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  1. #1
    Maestro1's Avatar Tiro
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    Default [UPD 16 MAR 17] Preview: Isengard



    Preview: Isengard
    A long-expected preview for the White Wizard and his Uruk-Hai
    ---------------------------------------------------------------

    Now, my friends, is the time to start fearing the White Hand, for a new order is rising, and its victory, is at hand!
    This preview will show all that there is to know about the current plans of the corrupted Wizard in his pinacle of Orthanc. If you start reading this, be mindful not to become corrupted yourself...



    Faction Description
    ---------------------------



    Orthanc and Barad-Dûr, the Union of the Two Towers, who now has strength to oppose them? Fools! They do not understand that to fight against the Power in the East is vanity! Elves are fading into the past, dwarves will remain in their mountains, and men, men have no strength left to fight.They are divided and leaderless, their armies will be but petty squabbles against the Black Legion. Against his might there can be no victory, we must join with Sauron. It would be wise.

    Long have I forseen this doom in the high tower at the foot of the Isen, long has he disguised himself, only now to appear in full strength. The eastern sky has grown dark, Mordor is rising, fumes rise from pits as he forges new legions. Black Uruks, they are stronger than the orcs of the old Mordor, and he will cover the sky with his last shadow to ease the passing of those who would oppose him, under the sun. In Gondor, the Tower of the Moon and the Dome of Stars have both been desolated, how long do they think they have before Ectheleon's Tower too will fall, and his White Tree, burn?

    I have seen much in the Palantír, he will strike hard against Gondor and break it apart from three fronts. The corsairs from the sea, the Haradrim from the south and his own legions from the east. If any help were to come to Gondor it would be from Rohan, but no help will come. For long have the fires of industry been burning inside Isengard, our army is ready. The once weak and frail uruks of Mordor, now perfected into my fighting Uruk-Hai. They are bread for one purpose, to destroy the armies and lands of the horse lords. They have no fear of daylight and wield a ferocity yet unknown to men. Théoden, King of Rohan, is an old man and Gríma my servant has already begun to poison his mind, he will not lead his people to the aid of their friends. Even if their armies marched to Gondor he will have no people to lead, the Dunlendings are raiding, burning farms and vilages, and now, our Uruk-Hai will march upon Edoras and the Hornburg. When Rohan is crushed, Gondor will fall. Our wargs and pikes will be quite the match for their horsemen, and the armour of the Uruk-Hai is thicker than that of any hauberk of Rohan. Our forces are prepared,the world of men will burn!

    But in the end Sauron will need the Ring of power to finalize his dominion over Middle-Earth. If he seeks to be god and king over this world, he must have total control, the One Ring, Isildur's Bane is ever calling him...Find it! For if the Ring comes to Orthanc, it will not be Sauron that rules Arda, but Saruman, the Wizard of many Colours! And at last I will set this land as it should have been from the foundation. Where the wise rule over the foolish, and the petty pay tribute to the great. The Ring of Power must be found, but not by him. It is rumored to be carried by a halfling, if you should find any, bring them to me and you will be greatly rewarded. For now the Two Towers are at Union, but there can be only one, Lord of the Ring!


    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Preparing for war: Isengard's Armies

    At last, you will have an exclusive look into the Palantír and will gaze upon the armies of Isengard:


    An insight of Isengard's armies and an in-detail description of its units. Note that Saruman's early forces rely on anyone from around Isengard who wishes to support the endeavours of the White Wizard. He firstly obtains Goblins from the Misty Mountains for his experiments, then rallies Dunlendings (not yet included here, this is to be done) to him and uses him for cross-breeding experiments, which cumulate in the Goblin-men. Upon noticing this achievement, Sauron sends him some packs of Mordor Orcs, in order to develope an orc breed that does need to rely on 'stable' blood of Men, but can be bread from Goblins and Orcs alone, until not even Goblins are necessary any longer: perfect Uruk-hai.


