[UPD 20 FEB 16] Preview: Elves of Imladris
The Elves of Imladris (Preview) 2.0
Here now is an updated preview of our work on the Elves of Imladris up to this point (10-14-16)
Campaign: (Beta or 1.0 releases) (updated)
On the campaign Imladris will be one of the few campaigns set to "legendary difficulty", it may in fact be the hardest faction in the game. This is due to several key factors:
1; Imladris will have a unique game play mechanic (Restoration of Hope) which will prohibit imladris from ANY recruitment (besides mercenaries) until "Hope is Restored" and the Elves begin to return to Middle Earth; this is accomplished by completing the quest line "Restoring Hope" culminating in the recapture of the Lost Kingdom of Eregion. Then after it's capture Imladris will be able to recruit units as normal, and they will come back to middle earth both with hope in their hearts and enduring vengeance in their swords.
2; Imladris' roster (campaign and multiplayer) will be very lacking in sturdy line infantry until the higher tiers, this is due to their diminishing state on Middle Earth. They will however rely on super powerful unique hero units supported by experienced and skilled guerrilla fighters.
3; The Elves of Imladris begin the campaign with only 1 region, and are bordered by several powerful enemies. Repelling the many goblin raids will be more than a task for the small but faithful host.
Besides it's many road blocks however we hope to make Imladris one of the most immersive and lore saturated factions!
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Multiplayer: (Updated)
As mentioned in 2; above, Imladris' roster will nearly completely lack sturdy line infantry, which will make it a very difficult faction on the open field (as long as it's swift and devastating cavalry are contained), however its mighty elites and superior archers will make them a force to be reckoned with in both sieges and ambushes. Be prepared for epic last stands and heroic ambushes as the Noldor let forth their arrows in a final ploy for glory and vengeance!
Update: Now Imladris's roster contains a wider variety of units to further balance it in the multiplayer arena.
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Obvious Question:
Q "What about the soldiers on the Prologue of FOTR? Why are they not in the imladris roster?
A As a team we decided to give Imladris the bright Silver armor portrayed in the Hobbit films (IE when the Dwarves enter Imladris) from this you see the majority of the heavy units for Imladris.
But fear not, the golden armor of the prologue is still in the game, it has been given to the Elves of the Grey Havens for their main concept (As the army in the prologue was lead by Gil Galad, King of Mithlond "Grey havens" which was the principle realm of the Noldor).
So for Imladris you can expect to see the host of the Firstborn clad in shinning silver, garbed beneath in a flowing red, deep blue or living green.
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Faction Description: (Revised)
Arda, how my heart burns as i see it wither, for my life itself is entwined with the fabric of its foundations, laid before in the yore of ages. And since before the sun was hewn from the heavenly mantle, we have fought and died for it. And through countless years we have seen all our valor and forlorn deeds be wrested into the endless dusk we now abide. Our works and labors twisted to malice - utterly corrupted. Why must what was fair be made dark? The hills and forests once gleaming in the gentle sun, scorched now in dreaded wastes under its golden glare!
They say immortality is our gift, but truly it is our curse. Forced to watch through passing eons the unwavering decay of greed. Though we have lived through the ages, what now is our labor? Gondolin, City of Twelve Houses now lies in rubble beneath the Sundering Sea. And When Gondolin fell, its survivors fled to Eregion, but where now is Eregion? Heaped and strewn in wild wastes on the western foothills of the Misty Mountains. Proud Kingdom of the Noldor, now little more then a bereft encampment of highwaymen and bandits! And we few who escaped are here, forced to hide in this valley, singing songs of fair days little remembered, waiting till the dawning of final night. Do you see now, the vanity of our labors? Do you now understand the sorrowful mourning of our heats? Night will come, and when it does, there will be no dawn, no dew upon the emerald fields, nor silver mists on the crystal streams, only a dead silence, the echo-less cry of endless night.
Though...though how i have forgotten! How they still shine life into our ancient hearts! Yes friend, when night comes the stars unveil, highest and fairest jewels of Ea, enthroned, reflected, em-brazened on the mystifying tapestry of the heavens! Oh what a treasure Eru has given us! For though night may dawn, the stars are an early herald, a distant and beckoning signal that light will once again crest the horizon. Now it feels as though the light of the stars is kindled a fresh in my heart, for verily we are the Eldar, the people of the Stars, and stars hold no fear of night. Their pearl banners ever illuminating though all shadows be about them. Now, here in the forgotten north must we Eldar be as the stars, a guide for the weary traveler, and beacon of hope for the lost. Yes, there is work a foot, deeds to be done, legends yet untold still lie ahead! Now is my blood ablaze, with the eternal fire, Elbereth, Lady of the Stars be my guide in these dark days! For night looms, and the lords call, "to arms, to arms people of the Noldor!" Great deeds await you! For not un-tried will we greet Fingolfin and Faenor in the halls of Mandos! For there we shall sing and remember above all the deeds of the Noldor these last acts of courage, forlorn bulwarks beset against the oncoming darkness! Rise, rise to the hour ye sons of Gil-Galad, the time of your fulfillment draws! Not alone will we leave men, surrounded and besieged on all fronts! For a thousand times would i die to the steel of Morgul ere i see Imladris in flames, or the Pearl Towers cast down! Nay, if thus be the future, it is not one i can abide! For with hewn helm, and tattered shield, cloven horn and broken sword would i still hold the barricades of Elbereth against our foes!
