DCI: Last Alliance - Open Beta released, NEW: 10 October 2020 new patch released, contains Ents - Wolves - Spiders crashes fix! (and more)

[Karak Norn Clansman]

This is a very promising mod! Best of luck, guys! When this and the Silmarillion mod are finally out, we'll be able to play in all three ages. That will be nothing short of wondrous.

Just make sure that High Elves don't have to wait until the very last barrack in the very biggest cities until they're able to get their hands on armoured units. That's a big flaw in the 3rd Age mod, I've found. Don't want that repeated here as well.

[Madril]

Mae govannen!

It's been a very long time since the last time I logged in TATW.
I come to say I'm really eager to see what you, Ngugi and your dedicated team, will have to show you us next.
It is a very promising mod. In fact, this makes me want to learn more lore about Second Age now.

[Ngugi]

This is a very promising mod! Best of luck, guys! When this and the Silmarillion mod are finally out, we'll be able to play in all three ages. That will be nothing short of wondrous.

Just make sure that High Elves don't have to wait until the very last barrack in the very biggest cities until they're able to get their hands on armoured units. That's a big flaw in the 3rd Age mod, I've found. Don't want that repeated here as well.

And about time ^^ Well, technically there's the Second Age:TW-mod already, but it is less known.

We use the same system as in TATW, for strategic and challenge reasons. About all top units are avilable from 4th level barracks in city-settlements, avilable in Minor Cities, or archeries/stables at same settlement level, for all factions; in DCI's case we made a faction exception for OMM [Orcs of the Misty Mountains], but that is because they have to unlock their units through achievements.
And no, we won't change that.

Mae govannen!

It's been a very long time since the last time I logged in TATW.
I come to say I'm really eager to see what you, Ngugi and your dedicated team, will have to show you us next.
It is a very promising mod. In fact, this makes me want to learn more lore about Second Age now.

Ai na vedui Franceadan!

Next up will come the Rhûn Confederacy I may reveal, our 'evil fans' are to be rewarded further for their wait, hehe.
On the Second Age, if it helps and you want a summary, I've made two videos for that purpose;
http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showt...1#post14814901

[Madril]

I'll watch them, sound very interesting

Rhun units will get a different style from TATW, right? Based on the sneak pic, they look closer to the descriptions of Tolkien.

[Ngugi]

We've replaced every unit in Rhûn Confederacy roster, with the exception of the siege engine crews, and hopefully getting closer to the intentions by Tolkien, even if it is hard to tell because Easterlings are almost not described at all. We're happy with what we made, at any rate hehe.

The film's Easterlings are based on the book descriptions of Haradrim indeed (Frodo & C/O hide from Haradrim outside the Black Gate, and it's the haradrim who wear gold, red, scarlet and "overlapping brazen plates"), so we did not use the movide design at all, nor the books descriptions of haradrim as a model for Rhûn here; while it signal what's possibly avilable materials beyond the West in general (the East and South having ties) which is of interest.

[Madril]

Indeed they give the Easterling the Haradrim's descriptions from the books.

I always envisionned Rhun more Huns or Mongols, with Middle-east influence.

[Ngugi]

Personally I always imagined a very broad kind of inspiration for them, from Vikings to Huns hehe, as the Easterlings always is a label to summorize many different folks, unions and kingdoms. Hues are mentioned, but is of little concern. Instead we have the discriptions of use of war-chariots resembling Middle-eastern kingdoms of old as the Hittites, Baylonians, especially Assyrians but also Egyptians (all Biblical actors).
There is Khand, that resemble for example the from Central Asian renowned Samarkhand (where -khand means Town or Fort; fitting the descriptions from the 2nd Age about Sauron's subjects "they grew strong in those days and built many towns and walls of stone").
While the people of Khand are the Variyags, which happends to be the name of the Viking (and later Anglo-Saxon) elite warriors in service in the Eastern Roman Empire/Byzantium. Another Viking inspiration may be the unknown Easterlings who appear during LotR: "countless companies of Men of a new sort that we have not met before. Not tall, but broad and grim, bearded like dwarves, wielding great axes", if we recall that LotR is a story by an Englishman for Englishmen for whom the Vikings were terrifying heathens that came from the east just as well hehe.
Horsed archers are described, that resembling Middle Eastern and Central Asian folks.
This is certainly not saying the Variyags in ME are 'Vikings' or some Easterlings Assyrians, or Khand is Samarkhand, or horsemen with bows are huns, that would be allegory and to underestimate Tolkien's creation and creativity: he use reality to create fantasy. They is merely so named to create a feeling of renown warriors in the East, place names that feels credible, or dangers we with a 'historical instinct' can accept without refelection (beware of the hordes, haha).
Well, we rolled different inspiration ourselves, shall be fun to display.

