Unit descriptions needed

[King Kong]

Hi all,

as always, I would appreciate it if someone could make unit descriptions for the new units in 1.4 (Uruk Reavers/Cleavers, Troll-men of Harad, Guards of the Orthanc, Balrog). For pictures see the preview thread.

Of course you will get credits in the patch notes and some rep.

A description could/should look similar to this one:

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{Dismounted_Variags} Dismounted Variags
{Dismounted_Variags_descr}
Khand, lying south west of Rhûn, has been the traditional ally of the Easterlings since the time of the Wainriders. As such they supply mercenaries to the Warlords and the Lôke-Khan whenever asked. These take the form of Kataphrakts, warriors, and most typically Raiders. The Dismounted Variag Raiders are fast moving archers and form a perfect counter-part to the guard of the Easterlings. Outfitted with light leather lamellar and steel helmets Variags carry composite bows and axes into battle. In times of need, the Variags can be mounted and serve as cavalry where their skills rival those of the Lôke-Khans own elite archers.
{Dismounted_Variags_descr_short}
Dismounted Variags shower the enemy with arrows, weakening and breaking formations before the infantry move in.

[Vaz]

I take it Dale are complete then? I'll have a look at some later - I've got some quotes referring to the Orthanc Guards from DaC notes, they might prove useful for anyone.

[Juli]

Great

{Uruk_Hai_Cleavers} Uruk Hai Axemen (sounds alright to me)
{Uruk_Hai_Cleavers_descr}
Saruman's most atrocious deed is the creation of this half-orc race of warriors. Strong, fierce and cunning, the Isengarder soldiers are terrible foes to behold.
Most of the Uruk Hai footmen are heavily armed with strong Isengarder plate mail, shields and cruel shaped swords. However, while this makes them resistant to most enemies, they lack the offensive power to break close formations of heavy infantry such as that of Gondor and the Elves. Therefore, Saruman invented this new division of warriors. Lightly armoured and armed with a tremendous two handed axe, the Axemen are agile and can cleave the armour of their opponents. Theirs is a mostly supportive role, as outflankers or counter-attackers. Used properly, they add a lot of flexibility to Isengardian armies
{Uruk_Hai_Cleavers_descr_short}
Half Orc warriors of Saruman, with great two handed axes. Able to cleave through heavy infantry with ease

{Guards_of_Orthanc} Orthanc Sentinels (maybe, many units use the word "guard" already, we need some variation)
{Guards_of_Orthanc_descr}
The White Wizard is no dumbass. He knows that, even while his Uruk Hai are zealously loyal to him, if things were to get complicated, they would just flee. Besides, Uruks are filthy and not particularly nice companions. Therefore, Saruman has created the Orthanc Sentinels as a mannish group of heavy spearmen. Clad in plate armour, wielding a spear in one hand and carrying a shield in the other, these are exemplary defensive troops with high morale and stamina, as well as clean and well-talked. They have the White Hand, Isengard's symbol, painted in their armour and shields. If all else fails, these men can hold the line to the very end
{Guards_of_Orthanc_descr_short}
Mannish heavy spearmen at the service of the White Hand, they guard the great tower of Orthanc

[FOR GONDOR]

orthanc guard- the orthanc gaurd are saurumans most trusted. they were hand picked from the worriors of dunland. comsisting of mainly dunland chieftains they wield heavy spears and are covered in thick armour from hed to toe. these units are no pushovers so always be wary when they are around or else you will be decimated. they have pleged there allegance to sauruman and only sauruman can lead them

[Elphir of Dol Amroth]

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{Guards_of_Orthanc} Guards of Orthanc
{Guards_of_Orthanc_descr}

During the early Third Age the last warden of Isengard was recalled to Gondor because of the depopulation of Calenardhon. Gondor however did not entirely abandon its biggest outpost in the west; a small company remained behind, they were led by a hereditary captain. Over the years Gondor slowly ceased to make contact with the guards of Isengard and at a certain moment no messages came from Minas Tirith at all. The Iron fortress was forgotten and neglected by the Gondorians. But the small guard at Orthanc still existed and was even strengthened after the Éothéod were granted Calenardhon, because the Gondorian regiment of Aglarond was replaced to Angrenost. Over the years the Guards of Isengard strongly intermarried with the Dunlendings, leaving little traces of Númenórean blood left in their veins and eventually they would adapt themselves completely to Dunlendic culture. Eventually the line of the hereditary captains died out and Isengard was now in full control of the Dunlendings.

