charged with the defence of the Fifth Gate of the Orfalch Echor, the Gate of Silver: amid a low and broad wall built of white marble, its parapet being a trellis of silver between five great globes of marble, there stands a gate shaped as three parts of a circle, and wrought of silver and pearl of Nevrast in likeness of the Moon; and above the Gate stands an image of the White Tree Telperion, wrought of silver and malachite, with flowers made of great pearls of Balar.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    House of the Golden Flower

    Of all the great houses of Gondolin, the Elves of the House of the Golden Flower are the most fair and noble and wise, and they remember well the light of the Two Trees, Telperion and Laurelin; for they were born in Aman even before Melkor and Ungoliant brought darkness to the world by destroying the Trees of Valinor. For that and for all his evil deeds they harbour eternal hatred for Morgoth, the Black Enemy, and though there may be no hope in their hearts of defeating Morgoth by force, still they will not sit helplessly and do nothing as he corrupts the earth, marring all that was once fair and good. Led by Glorfindel with the golden hair, a mighty Elf-lord dearly loved by all the Gondolindrim, they are dressed in garments as green as a field in spring, and the device of their House is charged with a rayed sun, though their long and tapering shields are emblazoned with a golden flower resembling a celandine. And should the Hidden City ever be threatened, they will put on their tall helms and arm themselves with bright mail and long swords, and they will march into battle prepared to fight to the death; for they will gladly give their own lives for their lord.

    [Special AOR Unit]

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    3d Tier:

    Sixth Division, Sun Guard

    The army of the Hidden Kingdom is divided into seven Divisions, and those who belong to the House of the Heavenly Arch serve in the Sixth Division, and their lord and leader is Egalmoth, famous for being the only Elf ever to wield a curved blade. Arrayed in a glory of gold, they are a folk of uncounted wealth, and their arms are set with jewels. In battle they wield longbows and swords, and their mail is gilded, and large opals and tall golden plumes are set on their helmets; and their great round shields are red as flame, holding in the centre a jewel built of seven gems: ruby, amethyst, sapphire, emerald, chrysoprase, topaz and amber: the colours of the rainbow; for what is the Heavenly Arch more than a reference to the rainbow? They are the Sun Guard, for they are charged with the defence of the Sixth Gate of the Orfalch Echor, the Golden Gate, the last of the ancient gates of Turgon: amid a wall built of yellow marble with a parapet of red gold, there stands a gate adorned with discs of gold, many-rayed, in likeness of the Sun, set among devices of garnet and topaz and yellow diamonds; and in the midst upon a golden pyramid is set an image of Laurelin, the Tree of the Sun, with flowers wrought of topaz upon chains of gold.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Seventh Division, Knights of Gondolin

    The army of the Hidden Kingdom is divided into seven Divisions, and those who belong to the noble House of the Fountain serve in the Seventh Division, and their lord and captain is Ecthelion of the Fountain, Warden of the Great Gate, a valiant Elf-lord famed for his unrivaled skill in music among the Gondolindrim. Being Noldor of the House of Fingolfin, they enjoy the glitter of silver and diamonds, and they are clad all in silver, and upon their shining helms there is set a spike of steel pointed with a diamond; and they wield swords very long and bright and pale, and they ride magnificent horses decorated with diamonds and gems, and they go into battle to the music of flutes, their armour shimmering in the starlight as they move. These are the knights of Gondolin, the guards of the fountains of the king, and defenders of the Seventh Gate of the Orfalch Echor, the Great Gate, the Gate of Steel that Maeglin himself wrought: no wall or door stands there save for a mighty fence of steel that glitters cold and white, with two round towers of great height on either hand, with turrets of bright steel; and seven great pillars of steel there are, tall with the height and girth of strong trees yet ending in a spike as sharp as a needle; and between them stand seven cross-bars of steel, and in each space seven times seven rods of steel upright sharp like blades; and above the central pillar, a mighty image of the king-helm of Turgon is raised, the Crown of Gondolin, set with diamonds.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    House of the Hammer of Wrath