No power hath Sauron that can extinguish the fire of the Eleni that burns within our immortal heart. If night is to be our end, then we shall be as the stars, and blaze in the midst! As they have in past wars, his legions will crumble to the fury of the Eldar, his beasts and monsters cower for their caves and dungeons when beset of our battle cries! Now alas brave people, mighty first-born, destiny calls, Valinor beckons but for burning in my heart my ears grow deaf, and silver shores must await their honored guests! For a higher calling now have they,in past they awaited refugees and weary travelers, born swiftly from ruin and darkness, but now shall their shores await the horns of heroes, banners proudly displayed in victory in the end of strife. For this calling now, the welcome of faithful servants, I bid you true Elves, sons of the mighty, waylay darkness, pay it no heed, but follow me now once more to battle! For at last the end of our role is upon us, our part nearly played, yet we shall make a grand finally, a tale, sung for a thousand years on the feast halls of the Valor!
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Roster: (Campaign and Multiplayer) (Updated with New units)
Spear Infantry:
Spears of Imladris
(Heavy Spear infantry)
These swift and agile warriors can be a terror to both cavalry and footmen alike. For the spear is a sacred and ancient weapon of the Noldor, it is carried by elves of great skill. For this precious weapon was wielded also by their High King, Gil Galad. And so, in these brave warriors, though it be long broken, yet lives on the Spirit of Aeglos, long may it dismay the spawn of Morgoth!
Pike Infantry:
Rivendell Long-Spears
(Light Pike Infantry)
Mustered elves in flowing garments sewn with words of speed and might, they move swiftly through the field assaying horsemen and footmen alike. They carry long spears which they wield with great speed and agility, They are light, fast and terribly deadly, the hallmarks of all elven folk that yet dwell between the mountains and the sea!
Guards of Imladris
(Heavy Pike Infantry)
Amongst the finest of defensive warriors, the Pike-Guards of Imladris can hold a line against nearly any opponent. Their strong armor and long spears combined with their individual battle experience makes these warriors a great force to be reckoned with. Their prowess being so mighty has attained them a spot among the personal guard of King Elrond, Lord of the Last Homely House. The strength in their hearts will long ward any assault upon it's fair lands!
Melee Infantry:
Sons of Tulkas
(Medium Melee Infantry)
Forsaking the heavier armor of the Noldor, those faithful to Tulkas trust in their speed and strength for protection. These warriors are capable of terrifying ambushes. They are elves armed with massive swords well capable of cutting through thick armor. Yet their swards are far dwarfed by their fearless spirits. For this, the Faithful provide the Noldorian general with swift and punishing fighters, undying reflections of the great Valar they praise!
Noldorian Swordsmen
(Heavy Melee Infantry)
The eldest of the Firstobrn carry a deep and undying sorrow for the destruction caused by Morgoth, and only a valiant death in his defiance will sate their longing. And so in ancient furry their bear once more the ancient armor of the Noldor, and mighty swords forged in years long past as the vanguard of the elven host against their foes!
Lore Masters of Rivendell
(Very Light Melee Infantry)
Elves of deep study, and learning, they know all the songs and tales from the many ages of Middle Earth. These passionate warriors bring the full power of these ancient verses against their enemies. They forsake armor, for the armor of their songs is strong enough for them. For hymns of power sung from ancient tongues bring a strength seldom seen in the latter days, and terror unknown to their enemies.
Veterans of Eregion
(Super Heavy Melee Infantry)
Also available as General unit "Elrond"
Masterful and ancient smiths of the Noldor, joining the battle with all their timeless skill, bringing legendary armor, and crushing hammers.
Bow Infantry:
Rivendell Light Archers
(Light Missile Infantry)
Arrows shot by elves seldom miss their target for the eyes of elves see many things that the eyes of men cannot, including the links within chain mail. Even levied elves can bring enormous accuracy to the field, with their keen longbows and far seeing eyes. And the fact that these elves lack armor only increases their ability to aim.
Rangers of the Hidden Valley
(Medium Missile Infantry)
Ever Watching patrols of Eriador, the rangers of the elves are always ready to bring a swift and unseen death to unwelcome guests in their lands. They use only what armor they need for short melee combat, for they trust mainly in their skills with the bow to rout the enemy. For truly what foe will stand against barrages of unseen arrows flying from trees, shot by the best marksmen left on Middle Earth?