Once Saruman was granted the keys of Orthanc he recruited men among the Dunlendings to guard the Ring of Isengard. The choice for these men was no coincidence; they were selected because they have ancestors who once guarded Angrenost in the name of Gondor. Now they serve Saruman and act as the guardians of the gate. They are among his most trustworthy soldiers and the most intelligent ones; since they still have some knowledge of Númenórean traditions.

They are protected by big black shields with the sign of the White Wizard painted on them. Furthermore they wear quality plate mail, a helmet and a deathly spear. Their armour is based upon the design of that of their ancestors, which explains the similarity with the Gondorian soldiers. Because these troops belong to the mannish race they are less likely to withdraw from battle; which makes them one of the most usefull warriors in Saruman's army.


{Guards_of_Orthanc_descr_short}
Guards of Ortanc are disciplined troops who are protected by plate mail, black shields, helmets and long spears which they carry with them.

[Incan]

i'll take a swing at it

{Uruk-hai_Cleavers} Uruk-hai Cleavers
{Uruk-hai_Cleavers_descr}
Isengard, lying North of the Ford's of Isen in the Gap of Rohan is the stronghold of Saruman and where he breeds his fighting Uruk-hai. From the deep pits of Isengard he makes his specialized warriors each to serve a purpose on the field of battle. The Uruk-hai cleavers fit a specialized role in battle; to engage the enemy first; breaking enemy formations their fearsome axes cutting through the heaviest of armour. They provide ample time for the heavier infantry of Isengard to engage the enemy formations and exploit the weaknesses.
Equipped with light armour, large two handed axes, and the Uruk-hai fierceness, they can move quickly, and be a cheap yet effective unit that can fight head to head against some of best infantry in middle earth.
{Uruk-hai_Cleavers_descr_short}
Uruk-hai Cleavers are fast hard hitting shock troops able to break enemy formations quickly and hold a line against heavily armoured foe

[Ozzmosis]

{Guards_of_Orthanc} Orthanc Sentinels (maybe, many units use the word "guard" already, we need some variation)
{Guards_of_Orthanc_descr}
The White Wizard is no dumbass. He knows that, even while his Uruk Hai are zealously loyal to him, if things were to get complicated, they would just flee. Besides, Uruks are filthy and not particularly nice companions.
{Guards_of_Orthanc_descr_short}
Mannish heavy spearmen at the service of the White Hand, they guard the great tower of Orthanc

Not to be too harsh a judge, but I think this doesn't really fit in with the other UDs. The tone is too informal, as is the language:
"dumbass"? probs not the best word you could use here...
"besides..." you are not chatting to the readers. It is meant to give information.
Sorry if I'm being too anal, just a coupla tips here...

[Juli]

Not to be too harsh a judge, but I think this doesn't really fit in with the other UDs. The tone is too informal, as is the language:
"dumbass"? probs not the best word you could use here...
"besides..." you are not chatting to the readers. It is meant to give information.
Sorry if I'm being too anal, just a coupla tips here...

Maybe you're right... slightly-outdated-man

But my descriptions were doomed from the start, for a foe beyond all my powers was in the horizon: Jean=A=Luc!