[Madril]

It was a very good input!

Variags are opften depicted as Huns in mods, or even card games. I think it's not unlikely, but the Eatserling could be integrated too, or vaguely looked like Huns or Central Asian people from Old, since they used charriots and wains.

[Deathshade]

I always thought that the Variags were mercenaries descending from the Northmen who allied themselves with the Easterlings.

I agree with Ngugi, the multiple descriptions give the feeling of multiple people and kingdoms. A bit like the great invasions during the collapse of the western roman empire : a lot of different people (Hun, Alans, Franks, Saxons, Goths, etc.) who attack a common ennemy.

[Ngugi]

The DCI team is proud, through the craftmanship of Earl of Memory, to present the

Rhûn Confederacy

Easterlings is a term for a great variety of peoples and tribes that inhabit the North and East of Middle-earth. They appeared in the First Age during which many served Morgoth but certainly not all, as some fought the first Dark Lord till their bitter end.
During the Second Age Sauron reigned in the East that neither Valar, Elves nor Dúnedain had enlightened. Easterlings who wanted to be free took refuge in the fastnesses of wood and mountain, and ever fear pursued them. Most Men fell under Sauron's dominion, and they have grown strong and built many towns and walls of stone, and they are numerous and fierce in war and arm themselves with iron.
To them Sauron is both king and god, and they fear him exceedingly, for he surrounds his abode with fire.

Little about them is known in the West, especially as most who they met were wicked and ravening men who seek Sauron's favour or spoils of war, but it is clear they shall not be disrespected. They have been in Sauron's service for long, so their hate of the West goes deep and they ask for no quarter.
The Easterling hosts are great and varied. Included are the numerous Balchoth tribes, the armoured archers from the city states of Khand, from the distant Haerhûn ride heavy cavalry, and in great chariots that thunder across the battlefields kings of the East charge to victory.

Ruler: warlord Borthand


~~~

Game notes: Rhûn Confederacy represent its diverse nature through 'subfactions' that we call the "Tribal Courts": Balchoth, Khand and Haerhûn. There is a regular army of units avilable in every region once enough culture is reached, but each settlement may also be dedicated to one of three "tribes" though a building called Camp, that over time may be upgraded up till the level of Court.
The "Tribal Courts" provide different bonuses to the settlement, such as improved Law, Population growth or Trade income depending on whether you devote the settlement to the peoples of Balchoth, Khand or Haerhûn, but that also provide different kind of units, uniqe to the chosen Courts.
You may not have more than one kind of Court in a settlement, making them strategic choices. The six starting provinces of Rhûn are granted a "Homeland" instead of a "Court", that may not be replaced.
The Rhûn Confederacy has no family tree, but increase it's amount of generals through Man of the Hour and adoptions.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

~~~


Regular Melee Infantry

Eastern Tribesmen
The Easterlings are short and broad, as well as long and strong in the arm, their hues are swart or sallow, and their hair is as dark as are their eyes. Morgoth lay his shadow upon most of them of old, and later Sauron's despotic theocracy befell them. Now Sauron, and the kings and chieftains who serve him, force the masses into service, to fight grim wars far from home, driven by lies and fear.
The Eastern Tribesmen have no armour besides a shield, but fight in large companies. Wielding spears they are good against cavalry, but have wavering morale.