Warriors of Imaldris
(Medium Bow Infantry)
Far sighted and keen elven warriors who wield both bow and sword with equal ability. They are well armored and trained, a vital part of the elven host, who are accustomed to warfare in the North, taking to the field when the scourge of Angmar threatens their lands.
Noldorian Archers
(Heavy Bow Infantry)
The archers of the Noldor are nigh indomitable. Their excellent armor accompanied by their amazing skill with the bow enables these ancient warriors to overcome nearly any foe at range. These expert archers however are also no strangers to the sword, and when out of ammo they will more then happily take to the front lines with their other Noldorian companions.
Shock Cavalry:
Riders of the Realm
(Light Shock Cavalry)
Swift and agile riders of the Realm of Imladris, they bear no armor save their rich and heralded cloaks which garb them about. They ride the swiftest steeds with ferocious haste, bearing down upon their foes with their keen lances!
Noldorian Horsemen
(Heavy Melee Cavalry)
The elves share a special bond with horses, for theirs are the swiftest and the most loyal. Armed in the light but ornate armor of the Noldor and bearing a mighty lace, rider and steed fight together as they trample under foot the enemies of the Noldor.
Melee Cavalry:
Lords of the Golden Flower
(Super Heavy Melee Cavalry)
-Also available as General unit "Glorfindel"-
Once strong sons of mighty Elven lords, who fell in defense of the Hidden City, now sent back, ten fold the terrible and mighty in wrath and power, a light blazing in the midst of shadows. They bear the heraldry of the House of the Golden flower upon their ancient armor, and their shields and lances reflect the shinning sun as they ride forth in the end of day! True knights of the first-born, chosen by Glorfindel for their skill and valor. With the light of Elbereth within their hearts these men would follow their captain even to the tower Barad Dur itself!
Bow Cavalry:
Noldorian Rangers
(Heavy Bow Cavalry)
-Also available as General unit "Elledan and Elrohir"
Led by the sons of Elrond, the finest of Imladris' rangers ride upon swift steeds, their accuracy and speed make them excellent skirmishers, while their armor and skill makes them excellent fighting cavalry. These two skills combined with the power of the elves makes these warriors an excellent, well rounded company of soldiers.
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Race and Faction Traits (Campaign)
(Race traits - Elves)
(Imladris, Grey Havens, Woodland Realm, Lothlorien)
Firstborn: Being the eldest and most powerful beings in Arda, the elves do not suffer attrition or penalties from Squalor.
(Immune to attrition, immune to squalor, and civil revolts. Faster movement speed on campaign and battle maps)
Light of Valinor: As the shadow grows many of the elves return to Aman to live their endless lives with the Valar in the Undying Lands. This both draws many away who would otherwise fight under your banner, but also fills those who remain with an even greater hatred of the darkness.
(-2% to population growth, increased building costs and time, battle morale bonus against all orc factions)
(Faction Traits (Imladris)
Fire of the Eldari:
- Unbreakable moral against Orc factions (However cannot make peace with these factions ever)
- Inablilty to recruit until hope is restored
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Missions and Quests:
"Resting Hope"
My Lord, I bring grave tidings! Another caravan has left for havens, taking many of our finest warriors with it, so few of us remain now to fight against the shadow. Our people leave because they have lost hope, hope that the light of Elbereth would once again shine on their lands. Oh how accursed it is to dwell in this darkness, but perhaps they need not mourn in vain. For perhaps with hope, lamentation may be turned to fury, and far off journey may yet turn homeward bound! Glorfindel has ridden to rally those still on the road to return back to Rivendel to fight, his cause would be much aided with sweet news.
While the brave captains Elledan and Elrohir keep the orcs of the mountains outside of our valley, let us lead what remains of our forces on a forlorn, yet unexpected mission. Lead our armies to the kingdom of Eregion and slaughter the orcs encamped there. While a great hoard of goblins no doubt awaits your army within the broken walls, perhaps with swift feet and cunning thought we may catch them off guard and recapture our beloved city! If it could be done, Glorfindel would doubtless return with a great host to aid in our endeavors. But be sure to scout ahead, we must not give them a chance to bolster their defense, and we must not be waylaid on the road. Stealth is of the essence, but their is much to gain, and much at risk.
Rewards
Ability to recruit tier 1 elven units.
Character added to Faction: "Glorfindel Lord of the Golden Flower" with the Calim et Avathar bodyguard and an army of elves.
Additional Effects: $$$ (something like $5000), Population growth % increase. Tech advancement + 3% or so
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WIP Armor:
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Be assured, more previews are soon to come!
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by cshewey
keep up the good work.
ing amazing, I honestly am more interested in the faction roster artwork than the units now! I cant wait to see the other faction rosters OH MYYYYY, Great work This really keeps me excited and happy for your progress 