Run, my little descriptions, run

[EOMER]

{Balrog_balrog) Balrog
The balrog an ancient demon of Melkor were once Maiar , but they were corrupted and turned into the most feared force of melkor. Large , powerful and strong the Balrogs were feared by all races of middle earth. After the war of wrath only one known balrog survied And they dwarves called it durins bane, The elves called it the nameless terror. It is an equilvant of an orc army an efficent fighting machine.
( Balrog_desrc_short)
The balrogs charge is fearsome to behold , it breaks enemy formantions and wreaks havoc among enemy ranks . (Known weapons flaming sword And whip)

[Astor]

{Troll_men_of_Harad}Half-trolls
{Troll_men_of_Harad_desc}
Emerging from the deserts of Far Harad to fight for the Dark Lord Sauron, these dark skinned warriors are a fearsome sight to the men of the west.
Said to have the blood of trolls flowing through their veins, their strength and apparent immunity to pain only serve to reinforce these rumours.
Lightly armed and bereft of armour though they may be, they are still capable of wreaking havoc amongst the ranks of all those who oppose them.
{Troll_men_of_Harad_descr_short}
Attack oriented unit, capable of moving swiftly and striking brutally

{Balrog}Corrupted Maiar
{Balrog_descr}
Originally Maiar, they were seduced by the whisperings of Melkor, and adopted the guise of fiery demons, terrifying to behold.
Driven to the brink of extinction during the War of the Wrath, the few remaining balrogs fled to the deepest pits of the world,
to lie in wait until they were disturbed. Having been awoken by the ceaseless delving of the dwarves, they have emerged to
a Middle Earth much changed, ready to annihilate any and all in their paths.
{Balrog_descr_short}
Incredibly powerful creatures, capable of wiping out entire armies
I wasn't sure whether to refer to the Balrog in the singular or the plural, since you said there might be 10 in a bodyguard.

[Raiven]

{Balrog} Balrog
{Balrog_descr}

"It was like a man-shape maybe, yet grater; and a power and terror seemed to be in it and to go before it. It came to the edge of the fire and the light faded as if cloud had bent over it. The flames roared up to greet, and wreathed about it. In its right hand was a blade like a stabbing tongue of fire."

Thus is how fellowship saw the Balrog of Morgoth. Strong and terrible, yet last of his kind, it dwells in deepest and darkest halls of Moria. It has been said that no weapon made by men, elves nor dwarves can harm it. Only dragons rivalled their capacity for ferocity and destruction, and during the First Age of Middle-earth, they were among the most feared of Morgoth's forces.

Will there be someone who could oppose it's srtenght now?

Well I use some text from book but I hope it is okey!?
Tried my best

Raiven

[Hermes Trismegistos]

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{Guards_of_Orthanc} Guards of Orthanc
{Guards_of_Orthanc_descr}
When the Orthanc was locked and abandoned there was still a small force left behind, still holding the ring of Isengard in the name of Gondor though messages or reinforcements from the south became rarer and rarer and finally ceased at all. The guardians of the forgotten outpost mixed with the wild and secretive Dunlendings from the hills and the Rohirrim called it a dark place and never went there and rumors spread of ominous sorcery within its walls.

Most of the remaining guardians and the ones resisting them were slain and the Dunlendings took Isengard from within. But even now the Orthanc guards remained a proud and withdrawn group within the Dunlending society and they wore the weapons of their forefathers inherited from father to son and still passed on fragments of an ancient tradition that had long lost its meaning. Calling the Rohirrim thieves they still awaited the return of the true lord, who had entrusted them the Orthanc who would drive away the Strawheads and restore their former glory - and he came. As Saruman came to Isengard with the keys of the Orthanc, the Orthanc Guards pledged him unwavering loyalty. Saruman knew how to utilize their shrewd and twisted world view and as he was wise enough to never totally trust the orcs he made them his personal guard. He worked constantly on improving their equipment and training and the ceremonial guards not used to real warfare became a force to be feared again. They form Sarumans last line of defence, they will never waver in front of the enemy and with their sturdy armour and long spears they will last longer in battle than any other Isengard unit. With the White Hand in their hearts and in their minds the Guards of Orthanc fight with a discipline superior to the wild hillmen or the bloodlusty Uruk-Hai and they won't fail Sarumans trust.
{Guards_of_Orthanc_descr_short}
Disciplined and well-armoured spearmen who form Sarumans personal guard.

