[UPD 20 FEB 16] Preview: Elves of Imladris

[Alkar]

Dudde that makes no sense

He has heard about the Reunited Kingdom submod. He wants to have to conquer all the old cities of Arnor to be able to create Arnor Reforged. He also asked if Arnor would be the next roster preview along with Imladris and the Dwarves of the Iron Hills, or if they are not ready yet. Hope this helps.

[Oakenshield1]

He has heard about the Reunited Kingdom submod. He wants to have to conquer all the old cities of Arnor to be able to create Arnor Reforged. He also asked if Arnor would be the next roster preview along with Imladris and the Dwarves of the Iron Hills, or if they are not ready yet. Hope this helps.

Ahah it s exactly what i meant

[Northern-Ranger]

Cheers Alkar it did. Hasn't Imladris and the dwarves already been done but the dwarves and gondor still need faction and unit descriptions. also i would like to say i hape that the faction rsoter forgondor gets bigger. Thanks again

[Maestro1]

Ok i heard about it! So we ll have to reconquer all the old cities of Arnor i hope! Will be one of the next roster preview as well as Imladris and the Dwarves of the Iron Hills or it s not ready yet?

Don't worry, we will manage to out-epic TATW Arnor concept.
Preview? What preview? Don't be so impatient

[Zeru]

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.

Challenge accepted.

I love the elven factions, they just seem so superior in the movies.

[Celebon21]

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.


The bold word is incorrectly used. It should be "there" rather than "their"

This is obviously my favorite faction, so make it right!!!!

haha

[Vikus van de Merwe]

Thanks for the amendment! But don't worry, we'll proofread everything when it gets ingame.

[chriskourou]

Guys... what's going on ?

[cshewey]

Guys... what's going on ?

What do you mean, we are working our fingers to the bone as usual with this?

[Celebon21]

What do you mean, we are working our fingers to the bone as usual with this?

Glorfindel Model?

[tberkaya]

omg amazing. pls I want this nod

[Northern-Ranger]

when you say it will be set to legendary difficulty do you mean like the West roman campaign from Attila TW, were it'll be difficult to start with but once you've go your regions and economy stable and a strong military its just a matter of achieving the victory conditions?
Also will you balance the units for each difficulty so there isn't the stupid BS like in the normal total war games were the units get ridiculous buffs so on the AIs part PLS

[Maestro1]

West Roman empira? Pfah. Easy peasy compared to the Elves of Imladris! Nay my friend. Legendary difficulty means you ought to be a legend should you beat that level!

[cshewey]

Hey guys it looks like we have not released anything for a while, so here is a treat!


I give you.... Imladris 2.0!




So, you see some new stuff eh? Well let me explain:




Rivendel Light Archers


Concept
-----------
Very light missile infantry with cloth armor and a long bow. Cheap and very effective, but vulnerable to cavalry.

Long description
---------------------
*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.*

Short description
----------------------
Swift, keen eyed and experienced light archers, these elves even unarmored are dreadful warriors.

Special abilities
--------------------
*Precision Shot*
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Rivendel Long Spears


Concept
-----------
Very light and fast pike infantry with cloth armor.

Long description
---------------------
*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! *

Short description
----------------------
*Lightly armed carrying towering pikes, these swift elves are the bane of any mounted foe! *

Special abilities
--------------------
*Rapid Advance, Square*
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Riders of the Realm


Concept

Very Light Shock Cavalry in cloth with a lance and a sword.
--------------

Long Description
---------------------
*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!*

Short description
----------------------
* Swift as the wind these riders come upon their foes with lances borne high in their ageless hands!*

Special abilities
--------------------
*Wedge Formation*


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Spears of Imladris

Concept
-----------
Heavy Spear infantry in mail with a large shield.

Long description
---------------------
*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!*

Short description
----------------------
*Well armed and trained spearmen who make up the front lines of an Elven Lord's host. *

Special abilities
--------------------
*Form square, defensive testudo, cavalry counter tactics*


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Warriors of Imladris

Concept:
Same medium armor as swords and spears, these guys get a bow with the 2 handed sword on the back.

Long Description:
Arrayed in the armor of the Hidden Valley these warriors march on the enemies of the Noldor. They carry both longbow and short sword and are equally deadly with both. They shine in skirmish combat, only to twice display their ancient skill when they join the melee.

Short Description
Far sighted and keen Elven warriors who wield both bow and sword with equal ability.

Abilities:
Quick Reload, Precision shot.
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Rangers of the Hidden Valley

Concept
-----------
Medium missile infantry, rangers.

Long description
---------------------
*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?*

Short description
----------------------
*All the lands of the elves are sacred to them, and hidden rangers of terrifying strength are always watching, and always protecting.*

Special abilities
--------------------
*Guerilla deployment, Elf Shot, Mithril Arrows*

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Sons of Tulkas

Concept
-----------
Heavy Shock infantry with mail and a large sword.

