[UPD 03 MAY 16] Preview: The Kingdom of Gondor
Preview: The Realm of Gondor
A preview on the Land of Stone, ruled by the Steward.
Ancient realm of the Númenóreans. Can you bring back glorious days for the Dúnedain?
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Some say the blood of Númenór is gone, that all its pride and dignity is forgotton. That because of men, evil was allowed to endure, and that their lust for power can only lead to their downfall.
The shadows now lurk in the East. The Dark Lord of Mordor has openly declared himself, and all of Ithilien have fled over the water to the safety of Gondor. All seems lost.
Yet still, oft hope is reborn, when all seems forlorn. Still, there are many brave and valiant men who resist the Shadows and stand firm to defend what is left of their once mighty Realm.
Faction Description
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From high tower it calls, echoing over the vast plains of Anórien! To the east it's challenge is Issued as it carves it's way over the Great River routing its foes before it! To the West it calls the Faithful to it, beckoning all to its piercing rally! Southward it runs to the shores until it is sprayed upon the Sundering Seas. Northward it billows, a deep and proud cascading over the High Mountains calling it's King home! Tis the Horn Call of Gondor, rally cry of the Lords of the West, yet heard in these darkest of days! It Cries for Ecthelion's Tower out into all the lands of the King: Gondor, Gondor yet stands!
This was the Realm of Kings, the once proud and great kingdom of men; but alas, proud heritage and many tales are not enough to pillar a kingdom. For Gondor is now fallen into ruin. Its once high towers now abandoned, and its great fortresses left to decay. Our people are loosing hope, and as its soldiers fall to the blades of Orcs and Southrons, its cities that once shown with the splendor of Numenor crumble to the earth. The Tower of the Moon is now rent with shadow and the city of Kings darkened with an empty thrown, Gondor no longer has the strength to repel the Enemy or ensure the safety of its lands...Few now have the courage to endure the darkness, much less the courage to fight.. For we are surrounded, the Eastern sky has grown dark, Mordor is mustered against us. And still yet more oppose us: In the south the Haradrim seek ever to cross the Anduin into our lands, and Easterlings from the Brown Lands raid our villages to the north. For all these foes, we have few allies. Rohan in the West has long been our greatest friend, but I fear they will not be long unchecked. The Northern Kingdom, Arnor has long been a waste land, and neither elves or dwarves will have the will or power to aid us...we are alone, alone in the ever looming night.
Yet greater then all these troubles is the shadow that has fallen upon these lands, which no mighty horn echoed from high tower can expel. Only the might of a king could drive this darkness away and see the White Tree bloom again. But hope yet lingers. Whispers of an heir to the throne in the north are flowing through the cities, and legends of a great weapon of the Enemy have also reached the ears of the Stewards. But while the men look for their forgotten king and the Stewards search for their hidden salvation, the lines of the enemy move ever forward, Who now will stand and defy the armies of Mordor? The sons of Isildur and Elendil now quake at the Evil of Sauron, they look for one who will lead them, a true captain of men. One in whom the glory of ancient kings anew is displayed, unveiled in the glory of valor, one who would lead them to the Tower of Barad Dur itself, But alas, such heroes have faded into legend. Men of valor are remembered only in songs and tales, there are few now who would deny the reign of the Dark Lord to any avail.
Yet captain, though foes beset us, there are still those in whom the blood of our forefathers truly flows, though we may not survive the shadow, much less can we abide it without struggle! We will not fade into darkness, but will fight, and fight with all the strength that is left in our mortal veins! Now bid the marshals to sound the call! To battle, arise true sons of Elendil! While strength yet remains, muster you courage! You are no vagabonds or villagers, but men of Gondor, Knights of Isildur's Realm and feats for such and greater yet remain!
Now you must hear the horn's beckon, for even they who are deaf from their mother's womb would hear truly such a call, and the dumb would cry aloud the battle songs, and the lame would march proudly in full battle array! All the servants of the Kings of old, arrayed in the splendor of our fathers once again! Elendil, Elendil for Gondor!