    Centuries of hard labour have strengthened the arms of these elven-smiths, allowing them to march in battle wielding heavy maces like hammers with deadly force, crushing armour and bones and beating upon helm and head as if hewing the hot bending iron on the anvil. They carry large heavy shields, outweighing an entire suit of armour; and yet they wear even heavier mail than their kin, making them almost impervious to all harm. Their emblem is the stricken anvil, yet their shields show a hammer that smiteth sparks about it, and of these come many of the best smiths and craftsmen of Gondolin. They have mastered the arts of Aulë, and red gold and black iron is their delight. Their leader is Rog, second in valour to Galdor of the Tree, and mightiest of all Elves who ever walked the earth save Fingolfin himself. As their bodies are the strongest, so their hearts are also the bravest among the Noldor, for many of them were once thralls in the dungeons of Angband who escaped long ago, and having endured both pain and death they now fear neither one or the other. No army of Morgoth could ever hope to stand their ground against the House of the Hammer of Wrath, the largest and most valiant House of Gondolin; for their thunderous charge is swift and deadly like the wrath of Tulkas.

    [Special AOR Unit]

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    House of the White Wing

    The folk of the Wing are the stoutest of the King’s men, and they are the bodyguard and household of Tuor, messenger of Ulmo himself; and though their numbers may be small, they are among the finest and bravest warriors Beleriand has ever known. Their cloaks are long and blue, and they are clad in the finest mail the masterful smiths of Gondolin can fashion, and they wield long and unforgiving swords. Upon their helms they wear wings of swans and gulls, in memory of the swans that showed Tuor the way to Vinyamar; and they carry long and tapering shields displaying a swan-wing on a blue field, such as the shield that Tuor found in those deserted ruins; for this was the heraldry of Turgon in Nevrast long ago, ere he built Gondolin;
    and their shields are light and wieldy beyond guess, for they are wrought it seems of wood yet overlaid by the craft of Elven-smiths with plates of metal, strong and thin a foil. And each and every one of the folk of the Wing will stand their ground without fear against any foul creature of Morgoth, be it an Orc or a werewolf or a dragon or a terrible Balrog, following their leader to the very end in victory or death.

    [AOR Unit. recruitable after Tuor arrives in Gondolin]

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    House of the King

    Mighty is the array of the House of the King, and their colours are white and gold and red, and on their shields three emblems are displayed as the royal device of Turgon: the Sun, the Moon, and the Scarlet Heart of Finwë Noldóran in blue field. The spears they wield are long and sharp, and none can stand against the mighty phalanx of the King of Gondolin; for they march into battle with their large shields locked together, presenting a deadly forest of spears to the enemy, and they can easily break through the ranks of the Orcs of Morgoth; and they are clad in bright mail forged by the master smiths of the Gondolindrim, protecting them from evil and harm. In battle they fly the banners of the King, as well as the device of their beloved princess, Idril Celebrindal the fair: Menelluin Írildeo Ondolindello it is called, the Cornflower of Idril from Gondolin, echoing her golden hair. Yet their purpose is not only to go to war; for those of the House of the King are also the guard of the King, comprising his family and household, and they go where the King goes and stay where the King stays. Even when threatened by death they will stand their ground and protect their Lord caring naught for themselves, until the very End of Arda or their own demise.