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{Troll_men_of_Harad}Troll-Men
{Troll_men_of_Harad_desc}
They come from the unknown depths of the jungles of Far-Harad and they bring some of the wild forests heart to the battlefields in the north. Troll-men they are called by the men of Gondor to whom the brawny dark-skinned warriors appear strange and frightening. Lured to distant lands by the men of Harad with threats or gold, they are devoted to no one but their pride won't allow them no flight or betrayal. They are strong and hardened, seemingly knowing neither fear nor weariness. Though barely armoured they will hack their way through enemy formations with merciless ferocity.
{Troll_men_of_Harad_descr_short}
Offensive infantry with light armour but high morale and endurance.

[Earl of Memory]

Okay, I'll give it a shot...

{trollman} Trollmen of Far Harad
{trollman_descr}
In the lands far to the south dwell people like no other in Middle-Earth: dark skinned tribesmen and petty kingdoms from the jungles and deserts of Far Harad. Life is difficult enough, and the extreme heat prevents any men from wearing armor. The men of Far Harad were once allied with the men of Númenor until they abandoned the path of righteousness; they were betrayed by them, submitted, sometimes enslaved, and even forced to pay high tributes. Because of this, they gained great hatred against all those with numenorean blood and their descendants from Gondor. They are now loyal servants of Sauron and the house of the Black Serpent, and will embark in any conflict against the southern kingdom of the Dunedain.\n\n
Their menacing sword and sheer size of the men who wield it makes them fearsome enemies who can decimate battle formations with ease. However strong and reckless, they carry no armor, a hindering factor in the lands to the south, preferring to carry the oval shield characteristical of their tribes, and a helmet. They are expert warriors and huge men capable of enduring pain before been taken down with not a few enemies lying dead alongside them; however, hails of arrows will eventually bring down this behemots due to their lack of armor. \n\n
In The Return of The King, Tolkien describes the armies of Harad including the serpent warriors, the great Mûmakill, and out of Far Harad black men like half trolls with white eyes and red tongues who were routed by the knights of Dol Amroth. Such was the impression they caused to the gondorians as to call them half trolls, and bringing forth the knights of Dol Amroth to defeat them signals their status.
{trollman_descr_short}
Armed with a wicked sword and carrying a shield for protection, these enormous men intimidate most enemies.

[Hermes Trismegistos]

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{Balrog}Balrog
{Balrog_descr}
Shadow and flame - the dwarves never fully understood what they had stirred up in the darkest depths of Moria. It was one of the Balrog, Morgoths oldest and mightiest servants who came into being at the beginning of the world when the music of the Ainu was tainted and the first evil was born. Few have survived the War of Wrath and the fury of the Valar and they have fled to the deepest and darkest places of the world, but their power and terror has not diminished. Clad in darkness and fire the Balrog of Moria wears fearsome weapons of hate and though he serves no one and is feared even by Saruons most powerful servants, he might still ally with those who plan the doom of Morgoths enemies.
{Balrog_descr_short}
Unstoppable and fearsome creature easily breaking enemy ranks.

[Neige]

Please don't make the unit description a long and boring wikipedia page. I want to read only the most important info and maybe just some 2-3 sentences about their "history/origin"...

[Hermes Trismegistos]

I know, my Guards of Orthanc description is a bit too much... just feeled the need to really explain them somehow... but I hope my other desriptions will be better... (at least you can't argue they are shorter).

