It's only turn 14 so far, but things are looking well for Rhun. I've just recently took Erebor and killed the Dwarven king. This turn I have 7421 to spend; Money I'll need to further develop my lands. I spend 1200 on a shrine of Melkor in Tirith Thoron, 2500 on a caravan stop in Buhr Ermanarikis and 3500 on crop rotation in Ammu Khand, leaving me with 221. Edgu continues north west to bring the battle to Rhovanost. My spy there moves east to see if Dale plans to attack Uldonavan anytime soon. I retrain a unit of balchoth tribesmen and clan hunters in Erebor for some armor upgrades.
Next turn, my spy near Rhovanost is reporting a large Dale army moving south. It's still near Araw, but clearly en-route to either Rhovanost or Uldonavan. I might have to recruit some extra troops in the south soon. To the north a considerable army is standing outside Dale. All I know is that it contains plenty of cheap spearmen units. Together with the garrison in Dale, it might be a tough nut to crack, but I'm going to try anyway. If I manage to win, I'll not only get Dale as a bonus, but remove quite some enemy armies that could decide to attack Erebor later. I hate to be besieged in so I rather take the fight to them. A decimated unit of clan warriors remind behind to keep Erebor under control.
The battle started out without too much difficulties. I used my previous strategies of trying to defeat the first army before the second come come close by charging their lines as many times possible. The first army consisted of rivermen and hearthwatch spearmen and a unit of balista. They were easily taken care off, also because the AI allowed their ranks of rivermen to be charged before the spearmen could come close. A single unit of clan guard managed to keep all spearmen units busy while my generals charged from the side, which killed the general. After, the army started to rout quite quickly. The other army proved to be problem. First of all, their army consisted of units of much better quality. Dale sent out Dale Swordsmen units, a large bardian marksmen unit (general), a few hearthwatch spearmen units and a unit of yeomen. The Yeomen proved to be a huge problem. I figured I could beat them by having both generals charge the unit, but already tired, they lost and both had to run for their lifes. The unit of clan guard took care of them instead. After, I had to encircle their incoming army again and had balchoth tribesmen fire into the enemy army. After they had depleted their javelins, I ordered them to charge into the back. Already suffering heavy losses, the enemy army got closed in entirely and were killed or captured to the last man. Dale was mine now and got sacked like Erebor before. 8472 to spend now. 1200 of that was invested in a shrine of Melkor for Oibamari, 5400 on a mining network in Azanulimbar Dum and 1300 on a market in Rhomen. I figured I also have no diplomat yet, so 250 is spent once more, leaving me with 311. Edgu continues his path towards Rhovanost for now.
It seems the Dale army near Rhovanost is moving to Rhovanost indeed. My spy will keep track of them while I sent Edgu to a forest nearby. I'll see what happens first. If Dale will besiege the settlement and take it, I could besiege it afterwards and attack a damaged Dale army instead of facing the garrison of Rhovanost and the Dale army both. With a bit of luck, the rebels will score quite some kills against Dale. Apparantly, I forgot to build a shrine of Melkor in Dale the previous turn, so I better get onto that. 1200 is spent on it, along with 1500 on roads for Erebor and 1600 on communal farming in Tirith Thoron. I should start to recruit more troops as well. My diplomat reveals a good opportunity to take Esgaroth as well, as 1 unit is standing outside of it with the faction heir and a garrison of 7 more units inside. However, I've sent my faction heir to Erebor to keep the population happy and my army in Dale is weakened too much to risk it. Even if I manage to win, I wouldn't be able to fend of a counter attack.
I recruit a unit of balchoth tribesmen in Tirith Thoron, Buhr Ermanarikis, Kugavod and a unit of clansmen and variag raiders in Rhomen. I also recruit a spy in Dale to check the area for 350. I'm ending the turn with 75.
A new man is welcomed into the family. He starts off awesome with good traitis and the best part is that he spawns in Erebor. Leaving Erebor in his capable hands, I send my faction heir back to Dale to reunite with his father. Since the new governor is already a social drinker, I rather not risk any further development of that trait. The inn in Erebor is taken down which brings me another 800. Another unit of balchoth tribesmen is recruited in Rhomen and Kugavod. I also construct a mining network in Mistrand for 5400 and are keep 1706 for the next turn. The 2 units of balchoth tribesmen I recruited last turn in Buhr Ermanarikis and Tirith Thoron are sent north. The Dale army commander apparantly changed his mind and changed course towards Uldonavan. I sent Edgu in pursuit and into a new forest further west. My diplomat continues south west and enters Silvan Elves territory. I hope to gain some trade agreement and exchange map information. They might not be too happy to see me though, since we share borders now. Dale borders the Woodland Realm after all.
I turn out to be right. Next turn, my spy reveals that the Dale army has started the siege of Uldonavan. Edgu crawls close and would be able to strike the castle next turn if I feel the need. The reinforcements from the south draw close and can join the fun. To the far north, 2 units of Dwarves wander close to Erebor. I assemble my generals and attack them to teach them a lesson and probably half the total amount of Dwarven troops in the east to the amount of 2.