    [AOR Unit and Bodyguard]

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 


    Turgon's War Machines

    These are the secret war machines of Gondolin, built by the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Noldor for the defence of the Hidden City. Guarded and operated by a detachment of the First Division, they are capable of firing massive stones with deadly efficiency from long distance, causing death and destruction to anyone unlucky enough to stand in their path.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    New Noldor Banner Carrier
    (Based on Shredder's model, with a new face and different sword and armour)

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    Credits:

    Shredder for the banner carriers and one model (Eldar Archers)
    Louis Lux & Lu Bu for faces & hair
    sgawara84 for one model, based on Shredder's work
    King Kong for the Sindar Axemen unit
    Smolka for one model from Planetwar (Horus Spearmen)
    Taro_M for bodies, some helms, swords, shields and textures, and one model (Wardens of the White Tower)
    Rusichi:Total War for various things and the marka horses
    Squeaks for textures on two models (Moon Guard and banner carriers)
    glassakias for two bodies (First Division, Mariners)
    Earl of Memory for working with most of the models and textures
    Ellin Athinaios for unit concepts, descriptions, mapping, remodeling, retexturing, revamping and putting together the finished roster
    And of course, J.R.R.Tolkien for the inspiration and the source material (The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, HoME)


    Small Preview of Many Factions (in Second Post)

    Go to the SECOND POST


    __________________________________________________________________________________________

    The Factions:

    Noldor:

    - House of Fingolfin
    - Nargothrond
    - Sons of Fëanor
    - Gondolin

    Teleri:

    - Doriath
    - Falathrim
    - Laiquendi of Ossiriand

    Edain:

    - House of Bëor
    - House of Hador
    - Folk of Haleth

    Naugrim:

    - Belegost
    - Nogrod

    Creatures of Morgoth:

    - Angband

    Easterlings:

    - People of Bór (unplayable, spawned by script)
    - People of Ulfang (unplayable, spawned by script)

    ( * A few unplayable microfactions will also be included for the sake of lore and immersion, as well as the Host of Valinor, which will be scripted to arrive under specific conditions.)

    __________________________________________________________________________________________

    The Team:

    - Ellin Athinaios - coding, scripting, mapping, modelling, skinning, 2D art, descriptions, lore research, unit concepts
    - Diogolindir - soundtrack


    Old team members:

    - JorisofHolland+ - coding, scripting, lore research, unit concepts
    - Earl of Memory - lore research, concept art, modelling, skinning
    - glassakias - modelling, skinning
    - Colonel Cleg McLeg - mapping
    - Squeaks+ - modelling, skinning, name logo, signatures
    - sgawara84 - modelling, skinning

    Contributors:

    - gigantus - mapping (Τhanks to mighty gigantus for making the first version of the map.)

    Special thanks to King Kong and his team for giving permission to use TATW content!

    __________________________________________________________________________________________

    Visit War of the Silmarils on ModDB

    Visit War of the Silmarils on facebook

    (Copyrights of featured artwork owned by Andreas Marschall, made for the cover of the Blind Guardian album "Nightfall in Middle-earth". Logo made by Squeaks+.)
    Last edited by Ellin Athinaios; September 22, 2021 at 04:25 PM.

  2. #2
    Ellin Athinaios's Avatar Campidoctor
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    Default War of the Silmarils

    More Previews:

    Map Preview

    Preview of the Campaign Map
    Beleriand and the Lands in the North




    The map regions and faction placement. 106 regions in total!

    The Falas

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 







    Realm of Nargohrond

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 






    Forest of Brethil

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Doriath


    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 





    March of Maedhros


    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 






    Taur-im-Duinath

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Ossiriand

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 





    Ered Luin


    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 





    Dorthonion


    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 






    Gondolin

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Nevrast

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 





    Dor-lómin

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 




    Hithlum

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 






    Angband

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 





    Credits and Information:

    First draft of the map was made by gigantus, years ago, and then worked on for a time by Colonel Cleg McLeg. It was vastly improved, perfected and finally finished by yours truly (Ellin Athinaios) during the last year.

    TATW strat_map settlement models and resource models were used, credits and thanks go to King Kong and his team for the kind permission to use their content! The settlements' size will be permanent and unupgradeable, so that there will be only certain strategic large settlements on the map and many smaller ones, based on lore, so as to avoid having a First Age map full of large settlements (but also to prevent any mess up with upgraded settlements models), something that I think will add to the difficulty and immersion of the game.