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The Dúnedain of Gondor: traits
Though the road lies aheard shrouded in mist, and though the realm of Gondor changes, the traits of the Men of the West do not:
Dúnedain Race Traits:
Descendants of Númenór: The Dúnedain are the heirs of the great Kingdoms of Men, Arnor and Gondor, and as such carry themselves with a great pride, and many will follow eagerly behind them.
(Increased public order, decreased penalty to public order with foreign conquest, faster technology research)
Remnants of bygone days: The great days of men appear to be behind us, and so our cities and forts crumble beneath us, but yet our courage remains strong.
(Greatly increased building and repair costs, decreased unit upkeep costs, free upkeep on "ranger" units, small moral malus when fighting in home territory)
Gondor Faction Trait:
Bulwark of the West: Gondor is all that stands in the way of Mordor's total dominion, for by the blood of our people are the free lands kept safe. Ever will we resist the Shadow!
(Increased stats when in defensive stance, reduced wear on buildings from siege time)
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Quests of Gondor: Restoring Ancient Power
A long way to go yet, before the might of Gondor is fully restored. Constant raids of Southrons, Corsairs and Orcs of Mordor hinder all moves. In the beginning of the campaign, be ready for some serious layback by such forces! Of course, there will be the reactive missions for you to guide you through the uncertain times.
Should you manage to hold back your many foes who surround you, then try to complete the following quests:
Quest #1: "The Defence of the Anduin"
*My Sovereign Lord, hearken quickly to our call! The Orc Legions of Sauron are marching towards our borders on the River Anduin! The mighty river has long been held by our people, we have built much on the shores of the river, and it brings our people wealth, and shields us from the darker powers to the East. But now the Shadow grows again in Mordor, rumors have come that the Dark Lord himself has returned to his tower! Our people must be ready, the defences of the river must hold, for I fear already his legions will be marching on our borders. Make haste to ready the hosts of Gondor to defend the river, or we shall soon be swept away!
But there is more to do than build walls and dig parapets, Osgiliath was once the jewel of our people. A mighty city on the great river. Its streets were full of trade and prosperity, its homes with light and music. But of all the greatness of Osgiliath, chiefest of all was the Dome of the Stars. And its radiance filled the city with joy and peace. But now our crown city is made a ruin, its great streets destroyed and the Dome of the Stars burnt to the ground. It is as our people are today, a ruin of the glory of the past, but so it must be no more!
We must hold the river, and strengthen it! For if the garrison of Osgiliath falls, the last line of the defence for Minas Tirith, will be gone...*
Objective
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Reinforce East-Osgiliath with 'The Defenders of the White Tree', consisting of at least 7 units and reinforce Henneth-Annûn with 'The Rangers of Ithilien' of at least 4 units of Ithilien Rangers.
*Rewards: ...*
Minors
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-Recruit 6 units militia units in Minas Tirith in the army of 'The Defenders of the White Tree'
*Reward: 500 coins*
-Research 'Rangership'
*Reward: 4 units of Ithilien Rangers in the army of 'The Rangers of Ithilien'*
-Research 'Organised Arms' and 'Militia Maintenance'
*Reward: ability to construct a barracks tier 3*
-Construct a barracks tier 3 in Minas Tirith
*Reward: 1 unit of Gondor Spearmen*
-Secure the rule of the new Steward Ecthelion by having 75% of all the politicle influence for his rule
*Reward: 5% increase of influence of the ruling party*
-Hold your Homeland regions
*Reward: 500 coins*
Quest #2: "The Far Reaches of the Realm"
*My liege, for now you succesfully secured the eastern front should the orc preform skirmishes in Ithilien. However, the garrison there will not hold the rumored full might of Sauron.
But there is nothing more we can do there now. We must look to our southern borders too, for they are long and ill-manned! The Corsairs ships of Umbar have been spotted on the horizon, and more and more scouts report groups of southrons in Harondor, coming closer to our borders every hour. We must look to our borders on the southern shores!*
Objective
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Maintain an army of at least 5 units in Lebennin region, an army of at least 4 units in Anfalas, an army of at least 5 units led by Adrahil in Dol Amroth and a fleet of at least 2 ships in Pelargir.
