Faction Symbol:
The Rangers of the North are no ordinary men. They are the last remnant of the Dúnedain. They came from a continent in the west called Numenor. Blessed with gifts from powers higher than all, they were a proud nation. Over time though the Hearts of Men failed, and through the treachery of Sauron their land was sunk beneath the seas.
Those who's hearts were still Faithful survived Numenor's destruction, and sailed to Middle-Earth where the realms of Gondor and Arnor were established, with Arnor the seat of this joined Kingdom. Gondor was a vast land throughout the south, and Arnor encompassed nearly all of Eriador. Sauron has survived the destruction of Numenor, and returned to Mordor. He invaded Gondor, igniting war throughout Middle-Earth. To defeat him an alliance of Elves, Men and Dwarves called the Last Alliance was formed. They defeated Sauron, cutting the Ring of Power from his finger.
After King Elendill and his son Isildur died, Arnor and Gondor became separate Kingdoms. Arnor prospered for over 800 years under the rule of Isildur's descendants. However, after Eärendur, the last King of Arnor, died his three sons split Arnor between themselves. The realms of Arthedain, Cardolan, and Rhudar were established. Arthedain was the only realm to stay true to Isildur's line. Unfortunatly, the forces of evil still roamed the wilderness. The Lord of the Nazgul established Angmar in the north, and through a massive invasion destroyed all the realms of Arnor. Although he was defeated in the end, Arnor had been annihilated.
Not all the Dúnedain were killed though. Though their cities were destroyed and their forts broken, their perseverance and heart survived. The last Dúnedain have kept the line of Kings alive through the Chieftain of the Dúnedain. For nearly 2000 years the Dúnedain have endured. They have not been idle though. The majority of the Dúnedain took up the bow, becoming Rangers. The Bree folk do not know that the Dúnedain are the reason they still live.
The Orcs are stirring. Sauron will soon strike. Gundabad is mobilizing. Goblins crawl throughout the Misty Mountains. It is time for the Rangers to embrace their Dúnedain Heritage and drive these Orcs back into the foul pits they once can from.
Campaign Map:
Position Assessment:
The Dúnedain have a responsibility, and that is to protect the Breeland. They must also keep the line of Isildur alive. They protect and man the cities, castles and watchtowers of old shattered by Angmar. The population in these places is deadly low. They are powerful places, and are the lifeline of recruitment for the Dúnedain. However, the economy, the breadbasket lies in the Angle and the Middle-Men province of Mitheithel. The Dúnedain can only be recruited in the lands of Arnor, of the Dúnedain. Elsewhere, they must rely on local Militia recruited from provinces they hold anywhere in Middle-Earth.
New Units (aside from Vanilla units):