    All settlement names are based on Tolkien's lore, taken from the Silmarillion, the Unfinished Tales, and the HoME.
    (I know Gamil Zirak is not a settlement name, but I find it fitting for a Nogrod smith-settlement being named after the old master smith.)

    And of course, credits to professor J.R.R. Tolkien for the amazing world he sub-created!



    Small Preview of Many Factions

    Happy new year everyone! As a treat, here is a small preview of what I have been working on for the past months.

    Many of these were WIP when I posted them, and they have already changed.


    House of Fingolfin (with a closer look at the helmet design of the Noldor)

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 






    Sons of Fëanor

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    Nargothrond

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    Falathrim

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    Laiquendi of Ossiriand

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    Belegost

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    Nogrod

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    House of Hador


    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    House of Bëor

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    Folk of Haleth

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    Easterlings (will be two factions)

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    Angband

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 



    All appropriate credits will be added upon release.
    Last edited by Ellin Athinaios; February 06, 2019 at 11:57 AM.

  3. #3
    JorisofHolland's Avatar Primicerius
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    Default War of the Silmarils

    Previous OP, replaced 20th April 2015 with above post
    //Ngugi

    Last edited by Ngugi; April 20, 2015 at 01:03 PM. Reason: Ellin wanted me to change the name.
    The Enemy of Human Souls
    Sat grieving at the cost of coals;
    For Hell had been annexed of late,
    And was a sovereign Southern State.

  4. #4
    Venia's Avatar Auxilium meum a Domino
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    Default Re: First Age mod

    Quote Originally Posted by JorisofHolland View Post
    I know, it's a lot of work.
    I know, I can't do it all by myself. That's why I ask the TATW community for help. If anyone is willing to help me, that would be great.

    I have though about it a few times, but every time I decided not to do it because lack of time and ability. But now I've tought of this: for a (playable) release only two things are needed:
    1) A map of Beleriand
    2) Factions that take place on it.

    With only these two things to do, it is more likely the mod will 'survive' until it's ready to be released. Later on many other things might be added (traits, ancillaries, faction symbols, new units, etc). For now, these two things will be enough work.

    The map will be the most time consuming part, for the factions can use the vanilla TATW models. Spliting up all factions can be done in just a few hours of (boring) work, and I'm able to do that.

    The only thing that I can't do by myself is the map. I don't have the skills to craft an entire map of Beleriand. I am able to provide whoever is kind enough to make the map with information. I also can do a few things on mapping (placing settlements on the map, placing rivers), but not enough to make a good-looking large map.

    If anyone is willing do (a part of) the map that would be great. I will start my research as soon as someone joins me.
    Well you can always count on my help for skinning and maybe some mapping
    SOI skinner/video maker/moderator
    http://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=1496,

  5. #5
    JorisofHolland's Avatar Primicerius
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    Default Re: First Age mod

    That's good to hear Do you think you can start on the map if I find some information?
    The Enemy of Human Souls
    Sat grieving at the cost of coals;
    For Hell had been annexed of late,
    And was a sovereign Southern State.

  6. #6
    Ellin Athinaios's Avatar Campidoctor
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    Default Re: First Age mod

    Well there is already a First Age mod in progress by a Russian team, but I don't really agree with the way they chose to depict it. And I always wanted such a mod, so I'd love to help in any way I can (though I can't do very much ).

  7. #7
    Eöl's Avatar Divide and Conquer
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    Default Re: First Age mod

    A long time ago, I made an idea for a first age custom campaign submod for tatw. I called it: The Union of Meadhros (TUOM) and it began just before the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. I also made the regions map:


    I choose this time set, because there were multiple evil factions and all the elves weren't very united also.
    If you have interest in my ideas, please ask

    Under the patronage of Pøntifex Maximus

  8. #8
    JorisofHolland's Avatar Primicerius
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    Default Re: First Age mod