[TheXand]

{Troll_men_of_Harad}Half-trolls
{Troll_men_of_Harad_desc}
Emerging from the deserts of Far Harad to fight for the Dark Lord Sauron, these dark skinned warriors are a fearsome sight to the men of the west.
Said to have the blood of trolls flowing through their veins, their strength and apparent immunity to pain only serve to reinforce these rumours.
Lightly armed and bereft of armour though they may be, they are still capable of wreaking havoc amongst the ranks of all those who oppose them.
{Troll_men_of_Harad_descr_short}
Attack oriented unit, capable of moving swiftly and striking brutally

{Balrog}Corrupted Maiar
{Balrog_descr}
Originally Maiar, they were seduced by the whisperings of Melkor, and adopted the guise of fiery demons, terrifying to behold.
Driven to the brink of extinction during the War of the Wrath, the few remaining balrogs fled to the deepest pits of the world,
to lie in wait until they were disturbed. Having been awoken by the ceaseless delving of the dwarves, they have emerged to
a Middle Earth much changed, ready to annihilate any and all in their paths.
{Balrog_descr_short}
Incredibly powerful creatures, capable of wiping out entire armies
I wasn't sure whether to refer to the Balrog in the singular or the plural, since you said there might be 10 in a bodyguard.

I like these descriptions they are very good

[Elphir of Dol Amroth]

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{Durin's_Bane} Durin's Bane
{Durin's_Bane_descr}

Balrogs were in origin spirits of fire who belonged to the order of the Maiar. The Dark Lord corrupted them to his service in the distant past of the world. They were said to have a man-like appearance, with burning yellow eyes and streaming manes that kindled with fire. Furthermore they had long and powerful arms, wings consisted of shadow and a heart made out of fire. Balrogs are spirits of fire, but sometimes they shroud themselves in darkness and shadow. Also, when getting into contact with water Balrogs could turn into monsters of slime.

Melkor originally gathered them to Utumno, after the destruction of that fortress by the Valar the Valaraukar fled to the ruins of Angband, where they would lurk in its pits for three ages. Eventually the Balrogs issued out from their hideout to rescue their lord and the Silmarils from Ungoliant. In the years to follow they would bring chaos and destruction among the armies of both Elves and men, slaying many skilled warriors with whips of flaming thongs, with great black axes and with flaming swords. Most notable among the Valaraukar was Gothmog; the Lord of Balrogs and High-captain of Angband. He was responsible for the slaying of both Fëanor and Fingon, but eventually Gothmog was killed by Ecthelion of the Fountain, though the latter also died in the duel.

After the War of Wrath most Balrogs were defeated by the armies of the Valar, it is rumored though that one of these demons of fire survived and fled east over the Ered Luin to hide under the deep caverns of the Caradhras. This Balrog remained undisturbed for thousands of years, but the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm delved to deep for their greed of mithril and eventually they stirred a great evil that should not have been awakened. This spirit of fire caused great destruction upon Khazad-dûm and forced the Naugrim to flee from the halls of their forefathers. Khazad-dûm was renamed to Moria, which means the Black Chasm and the Balrog would become known as Durin's Bane. This Balrog is one of the last true powers from the ancient days and it is clear that there are few powers left in Middle-earth to oppose him.

{Durin's_Bane_descr_short} Durin's Bane is a spirit of fire with immense power, in battle he makes use of a flaming sword and a whip with flaming thongs.

[Jean=A=Luc]

Of course you will get credits in the patch notes and some rep.

There was a time when you didn't need to bribe the community like this. Well, not as openly anyway.

Here:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

{Uruk_Reavers} Uruk Reavers
{Dismounted_Variags_descr} While the Uruk-hai are capable of higher orders of organized warfare Reavers emphasize typical orcish aggression and brutality. Brandishing bardiche type axes Reavers are able to utilize their enhanced strength to produce powerful swings capable of severing bodily extremities in one clean strike. Even cases of completely cleaving poorly armoured opponents in half are not nearly as uncommon as Isengard's enemies would like them to be. Armour usually does little to alleviate great damage to the torso though the victim may at least be "fortunate" enough to remain in one piece literally speaking. To achieve these great feats of dismemberment the Reavers need to remain fairly mobile and flexible so with the exception of shin guards and some upper arm protection the Reavers' own limbs are exposed to allow for easier and faster movement. Hard leather with some iron plates covers the torso and waist but the weapon requirements deprive them of shield protection. However the increased mobility and the axes' polearm design make the Reavers ideal companions for the Raiders on their forays especially against the Rohirrim as long axes are well suited to taking down even heavy cavalry provided they don't take the brunt of the charge. All in all the Reavers are an excellent "hammer" for as long as there are other troops present to take the role of the "anvil".
{Uruk_Reavers_descr_short}Heavy axe shock infantry.