Eastern Tribesmen

Upgraded:

Rhunnic Spearmen
Sauron enlisted many savage tribes in the East that, corrupted by Morgoth in days long gone, served him well in bending the world to his will.
Societies in constant strife, which was often instigated by the Dark Lord himself, provide hardy men. Thus, armed with spear and shield, wearing basic armour and helmet, the Rhunnic Spearmen provide the bulk of many a warlord's hosts.
Especially good against enemy cavalry they, after a hard days fighting, most of all are looking forward to exultant feasting and singing songs of victory.

Rhunnic Spearmen

Upgraded:

Rhunnic Fencers
These swift swordsmen that wield gleaming blades with deadly efficiency, are known to serve kings, cities and the countless warring chieftains alike. Professional soldiers, loyal men-at-arms or double-crossing sell-swords, it makes no difference. Paid in gold their heritage in the East is always drawn in red.
Sauron acquired dominion over many savage tribes in Rhûn long ago and eased his rule over their lands by keeping them divided amongst themselves. He now urges them to seek land and booty in the West, and Rhunnic Fencers are eager to serve any lord who will endeavour to fulfil Sauron's wishes.
Disciplined soldiers wearing basic armour and helmet, armed with sword and shield.

Rhunnic Fencers

Upgraded:

Regular Ranged Infantry

Eastern Archers
The people that inhabit the region from Rhovanion to the distant western Ocean, fear that great hosts of "wild men" will sweep over them, and rightfully so. From behind broad lines of spears and swords, arrows shall rain upon the enemy!
Few men have not made themselves familiar with bow and arrow from early age on, in order to put hare and venison over the fire. Merely mustered peasants, the Eastern Archers carry no armour, but as long as they are kept out of the enemy's reach, avoiding Sauron's wrath, they will perform their duty in the field.

Eastern Archers

Upgraded:

Rhunnic Slingers
The sling is an ancient weapon which appears to be simple, but requires great skill. In the right hands, a slinger's beads can crack skulls or incapacitate even a heavy armoured enemy at great range.
Because of the contact with Sauron and even before that with the Orocarni Dwarves, armour has become more common in Rhûn. This has made that these men are highly sought after, both in wars against rival tribes as in battles against the terrible West.
The confident slingers, clad in common eastern armour, look forward to feasting and revelling, when Sauron's enemies are overthrown and nothing remains but to take the spoils of battle.

Rhunnic Slingers

Regular Cavalry

Rhûn Riders
It is reported with dread that swift shadows move at the horizon beyond the Inland Sea, how a great dust borne on a wind from the East, announces the oncoming of the Rhûn vanguard.
The Rhûn Riders are light, but have the potential to mass a force of cavalry far greater than any that may beforeseen. Being accustomed to warfare in open lands their charge is deadly, especially when they can hit a flank, or hunt down wailing archers or other scum.

Rhûn Riders

Upgraded:

Rhûn Horsearchers
Many cultures on the plains of Rhûn have the horse to thank for livelihood and security. Cruel wars rage among the clans, often fought over cattle or honour. This makes some of them withdraw westward to escape the violence in search for opportunity. But when they arrive their hopes proof false for they are mustered into the hosts of the god of darkness and flame, and their minds are filled with Sauron's cunning hatred, regarding all that dwell in the West as enemies to be slain and plundered.
In great numbers they reach full effect according to their tactics of choice, being accustomed to warfare in open lands where they can bring down enemies at range with their strong composite bows. Although they wear decent armour, their preferred fighting style is to ever dart away from hostile attempts to lay hands on them.

Rhûn Horsearchers

Upgraded:

Balchoth
The tribes on the border to the West are called Balchoth, "Horrible Horde". They are more rustic than other Easterlings but also more numerous. More than to plunder they want to capture new land to settle in and till the earth, keeping native population as thralls.