    Quote Originally Posted by Ellin Athinaios View Post
    Well there is already a First Age mod in progress by a Russian team, but I don't really agree with the way they chose to depict it. And I always wanted such a mod, so I'd love to help in any way I can (though I can't do very much ).
    Help is always usefull. I will probably need some help with the research.
    Quote Originally Posted by Eöl View Post
    A long time ago, I made an idea for a first age custom campaign submod for tatw. I called it: The Union of Meadhros (TUOM) and it began just before the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. I also made the regions map:


    I choose this time set, because there were multiple evil factions and all the elves weren't very united also.
    If you have interest in my ideas, please ask
    It looks good, could you send me your files? Though I intended to start a little bit earlier (just after the arrival of the Noldor, or perhaps when most Houses of Edain are in their respective Kingdoms) the map will be the same.
    The Enemy of Human Souls
    Sat grieving at the cost of coals;
    For Hell had been annexed of late,
    And was a sovereign Southern State.

  9. #9
    Eöl's Avatar Divide and Conquer
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    Default Re: First Age mod

    Quote Originally Posted by JorisofHolland View Post
    It looks good, could you send me your files? Though I intended to start a little bit earlier (just after the arrival of the Noldor, or perhaps when most Houses of Edain are in their respective Kingdoms) the map will be the same.
    Later. No time to search it all up now.
    Why that time? In the time I thought of, we could have sauron as a seperate evil force set in minas tirith. The evil men showed up. And the sindarin weren't very nice to the noldor.

    Under the patronage of Pøntifex Maximus

  10. #10
    JorisofHolland's Avatar Primicerius
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    Default Re: First Age mod

    Quote Originally Posted by Eöl View Post
    Later. No time to search it all up now.
    Okay.

    Why that time? In the time I thought of, we could have sauron as a seperate evil force set in minas tirith. The evil men showed up. And the sindarin weren't very nice to the noldor.
    I was just thinking, I'm not sure yet. I want in as many factions as possible (within the borders of realism). Before the Nirnaeth Arnoediad the Edain still lived in Dorlomin, right? It's a while ago I read that history, and I'm looking up things on the internet and in the books I have.
    The Enemy of Human Souls
    Sat grieving at the cost of coals;
    For Hell had been annexed of late,
    And was a sovereign Southern State.

  11. #11
    Ellin Athinaios's Avatar Campidoctor
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    Default Re: First Age mod

    Quote Originally Posted by JorisofHolland View Post
    Help is always usefull. I will probably need some help with the research.
    I could also help with things like text work and family trees. And by the way I think I agree with Eöl's idea about the starting time of the mod, seems like a more interesting time to me, and IIRC the Noldor were at their greatest power just before that battle.

  12. #12
    JorisofHolland's Avatar Primicerius
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    Default Re: First Age mod

    Quote Originally Posted by Ellin Athinaios View Post
    I could also help with things like text work and family trees. And by the way I think I agree with Eöl's idea about the starting time of the mod, seems like a more interesting time to me, and IIRC the Noldor were at their greatest power just before that battle.
    You are probably right. I'm reading through some text and after that I probably think it's the right time
    The Enemy of Human Souls
    Sat grieving at the cost of coals;
    For Hell had been annexed of late,
    And was a sovereign Southern State.

  13. #13

    Default Re: First Age mod

    I really love the first age and I wish you good luck with this mod. I would have offered my help but I have no time for another mod to work on.

    For the map you can ask gigantus if he wants to help, he is an excellent mapper and fast worker, and I last time I checked his user title was "maps anyone?", so he might help you .

  14. #14
    Venia's Avatar Auxilium meum a Domino
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    http://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=1496,

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  16. #16
    Nirnaeth Arnoediad's Avatar Vive l'Empereur !
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    Default Re: First Age mod

    HI !
    Happy to see somebody else is working on First Age.

    The russians are however very very advanced in their work -althought I don't agrre their vision of Tolkien'world.

    I was in the past (1 year) the leader of a french mod about the first age, we worked a lot too but have stopped because 1) our dev forum was lost (!!!!!) and 2) the russian competition was too strong.