{Troll-men_of_Harad}Troll-men of Harad
{Troll-men_of_Harad_descr} The vast lands of Harad are a conglomeration of many tribes, peoples and creatures that to the western eyes appear strange and exotic. Perhaps the most strange of all are the Troll-men of Far Harad. Emerging from the southernmost expanses of Harad's desert and jungle regions they appear to the Gondorians as living legends come to haunt them. Arriving from unknown lands with unknown motives the Troll-men fight with great ferocity that seems completely undeterred by their lack of armour or sophisticated weapons. Being perfectly adapted to life in the most inhospitable of deserts their strength and endurance are considerable and Troll-men require little sophistication to be an effective fighting force. Their frightening, at times almost deformed, appearance and seemingly scorched skin is what earns the Troll-men their name though none, save the Haradrim, know their true origin or nature. Whether they are a product of exotic climate or dark sorcery Troll-men represent a deadly threat on the battlefield.
{Troll-men_of_Harad_descr_short} Enigmatic tribesmen from the distant reaches of Far Harad.



{Guards_of_the_Orthanc} Guards of the Orthanc
{Guards_of_the_Orthanc_descr} Dunlendings handpicked by Saruman to guard Isengard have a mixed heritage as they can trace a part of their bloodline to the old Gondorian garrison that watched over the fortress in the early Third Age. During the Great Plague of 1636 Gondor's hold on the Gap of Rohan (not yet known as such during that time) weakened and the hereditary chieftains of Isengard intermingled with the local Dunlendings until Gondor's influence in the region completely disappeared. After a prolonged conflict with the Rohirrim Dunlendings were eventually driven out of Isengard by King Frealaf of Rohan. Now that Saruman has become the new master of Orthanc he has opened the gates of Isenguard to Dunlending loyalists once more. These men have a vested interest in preserving their new position as Guardians of Orthanc since their service to Saruman affords them greater rewards, status and safety within the walls. Unlike their less organized fellow tribesmen they train to fight as heavy infantry in defensive close order. Their thick armour is provided by Isengard's forges and shows some Gondorian influence in its design. These Dunlending custodians of Isengard are tough men who add another layer to Isengard's already almost impenetrable defenses.
{Guards_of_the_Orthanc_descr_short}Heavy spearmen who man Isengard's black walls.

I like Elphir's Balrog description so I see no need to write one myself.

{Dismounted_Variags} Dismounted Variags
{Dismounted_Variags_descr}
Khand, lying south west of Rhûn, has been the traditional ally of the Easterlings since the time of the Wainriders. As such they supply mercenaries to the Warlords and the Lôke-Khan whenever asked. These take the form of Kataphrakts, warriors, and most typically Raiders. The Dismounted Variag Raiders are fast moving archers and form a perfect counter-part to the guard of the Easterlings. Outfitted with light leather lamellar and steel helmets Variags carry composite bows and axes into battle. In times of need, the Variags can be mounted and serve as cavalry where their skills rival those of the Lôke-Khans own elite archers.
{Dismounted_Variags_descr_short}
Dismounted Variags shower the enemy with arrows, weakening and breaking formations before the infantry move in.

Is this a "preview" too? A new mercenary unit?

[Hermes Trismegistos]

Is this a "preview" too? A new mercenary unit?

Aren't they a normal Rhun unit?

By the way, really good descriptions.