Balchoth Tribesmen
The West whispers about the many new and dangerous tribes coming out of the East, steadily drifting in from beyond the Sea of Rhûn, they thrive on the borders between Rhovanion and Rhûn. They are rural farmers and settlers, but what they may lack in gear of war they make up for in numbers and hunting skills.
Their enemies call them all Balchoth, a mixed word of popular speech, from Westron balc "horrible" and Sindarin hoth "horde". A demeaning name, but one they shall soon regret!
The fierce Balchoth tribesmen are excellent skirmishers, who hurl javelins at their foes in battle but avoid close quarters if possible.

Balchoth Tribesmen

Balchoth Lancers
The Balchoth are more rudely armed than the folk from more civilized areas, and have no great number of horses for riding, using horses mainly for draught, but that means they value their cavalry highly. The chieftains devote resources to outfit their Lancers better than what is common with the Rhûn Riders, so lightning raids can be sent to neighbouring peoples, or defend against other raiders in turn.
A medium cavalry their name derives from the lance they use for their charges, while they wield axes in close quarters combat.

Balchoth Lancers

Balchoth Sicas
As the Balchoth communities constantly increase their numbers by kindred people coming in from the East, while slaves and plunder flow in from the West, chieftains can afford to strengthen their armies with full companies of the renowned Sicas. These fierce warriors, the ones deepest and longest in Sauron's servitude, hate the West. As proud as bold, these men are used as shock infantry, especially suited for breaking up enemy formations.
The Sica is a weapon that looks like a huge reaping-hook, developed to cut trough the armours and shields of their more civilised neighbours. This devious weapon is also referred to as the "horse cutter" since it advantageously can be used to cut the legs out from under a horse in battle.

Balchoth Sicas

Haerhûn
From Haerhûn, the Far East, rulers come, from along the mountain range Orocarni and from Hildórien, where Men once awoke in the First Age. With them march grim warriors, filled with devotion to crush Sauron's enemies. But their chieftains and kings also establish trade routes for foreign luxury, increasing the regional wealth.


Haerhûn Axemen
Grim Men from the uncharted Far East arrive, eager to serve the Lord and defeat those who dare to oppose the god of darkness and flames. They are not tall, but broad and grim, clad in armour that offers them mobility and wielding great axes for breaking up enemy formations.
With axes and beards they resemble Dwarves, but then again they likely had their share of exchanges with the Orocarni Dwarves. Whence it comes that of the tongues of the Easterlings many show kinship with Dwarf-speech rather than with the speeches of the Elves, as is common with Men in the West.

Haerhûn Axemen

Upgraded:

Haerhûn Lancers
Many kings ride in from the East to the service of Mordor, bringing new strength to the front line of Rhûn. For once they let rest the conflicts with neighbours and the peoples of Khand and Balchoth, for a peace and alliance imposed by Sauron, king of the world. The Haerhûn Lancers are proud to ride the plains near Hildórien, where Men first awoke when the Sun arose, and the enemies who live where the sun goes down will be unprepared to face the charge of gleaming lance points.
The Haerhûn riders have a decent armour, but excel in the charge, repeated until the enemy breaks. They have a sword as sidearm but should avoid prolonged melee.

Haerhûn Lancers

Khand
The folks of Khand grew strong in earlier days of Sauron's rule, when they built many towns and walls of stone. The city states ceasless warring, and political intrigue within, have made sure their kings rule with an iron fist. City guards, agents, bribes and public executions help them make sure the population is held in line.


Khand Infantry
The city states of Khand are constantly at war, be it against rival settlements, or against enemies within their own walls. This has created a military culture that specializes both in fighting revolts and laying siege to cities. The Khand Infantry is made up of strong and war-hardened soldiers who ask for no quarter, nor expect to receive it. They wear heavy armour, carry maces and broad shields, and cover their faces to seem less human to their foes.
Finally Sauron has decided to direct the savage, mortal energy of the peoples of Khand against his enemies in the West. This surely will have dire consequences for anybody that stand in the way of the Khand armies. For they long for conquest and booty and are filled with hatred against Dúnedain, Dwarves, Elves and anyone else that dares to oppose them in equal measure.