    But if you need help, documentation, advices, maps, and all the concepts we had already worked, I'm at your service.

  17. #17
    JorisofHolland's Avatar Primicerius
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    Default Re: First Age mod

    Quote Originally Posted by Skeleton Of The West View Post
    I really love the first age and I wish you good luck with this mod. I would have offered my help but I have no time for another mod to work on.

    For the map you can ask gigantus if he wants to help, he is an excellent mapper and fast worker, and I last time I checked his user title was "maps anyone?", so he might help you .
    Thank you, I'll ask him once I'm sure about settlements, time period and some other stuff.

    I am now sure the best time is a few years before the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. Dorthonion was captured by the Easterlings by then, which makes a faction for there rather pointless, but this is replaced by an evil faction of Easterlins. Not a bad thing, because I think there won't be many evil factions around.

    The kingdoms of the Noldor were still there, as said, at the peak of their height and loosely led by Maedhros (though led is the wrong word, more 'unified'). The Edain lived in Brethil and Hithlum (Dor-lómin). Those factions will require new units, but for now that's not a matter of importance.

    I've googled a few maps of Beleriand. Most are incomplete, so I think I will pick one and write/draw a few notes on it. Paint.exe for the world!

    Quote Originally Posted by Louis Lux View Post
    Nice link, I think I've seen a better wiki-like site though.
    Quote Originally Posted by Nirnaeth Arnoediad View Post
    HI !
    Happy to see somebody else is working on First Age.

    The russians are however very very advanced in their work -althought I don't agrre their vision of Tolkien'world.

    I was in the past (1 year) the leader of a french mod about the first age, we worked a lot too but have stopped because 1) our dev forum was lost (!!!!!) and 2) the russian competition was too strong.

    But if you need help, documentation, advices, maps, and all the concepts we had already worked, I'm at your service.
    I've seen the Russian mod, it's to bad their forum is Spanish (?!?) I would like to hear/see what you have done so far
    Last edited by JorisofHolland; April 04, 2010 at 10:53 AM.
    The Enemy of Human Souls
    Sat grieving at the cost of coals;
    For Hell had been annexed of late,
    And was a sovereign Southern State.

  18. #18

    Default Re: First Age mod

    Whats wrong with the russians view on Tolkiens world? I mean how do they see it then?

    Using vanilla TA units is a good start but apart from Dale and Wild men of Dunlending (FROME) i cant really see anyone else fitting in the First Age, well every faction ofcourse have some units that do.

    I think everyone gets different imagination when they read a book but in my mind the soldiers wernt very heavily armored (tho i got an idea that Elves from Gondolin had some nasty epic armors and weapons and Dwarves ofcourse but the followers (men) seemed like using leather or mail to me.

    Im hoping someone will make First Age mod for ETW or Napoleon due to their nice features that would give a lot more options to make a more fitting mod but as far as ive heard they havent even released mod tools for these 2 or something.

    Good luck anyway, dont really see how i could help, even if i wanted to, unless you want some signature made

    PS: Some time before Nirnaeth Arnoediad is perfect time to start rewriting the history of Beleriand, if you want my opinion, ive actually thought about it where would this mod start if i would make it, and thats probably the best time, many Elves were wiped off in that battle along with most men so starting after that battle would be bit harsh.
    Last edited by IHV; April 04, 2010 at 10:47 AM.

  19. #19

    Default Re: First Age mod

    Hi! Well I am not sure, if the russian mod you are mentioning is called Tales of Arda, or something like that, because what I know is, that there is/was a quite developed modding project for RTW-LOTR. The name was something with Arda, could be the tales. They had most of the units done, valar and maiar alike, so maybe you could look for inspiration over there. I´ll try to find a link.

  20. #20

    Default Re: First Age mod

    Found it : http://www.lotr-tw.net/viewforum.php...5d22b2621f4ab7. It´s called Arda total war and it seems to be up and running..

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