I face a unit of miners and iron guard. Especially the iron guard proved to be tough as leather and withstood, charge after charge after charge. Eventually, their numbers dwindled, but it took me long enough. I suffered some losses again, but all of those will be replaced. The lone prisoner got executed in the hope to gain some more dread. The governor of Erebor ran back to his settlement afterwards to keep the public happy. My heir and faction leader will be able to return to Dale next turn. A temple of Melkor is constructed in Dale for 2500, a caravan stop in Kugavod for 2500 and a market for 1300 in Ammu Khand. I recruit a unit of balchoth tribesmen and clansmen in Rhomen and are left with 195. I send out all troops from Rhomen, save the general west en route to Kugavod.
The counsil again wishes me to put more units inside Tirith Thoron and once again, it will be ignored. Dale managed to conquer Uldonavan and in response, I order Edgu and the reinforcements to lay siege. The troops from Rhomen pass Kugavod, pick up two units of balchoth tribesmen and continue west. I spend 600 more on a grain exchange in Tirith Thoron and 3500 on crop rotation in Rhomen. I start negotiations with the Silvan elves for a trade agreement, but it seems I got to greedy and should try again next turn. I'll end the turn with 1346 in my pocket and await on whether Dale feels like charging out of Uldonavan or not.
Dale charges out of Uldonavan! I'm unfortunate that the weather conditions are clear today and that the distance to the castle is quite long. Before I arrive, the units of Dale still aren't in battle position, but made a wide front already. My melee units simply charged in, but would be enveloped from all sides soon. My generals charged into their lines too before the rest of my troops got close and caused some more disarray and kills. Fortunately, the enemy pays particular minds in chasing my generals around and trying to swarm my two melee units. My balchoth tribesmen can throw volleys of javelins into their ranks. My generals keep charging the enemy lines and eventually, their numbers start to dwindle, alongside with mine. The javelins and charges are enough as they brought little spear units and those that were, got themselves occupied with my melee units. Uldonavan is mine and I capture it.
Next turn, I have a total of 10252 to spend. With quite supporters of Melkor in Uldonavan already, I could start retraining and recruiting troops from there as well. First of all, I have to repair the castle and build a shrine of melkor there for 1200. Apart from that, I invest 2500 on a shrine of Melkor in Erebor for 2500, 3500 on a caravan stop in Oibamari. I finally get the trade rights with the Silvan Elves and gain 1000 as a bonus. They were willing to exchange map information without any money passing the table. Meanwhile, my spy reveals another chance to take Esgaroth. The garrison is weak and a unit is standing outside. Convinced that I should try my luck, I plan on doing so right away. Meanwhile, my spy near Uldonavan returns west towards Rhovanost.
The lone unit of Riverman got trampled down way before the reinforcements could get there. Once again, Dale made the mistake of having the missle troops out way before the rest of the army so two units of rivermen got decimated before the fight actually started. Their bardian marksmen caused quite some casualties on my side, but the moment their spear units were engaged, my generals had the field to themselves. Charge, run, repeat. Another victory and another settlement to Rhun. Esgaroth got sacked as well. I build a shrine of Melkor there right away. My spy in Esgaroth continues south and reveals that the village of Riverrun is held by a lone general. Meanwhile, my troops coming from Kugavod run into a rebel stack, which depletes it's movement points... I end the turn with 4723.
Next turn my spy reveals me that Dale troops are moving towards Rhovanost while a smaller force is laying siege to it. More troops are running around Araw, but at the moment, Dale is down to only 4 settlements. I could take Riverrun any moment now and Dorwinion is being held by a general and a unit of hearthwatch spearmen. I decide to have my army from Kugavod to attack Dorwinion. It's a good settlement to have, financially speaking. It doesn't have a garrison script as far as I know. I also can't resist the temptation of attacking Riverrun and send my faction leader and faction heir down there to take it.
Quite a simple victory once more. The generals charged into town from 2 sides, suffered a few casualties from arrows and then slaugthered the Bardian Marskmen down to the last man. Riverrun was occupied. I send out the spy to the west and the spy reveals that Grasgard isn't being held by a decent force either. A general and a unit of hearthwatch spearmen; similar as the garrison of Dorwinion. I leave a almost non existant unit of clansmen and a very damaged unit of balchoth tribesmen in Esgaroth and send the rest south west towards Riverrun. I build a caravan stop for 2500 in Tirth Thoron, communal farming Azanulimbar Dum for 1600, a mining network in Ammu Khand for 5400 and a caravan stop in Dale, leaving me with 69 exact.
More bad news for Dale as it turns out that they failed to take Rhovanost. First of all, it's time to attack Dorwinion. After being under fire for a bit, the unit of spearmen actually charge out. They succeed in holding the gate for quite some time, while the general's unit can keep firing at will. My variag raiders cause little casualties on their side and they are too far from my balchoth tribesmen. My first victory in which I lost more men than killed. Yet, Dorwinion is mine. I occupy the settlement and have Edgu's army, save for a unit of balchoth tribesmen that is being retrained there move north to join forces with the army in Dorwinion. Their next destination will be Araw. The army of Dorwinion is sent south west across the bridge and will wait for Edgu there. A unit of balchoth tribesmen are left as garrison. The spy coming from Riverrun managed to enter Grasgard. 1200 is spent on a shrine of Melkor in Dorwinion, 3500 on paved roads in Esgaroth and 1500 on roads in Uldonavan. I recruit a unit of balchoth tribesmen in Mistrand. My treasury holds 979 as the noose is coming nicely around Dale's neck. Meanwhile, my diplomat continues south east to reach Dol Guldur.