Khand Infantry

Khand Marksmen
Khand's rulers enjoyed the supremacy of Sauron, towns they built and walls of stone. The city states have since competed and fought for contested resources and dominion over each other, so the demands of sieges have molded the military tradition.
Clad in heavy armour, and wearing masks inspired by the Dwarves, the Khand Marksmen are renowned and well-paid archers, using composite bows that are both far reaching and deadly. Now they are restless, plagued by the evil and darkness that Sauron set in their hearts, they lust for prisoners to send to servitude and new lands to occupy.

Khand Marksmen

Special Units

Rhûn War-Chariot
At the head of swordsmen, spearmen, bowmen upon horses and laden supply wains, roll the war-chariots of kings and chieftains. Many Eastern lords fight in chariots, sturdy and rapid they move across the plains and fire arrows at the enemy.
But an enemy who thinks they are just fancy missile platforms must soon think again and cover his flanks as swiftly as he can. Thus preparing for the moment when the chariots in great weight crash into and disorder his lines, tearing men apart with sharp and vicious scythes attached to the chariots sides. They do this to pave the way for infantry and victory, and their charge is a feared threat to any host. (Rhûn AoR)

Rhûn War-Chariot

Rhûn Bodyguard
Over the open plains on the back of a fleet horse, the wealthy lords of the East enjoy falconry and the feeling of wind in their hair. But a life of power and ambition leaves little time for leisure. To secure the good will of Sauron, who bestows recognition, and to secure spoils of war and earn a name feared and renowned as a commander of men, one must ride out to war.
Most kings and chieftains are skilled with the bow from horseback, used to hunting dangerous beasts as they are, whilst an an elite bodyguard accompanies them at all times.
Heavily armoured and donning dehumanizing masks of war, inspired by the Dwarves, they spread death with strong composite bows, equipped with spears for close combat.

Rhûn Bodyguard

Credits:

All units are created by Earl of Memory

Preview images by xHolyCrusader
Unit original concepts by Ngugi
Faction icons and Tribal Courts by Withwnar
Texts by Ngugi; text editor Veteraan
Faction Leader portrait by Araval

Units have bare models from Rusichi Total War, and the head texture from Sumskilz
and round shields for the Haerhun units by GeMiNi][SaNDy

[BarnicleBill1]

Fantastic!!!!!

Sent from my LG-D851 using Tapatalk

[♔atthias♔]

great wok love ow you put little pieces of lore into the descriptions

[Jmonstra]

Very unique looking! You guys did a great job.

[Grauman]

This is so beautiful!

[Ngugi]

Fantastic!!!!!

Very unique looking! You guys did a great job.

This is so beautiful!

Thank you from the team, and glad you like it guys

great wok love ow you put little pieces of lore into the descriptions

Always aim to have a firm foot in the lore, and be creative from that

[Hummingbird]

Awesome detail on those units. Very cool.

[Roma_Victrix]

The DCI team is proud, through the craftmanship of Earl of Memory, to present the

Rhûn Confederacy

Get hyped. DCILA is coming.

My personal favorite: the Rhunic charioteers.

[Shankbot de Bodemloze]

Awesome work to everyone in the whole team, both the units and the descriptions were amazing. Love the idea of the Camp/Court as well.

[Ngugi]

Awesome detail on those units. Very cool.

Earl done a splendid work indeed ^^

My personal favorite: the Rhunic charioteers.

Rolling with swag

Awesome work to everyone in the whole team, both the units and the descriptions were amazing. Love the idea of the Camp/Court as well.

Thanks Shankbot!
Yes, the Camps/Courts add an interesting strategic level to the gameplay.
Shall you build Khand Courts to get a big Law bonus to keep the new settlement in line, and get the heavy Infantry and skilled Marksmen?
Or the Haerhun Court to utilize the rich resources of the region, and get quick access to axemen to fight heavy armoured enemies like the Dwarves, and aim to get the heavy Lancers?
Or shall you build Balchoth Courts to increase the growth rate of the settlement, and get weaker units than from the other "tribes", but in greater numbers?

[The Gondorian Knight]

Fantastic preview there Mr. Ngugi , those masks on some elite units are just so badass, great detail on all overall, cant wait to play the mod keep up the great work!