*Reward: Reduced unit upkeep by 5% for 20 turns*
Minors
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-Research 'Fiefdom infrastructure'
*Reward: access to level 2 provincial capitals and non-provincial capitals*
-Upgrade Pinnath-Gelin and Anfalas to level 2
*Reward: 1000 coins*
-Research 'Naval Expeditions'
*Reward: access to constructing a level 2 naval warf*
-Upgrade the port in Pelargir to a Naval Warf
*Reward: 25% faster ship recruitment for 15 turns*
-Hold your Homeland Regions and your latest conquests
*Reward: 500 coins*
Quest #3: "The Tower of the Moon"
*Shadow looms on the east, the once great Minas Ithil now engulfed in the shadows of Morgul. While a great loss, it is but one of many, yet another of our great relics seized and corrupted by Sauron. But now the Tower of the Moon again shall reflect the light of the Sun beaming from the Tower of Ecthelion! Send our armies, take back our lands, and sound the charge of the Sons of the Stewards once more!
Also, our beloved city of Osgiliath is now protected by your brave men. Seize this change to erect a wall and start the repairings of Osgiliath, further strengthening our realm!*
Objectives
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Reclaim the City of Minas Ithil.
*Reward: faster research rate for x number of turns, training costs reduced by 5%, building costs reduced by 5%, battle moral bonus of 5%, all for x number of turns*
Minors
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-Repair the Ruins of Osgiliath in West-Osgiliath as well as in East-Osgiliath and Crossings of Osgiliath
*Reward: faster research rate for x number of turns*
-Research 'The Bridge of Osgiliath'
*Reward: ability to repair the Bridge of Osgiliath*
-Maintain at least 50 land units and an income of at least 750 coins per turn for the duration of 15 sequent turns
*Reward: 5% bonus on tax income for 20 turns*
-Hold your homeland regions and your latest conquests
*Reward: 500 coins*
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The Reunited Realm: The Return of the King
The Realm of Gondor can come to its former might, under the rule of a King. Should Arnor ever be restored, Gondor will have a chance to create a mighty realm that will beckon in history as the revival of the splendour or Men in their finest hour! The Cities of yore will be reclaimed and rebuilt. So shall it be for Osgiliath too!
Reactive Quest: "The Reunited Kingdom" (implemented after Arnor has been restored)
*Glorious days, by the Valar! The banners of the men of the west are held high once more, the silver trumpets in the streets of Annúminas call once more and all hail the new King of Arnor, Aragorn Elessar! Although your rule has been secured in Gondor, Aragorn calls for the reunion of the twin realms of Gondor and Arnor into one! He calls for you, my lord, to combine the great strength of Gondor with Arnor! He alleges that your might shall hardly be deminished, and that you will still be called upon to rule Gondor in neigh-full autonomy has it has been for long, for it is not his will to replace you. He swears that your descendants shall be appointed in high offices for as long as the noble race of the once-stewards lives on.
The Reunited Kingdom shall still consist of two realms, but shall be one in name and heart, as it should be, to revive the great days of Númenór, under the rule of a King!*
Objective
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Join in with Gondor into the Reunited Realm under the rule of King Aragorn Elessar
*Reward: permanent increase in public order, permanent faster research rate and faster recruitment. Permanent boost on trade and taxes, moral bonus on the battlefield for all troops*
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A Call to Arms: Gondor's mighty military
At last: gaze into the Anor-Stone to see the full might of Gondor's arms!
Gondor Spear Militia
The southern kingdom has long been at war with the black lands, war after war has ravaged Gondor and much of its power is spent. In these dark days even the small and common of Gondor must take up arms and bolster the few companies that still resist the Shadow of the East.
Gondor Sword Militia
What power remains of Gondor is reinforced by brave companies of common men, who lacking the training or equipment of the nobility have no lack of honor or courage. They stand as men united against the darkness, protecting their family and their country.
Gondor Bow Militia
Gondor is a fading star, and its power is dwindling. It's people are dying and their lands are falling. Yet still are there men of low birth who would gladly give their skill with a bow to give Gondor one more hour of peace.