Another new family member is welcomed into the family and he spawns in Riverrun to keep my faction heir company. He should turn out to be a great governor as well, but for now, I'll have him travel with me. Both he and the faction heir join forces with the Loke Khan and they continue east. Next turn, they will be able to hit Grasgard. Another damaged balchoth tribesmen unit is left in Riverrun. A bit to the south, Edgu and the Dorwinion forces join together and will march west on Araw from there. My other spy managed to infiltrate Araw. The garrison isn't much, about half a stack is marching around the settlement as well. 1 More big fight coming up at the very least. My diplomat reaches Dol Guldur and we exchange map information. I had to pay an additional 480, but that's ok I guess. Harad approached me in Ammu Khand and offered me their map information in exchange for trade rights. They however did not want an alliance with me, which could mean they consider Rhun too much of a threat already. Or too little, perhaps as I have very little troops moving about at the moment. I have Ulfang build a watch tower on the road to the west to see Harad coming in case they decide to attack me. For the moment they will probably focus on Gondor as the information shows me that Gondor holds Barad Harn. `Time to spend some money again. I spend 3500 on crop rotation in Mistrand and 4500 on barracks in Erebor. I have 1516 left.
As the Loke Khan's army approaches Grasgard, I receive a note that the spy has opened the gates. I don't think that waiting any longer would help me, so I decide to attack. 2 unit of Dale swordsmen units spawn along with a unit of longbowmen, but I should try anyway. Fortunately for me, Dale makes the fatal mistake to place their general at the gates while the rest of the units run for the town square. My generals charge in and kill off the entire unit of Bardian Marksmen. After, I order my clan hunters to fire at the mass at the town square. Eventually, the spearmen units come forth but are halted by the few melee units i have. The Loke Flag Rim does a decent job, but is eventually overrun. By then, only the unit of longbowmen remains and some Dale swordsmen, my generals take care off. However, by a stroke of misfortune, I lose my newly gained general. He had plenty of bodyguards left too! Yet, I occupy the settlement and send the spy south to check upon the stack that is moving towards Edgu. Edgu himself runs into a single unit of longbowmen. The general units take care of it and I'll save you guys the screenshot. Edgu is now in range of Araw which is held by a single unit. I send the Loke Khan south to support the army Edgu is leading now. Dale ransomed the 2 prisoners back by the way. Good for them. I spend 2 x 2500 on a caravan stop in Dorwinion and Rhomen, 1200 on a shrine of Melkor in Grasgard and 3500 on crop rotation in Dale (151 left). That's the moment I spot King Bard (Dale obviously) with a large stack near Dale (the settlement). It must have spawned there recently. I have no troops nearby at all to deal with that stack, but there might not be a problem after all. Dale no longer borders Dale territory and the faction Dale is down to 1 settlement. We will see what happens next turn!
The army of king Bard vanishes from the map, but will probably re-appear soon if I don't hurry up. My Loke Khan takes over the leadership of Edgu's army and starts the siege of Araw with the army of Dale closeby. Either they will attack me right now or they will be too late! I received a new mission as you can see. I send the diplomat west to reach the Misty Mountains from Dol Guldur. I recruit a unit of balchoth tribesmen in Mistrand and a unit of Variag Raiders in Rhomen. 3500 goes to crop rotation in Azanulimbar Dum, 3 x 1000 to a leather tanner in Kugavod, Kelepar and Mattaram. I also recruit 2 units of balchoth tribesmen in Ammu Khand in case Harad is boiling something up. 1368 left.
As anticipated, the Dale army attacks and battle ensues for the existance of Dale. Their army is well balanced this time with spearmen, lots of missle troops, some heavy infantry and 2 units of yeoman. Standard tactics are applied and fortunately, my Variag raiders could shoot down lots of yeomen before they could do some damage. My line held and once again their rivermen ran forward too far again. It's as if they were on dopamine this campaign. Eventually, with a lot of cavalry charges, I slay both armies and Araw is mine to occupy. King Bard appears in the same turns and out of revenge starts to besiege Esgaroth. Not that it would matter, because:
I officially receive word that the faction Dale has been destroyed. Bard's army went rogue and stands outside Esgaroth doing nothing.
Turn 26 and Dale has been destroyed! Lots of money to spend this turn as well. First, I have my spy in Araw move to Rhovanost so I can capture it later. 1200 goes to a shrine of Melkor in Araw, 2500 to a caravan stop in Grasgard, 4500 to barracks in Uldonavan. I train another diplomat in Erebor and another spy in dale for 250 and 350. I also recruit a unit of clansmen in Uldonavan and another unit of Variag Raiders in Rhomen. 6944 and the war against Dale is over!