Long description
---------------------
*Forsaking the heavy 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!*

Short description
----------------------
* those faithful to Tulkas wield terrifying swords that bring swift justice to the enemies of the Valar and the Noldor.*

Special abilities
--------------------
*guerrilla deployment, expert at hiding in woods, Strength of Tulkas - Frenzy*




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Noldorian Swordsmen

Concept
-----------
Very heavy melee infantry with shinning silver armor and a two handed sword.

Long description
---------------------
*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. *

Short description
----------------------
* Strong veterans of countless wars, age old warriors who have no fear, or rivals. *

Special abilities
--------------------
*Frenzy, Loose formation*
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Noldorian Archers

Concept
-----------
Very heavy missile infantry

Long description
---------------------
*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.*

Short description
----------------------
*Ten thousand years of skill with a bow enables these elves to slay even the mightiest of foes at great range, and when they do close in, these heavily armored archers may prove to be just as deadly with their swords. *

Special abilities
--------------------
*Quick reload, Elf Shot, Mithril Arrows*


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Guards of Imladris



Concept
-----------
Super heavy pike infantry, with plate armor, in the silver Imladris armor seen in the Hobbit.

Long description
---------------------
*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!*

Short description
----------------------
**The elite Pikemen of Imladris are charged with keeping the defense of the Hidden Valley, guarding the gates and bridges leading into Rivendell.

Special abilities
--------------------
**"Pike Phalanx", "Power of Aeglos" (cavalry counter tactics)


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Noldorian Rangers

Concept
-----------
Excellent Medium Missile Cavalry with long range bows and solid melee skills

Long description
---------------------
*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. *

Short description
----------------------
*Elledan and Elrohir lead the strongest rangers in a talented guerrilla defense of their lands. *

Special abilities
--------------------
*Cantabrian Circle, Parthian Shot, Elven Shot (Precision Shot) Mithril Arrows (Heavy, heavy shot) and Guerrilla Deployment*


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Noldorian Lancers



Concept
-----------
Heavy Shock Cavalry

Long description
---------------------
*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. *

Short description
----------------------
* Swift upon their horses, the Noldor charge into battle bringing their honed lances to bear against their foes!*

Special abilities
--------------------
*Wedge, Frenzied charge*


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Veterans of Eregion


Concept
-----------
Super heavy Melee infantry. Ancient warriors from eregion. with armor and hammer.

Long description
---------------------
*TBD*

Short description
----------------------
*Masterful and ancient smiths of the Noldor, joining the battle with all their timeless skill, bringing legendary armor, and crushing hammers. *

Special abilities
--------------------
*Armor Piercing, Precision Shot*


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Lore Masters of Rivendel


Concept
-----------
Very Light Melee Infantry. They carry no armor and use a short sword when forced into melee

Long description
---------------------
*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. *

Short description
----------------------
*Wise and powerful sages of the Noldor, bringing elven magic to bear against their foes. *

Special abilities
--------------------
*"Hymn to Elbereth Gilthoniel" (Inspire all ally forces, increases melee attack and defense) "Hatred of Morgoth" (Decreases enemy moral and melee defense, improves ally charge bonus)*


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Lords of the Golden Flower


Concept
-----------
Super Heavy Shock Cavalry

Long description
---------------------
*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 heraldy 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. *

Short description
----------------------
*These hand chosen, fierce elven lords are a terrifying power, their very presence inspires hope to the free people and fear in the servants of evil.*

Special abilities
--------------------
*Wedge Formation, Power of the Eldar, Light of Elbereth (increases moral for all units within sphere of influence) *



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Faction Description:

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 illuiminating 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 peope 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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WIP








Unit images are soon to come. Please leave your thoughts.

[Ironfoot]

So cool, great job @cshewey

[cr4zydave]

Really nice roster update, I like it!
I am only wondering about a balance thing, because everyone ehre keeps saying that this is going to be the hardest faction to play:
If you can only recruit after hope is restored, you need some starting units. To make it easier for Imladris you could make these starting units upkeep free and after hope is restored, you could make all elven units in general very high upkeep.
So in the beginning it would be a bit easier due to not having army upkeep, but in the end game it would be harder, because your powerful units are way more expensive than the high tier troops of other factions.

[simmyjeraj]

Amazing, but one question. If I remember corectly you've said that rivendell has small population and will only have elite units and if there will be campaign they will have limited number of units alowed, but Rivendel Light Archers and Rivendel Long Spear feel like some peasant units that are only there for taking arrows.

[SmithErik]

Glorious! Is it time for the Saurman, to wake up the Uruk-Hai?

[Alkar]

Really nice job!

[Drag0]

Of couse it's a very better roster, good work. More complete and balanced. I appreciate so much that you have considered user's opinions. Anyway I think that we'll really understand it once you will show the Lindon roster.
Kind regards