Hillmen of Lamedon
Southrons, Corsairs, always have they coveted what is not theirs: the homes of Gondor. Those who fight under the banner of Lamedon, Fief of the Steward of Gondor, are one day soldiers of the King, so they hope. They are led by our brave and steadfast Lord, Angbor, who has no fear. Always they man the fences and walls along the southern shore, and ensure the safe passages of ships and goods over the river. They fight in light attire as they are always on the move, but their good hearts and stout axes are always ready to fight for the southern Kingdom. (Available in Lamedon only)
Pinnath-Gelin Spearmen
Led by their lord Hirluin the Fair, the Spearmen from Pinnath-Gelin will always be ready to fight for the White Tree. They prefer to fight as medium spearmen who can fill almost any role on the battlefield. Coming from the Green Hills, they are especially fast and well-able to hold the flank or reserve position in any army of the Steward. (Available in Pinnath-Gelin only)
Anfalas Patrollers
Umbar always has sought the land of Langstrand or Anfalas. The corsairs seek constantly to burn and pillage along the coast. Yet Lord Golasgil and his levied warriors keep them at bay as best they can until the King returns to make all right. While poorly-armed and armoured, they are quite swift and know the lands well. So these brave men ride to and fro across the Long Beach to keep the peace and make safe the King's Land. (Available in Anfalas only)
Ithilien Rangers
The legions of Morgul retook the Land of Ithilien, and its beloved Tower of the Moon is now turned to the dark city of Minas Morgul by the Úlari, or Ringwraiths. Under the shadow of Mordor and the return of Sauron, the residents of Ithilien fled over the river, abandoning Ithilien, the once beautiful gardens of Gondor, and forsaking it to be overrun by the shadows. Already, many Southrons pass through these lands onto the Black Gate, assuming that the lands of Ithilien are unguarded. However, that is not entirely the case.
Once, they were proud and hounorable men, but now they must dawn the gear of a ranger, and lurk in the trees and tall grass, hoping to assail unawares whatever servants of the enemy they may. Led by the captain Faramir, their lack of pride is not accompanied by any lack of skill. These are the Ithilien Rangers, and do in secret that which might not be as appreciated as the standings of the line infantry of Gondor or the noble charges of the cavalrymen, but still, as equally needed. (Available in Ithilien only)
Blackroot Archers
The Blackroot Vale has long been under the protection of Gondor yet still its hardy folk are more than capable of fending for themselves. Years of practice on the hunt in the harsh mountain terrain of Morthond can turn many a boy into an experienced archer, and many years on the field of combat can turn an experienced archer into a proven marksman. (Available in Morthond only)
Lebennin Marines
The city of Pelargir as a long history being the most notable port for 'The Faithful' of Númenór, who are those not corrupted by Sauron when he tried to overtake and spoil Númenór from within, filthing its splendour and welfare. In these days, Pelargir is still the base for Gondor's expeditions and control of the southern seas, over the haven of Umbar and over Harondor. However, the might of Gondor over these lands and waters has diminished overtime with the return of Sauron, and many lands once under Gondor's control and Pelargir's governance, have now fallen into enemy hands, making Pelargir itself now the frontier: something new and unpleasent against which Gondor as to act quickly.
Hailing from the port city of Pelgir, the Marines of Gondor protect its trade and its merchants. They are well-trained for both land and sea combat, but prefer to fight on the deck of the Steward's Ships. Their mobile armour and devastating javelins ensure that the vessels of the White Tree are well-protected at all time, at all costs. (Available in Lebennin only)
Footmen of the Ringló Vale
From the Vale of the River Rínglo, many hardy folk are always marching to the corners of the Kingdom to fight in the Steward's army. They are armed in chainmail and leather with a sword and small shield. They make fine line infantry and will bravely hold the front against many evil men and orcs. They are lead by their Lord Dervorin and stand always ready to defend the South. (Available in Ringló Vale only)
Warriors of Lossarnach
The Vale of Flowers is protected by surprisingly sturdy folk. While Lossarnach grows much of Gondors fruit and flora its sturdy men, lead by Forlong the Fat, guard its borders and answer to the Steward's call. They wield great axes and robe themselves in chain mail and leather, they are brave fighters and a good asset to any host of the West. (Available in Lossarnach only)
Gondor Cavalry
When Rhovanion fell, the people of the plains partially sought refuge in Gondor. The Gondorians welcomed them with open arms and soon they found their army enriched by very potent and swift riders. Slowly, the people of Rhovanion mixed with the Dúnedain in both blood and ways of living and warfare. The people of ancient Rhovanion were thus recruited into the arms of Gondor and gave a new element to its rich and effective military: strong regiments of cavalry.
When the sons of the White city are bid to ride forth to war, these brave cavalrymen lead the charge. Their ornate armour, keen lances and swift swords make them a noble force of riders. Though they be somewhat lesser than their horselord friends, the riders of Gondor can be relied on to deal a ferocious charge.
Gondor Archers
Archery has had its place in Númenórean warfare for a very long time. Its steelbows were rightfully dreaded by the servants of evil for their power and accuracy. Those bows were very hard to handle and thus required great strength to handle. But such is the way of the Dúnedain: with their potency and skill, the shot of the steelbow pierced the thickest of armour the enemy possessed and made every orc ripe for an onslaught before the battle had even properly begun.
Now, professional archers, armed and trained for combat, seek to regain the skill of their ancient forefathers and have now created a bow that may not be as potent as the steelbow, but still almost as deadly and precise as they were of old.
These well-equipped bowmen are no strangers to melee either. Their well-made bows and honed marksmanship make them a deadly force. Any commander of men would be proud to lead such a well-rounded company of men.
Gondor Sword Infantry
The backbone of the defence of Gondor are its heavy swordsmen. These well-trained, armed and disciplined soldiers are primarily responsible for holding back the tides of the east. They bear the bulk of the Dark Lord's assault on the Free Peoples. For though the day darkens the courage of others, the brave men of Gondor still remain. By the blood of the Men of the West, are the lands of others kept safe. Their courage must not falter, their lands may not fall, for if they do, the last line of defence will be gone, and the dark tide will flood the lands of Middle-Earth in the last shadow.
These are the cream of the Gondorian military and thus the most responsible for the holdings of Men: the swordsmen of Gondor are thus well-built for the front-lines of combat and all must hope that these men prevail rather than crumble under dark oppression.
Gondor Spear Infantry
More foes are unchained against the Rammas Echor than just mindless orcs. For there are others in this world that serve the shadow with equal zeal and cruelty, but with a stouter heart. These are the mercenaries of the Southern Coasts, legions of Haradrim from the south, and hordes of Easterlings from the east. And they compensate for every lack of the Dark Lord's orc legions. Whereas those are wild, the Evil Men are cunning, while orcs are cowards, southrons and easterlings are audacious and strong. But moreover, they have horses, chariots and Mûmakil: organised foes of a greater horror than any orc horde can be in battle. Only the most sturdy defenders are able to hold the line against such a mounted thunderstorm.
But the shield-wall of the Númenóreans of old, has not been forlorn, nor has the valour of the men who held high the banners of the West. For in the men of Gondor, their blood still runs true. The people of Gondor have such defenders almost equal to those of Elendil, Isildur and Anárion.
For indeed, it are the spearmen of Gondor that represent the strength of long ago. The remnants of the west shall hold back all foul servants of evil, orc and Mûmakil alike!
Guards of the Star City
What now is there left of Osgiliath, the city beneath the Stars, the once thriving capital of Gondor. How great must its magnificence have been, if the twin cities of Minas Anor and Minas Ithil were merely its guards on the west and east! What a great terror must it have been that such a fine city has come to fall into decay and utter ruin!
And as such has it been: Osgiliath has been succumbed by the filth of the Úlari who took Minas Ithil and made it into Minas Morgul, scaring the inhabitants of the Tower of the Moon and the surrounding lands of Ithilien, by the Great Plague, and by the constant gnaws of orc packs that would creep behind the walls of Mordor. Indeed, Osgiliath is no more than a forgotten ruin, left to rot on the Anduin banks to fall in the hands of the legions of the East.
But matters have changed, and are now different from how they have been. Yes indeed, for Osgiliath slowly resurges from its ruin. Settlers from all over the realm of Gondor seek to find their place in the old city. Life is drawn from all sides to it, and its splendour is returning, rekindling, like a flower bud in the early spring, still full of winter's chill, yet hopeful and determined nonetheless. And from every humble blossom, there can be flower. From every spark, a great light can spring.
And so will it be! Osgiliath shall rise again. The Dome of Stars in the city on the Anduin, shall be rebuilt in its former glory and splendour! East and West shall be no more, but form one! One Osgiliath! And it shall be guarded in the old fashion again! The cloacks of dark blue, the armour of shining silver, with golden twinckle, and the spear of well-crafted steel, shall guard the Dome of Stars in eternity! And the Blue Star of Osgiliath shall shine upon the forehead of the Sentry of the Dome, shall shine in equivalence to the light of the Silmaril bound on the forehead of Eärendil who now sails on the skies with Vingilot, lighting the very Anduin Valley in which Osgiliath will lie, rebuilt and restored in former glory! (Available only in the Crossings of Osgiliath after the Dome of Stars is rebuilt)
Trebuchet
Note that there are no artillery pictures yet available. They will be made lastly.
A well-built and accurate artillery piece, capable of breaking the strongest of walls. Its size and caliber however do not hinder its effectiveness against battalions of infantry. The trebuchets of Gondor are among the sturdiest artillery available to men.
Citadel Guards
Bulwark of the Land of Stone is the White City of Minas Tirith. With is neigh-impenetrable outer wall, its multiple levels of rings each one forming a new line of defence, the glittering Tower of Echtelion and the White tree, it is the capital of Gondor and one of the last cities that resembles the heritage of Númenór with full glory, pride and dignity. However, the city is slightly crumbling from within. Its men grow desperate by the darkening of days and the withering of the tree, for they know that some day soon, a storm will come that will raze Minas Tirith to the ground rather than seeing all of Gondor stand together in resistence of the oncoming shadow of the Black Land. But the survival of the City of Kings could still be more than a dream, for on every wasteland, there is a blossom that grows in contrast to its infertile surrounding. A lonely rock beckoning in the harsh currents of the river flowing into the sea. As such are the Citadel Guards. They are the silver lining behind the clouds and their sharp spears, broad shields and shining armour shall withstand the hard strokes of evil. For by the Valar, the pride and dignity of Gondor shall be rekindled when the night will seek to violently gain a foothold in the lands of the Men of the West!
Fountain Guards
The stone courtyard of Minas Tirith, with the banners waving in the morning breeze, and the silver trumpets sounding under a swift sunrise, the water of the White Fountain glittering in the soft light of the morning sun, is guarded by the best soldiers of all Gondor, and perhaps, the best mortal warriors of all Middle-Earth. Veterans of many wars, the Fountain Guards are the true elite of Minas Tirith. The pure blood of ancient Númenór still runs true in these proud men, and they are the living evidence that the bloodline of the Lords of Westernesse is not entirely spent, even now!
In the eyes of the Steward, these men are more fair than even the Swan Knights of Dol Amroth or the Royal Guard of Rohan. With silver etched plate armor and a Winged Helmet these Noble and High guardians defend the White Tree of the seedling of Isildur, onto the King's Return. (Available in Minas Tirith only)
Kinghts of the Silver Swan
The pride of Dol Amroth, represented by the famous Knights of the Silver Swan led by the Prince of Dol Amroth himself. These high and noble masters of combat are perhaps the finest mortal warriors that remain. The Elvish and Dúnedain blood flowing through their veins by decendance going back to the Númenórean king Imrazôr who married the Mithrellas of Lóthlórien, the latter being a companion to the beloved lady Nimrodel on her quest to find peace in Arda with the Elf Amroth, is clearly seen in their valorous and courageous acts in the midst of battle. The Knights of the silver swan shine with a light that inspires those around them, and drives even the most determined shadows away. The charge of their mounts will tremble the servants of darkness, the shining of their scale armour will light the way of darkness, and the thrust of their lances will pierce the most vile of evil creatures! (Available in Dol-Amroth only)
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Many thanks to the other teammembers who made this possible: Cyrius_pt, Mr.Jox, Cshewey
Which part, concept picture or description do you reckon is best? (Please do not quote this post for the sake of overview. Thanks)
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Re: Gondor Faction Preview
GREAT JOB GUYS
Originally Posted by Vikus van de Merwe