    Tier 1
    Goblin Throng:

    Although Saruman once was a Wizard who actively aided the Free Peoples, he has now been corrupted. He studied so much on Sauron and the One Ring, that he know covets to possess the latter more than anything. His prime goal will ever be to obtain it. As a first step, he seeks to create able scouts. For that purpose, he got his hand on some goblins hailing from the Misty Mountains, either captured by him or given by the more able orcs from that population, who wouldn't miss a few of their rabble. As a unit by themselves, if need be, they will fight, if only it is for their own lives, since they know nothing of loyalty to a commander, whom they only serve when driven by a whip. Neither are they skilled fighters or well-armed. They are numerous, and that is their only strength, but a strength that should not be underestimated: if they are cornered and have run from a fight as much as they can, they will storm at their foes, of which there are many, superior in every manner to themselves, and when the storm comes, their enemies should do well to be prepared for the oncoming tide.

    Goblin-Men Bows:

    Now that Saruman is corrupted and seeks power for his own, he knows more than ever that he needs the One Ring. He also knows, that he does not yet have the strength to reveal his purposes to Middle-Earth and that he needs cunning and intrigues to bend matters to his will, such as rallying the Dunlendings to pledge their allegiance to him. For both purposes, he experimented, interbreeding Dunlendings with goblins from the Misty Mountains as a starter. Now, he has his first success: creating Goblin-Men, treacherous and vile. Goblin-men are half man, half orc, giving these creatures an orc's villainous and ferocious nature, as well as the wits and strength of a man. Although they are not very able soldiers, these creatures represent the fact that Saruman is able to interbreed succesfully at all. This is the first tread up the stairs to whatever foul things come into his dark mind to create. That said, these creatures will indeed serve their master's will: they will infiltrate the lands to the north, and turn the settlements of the Northmen of Eriador slightly into grim and obscure places with stealth and cunning, as Saruman would want it to be, and in those lands, they are already known as 'Ruffians'. In combat, they will be a unit of hit-and-run tactics. They will shoot their foes in the dark with their bows, or jump out of the scrub, slitting his throat. Should they come in the open, they are easily overcome, but should their enemies neglect their presence and close in carelessly, they will strike.

    Goblin-Men Ruffians:

    Now that Saruman is corrupted and seeks power for his own, he knows more than ever that he needs the One Ring. He also knows, that he does not yet have the strength to reveal his purposes to Middle-Earth and that he needs cunning and intrigues to bend matters to his will, such as rallying the Dunlendings to pledge their allegiance to him. For both purposes, he experimented, interbreeding Dunlendings with goblins from the Misty Mountains. Now, he has his first success: creating Goblin-Men, treacherous and vile. Goblin-men are half man, half orc, giving these creatures an orc's villainous and ferocious nature, as well as the wits and strength of a man. Although they are not very able soldiers, these creatures represent the fact that Saruman is able to interbreed succesfully at all. This is the first tread up the stairs to whatever foul things come into his dark mind to create.That said, these creatures will indeed serve their master's will: they will infiltrate the lands to the north, and turn the settlements of the Northmen of Eriador, in which they are already known as 'Ruffians', if one refers to 'strange folk walking around here these days', than they are probably refering to these, slightly into grim and obscure places with stealth and cunning, as Saruman would want it to be. In combat, they will be a unit of hit-and-run tactics. They will jump out of the scrub in the dark to slit the throat of their victim, or assassinate the enemies of the White Hand in the Streets of Eriador. Should they come in the open, they are easily overcome, but should their enemies neglect their presence and close in carelessly, they will strike.

    Mordor Rabble:

    Orcs are inherently cruel, whether they are trained or not, few can restrain them in their mad blood lusts. These raiders feed on brutality and slaughter, relishing the chase, and perusing those that flee. However they may loose their eagerness when their fleeing prey turns and fights.

    Mordor Bow Rabble:

    Armies of orcs have no love of daylight, and so these numerous orc archers seek to shade their comrades under the shadow of their volleys. While these archers may be less than marksmen, they yet provide an ample skirmish arm to a Black captain. A strong shield may block a well aimed arrow, but what shield will parry a thousand?

    Tier 2

    Half-Orc Axes

    For Saruman, getting into experimenting with interbreeding orcs and men, means that he will create better and better warriors, for he knows that his foul things will not go unnoticed forever and if the time comes, he will need to have some warriors to repel an unpleasent visit at the walls of Orthanc. No indeed, in time, all foul things come forth, and if men are to see his experiments, let them gaze their eyes upon new creatures, never seen before.
    Ever has Sauron watched carefully every move his puppet Saruman made, for as far Saruman was not able or willing to hide his movements. Sauron has now acknowledged Saruman's successes and send him orcs of his own for Saruman to experiment with. If Saruman would succeed, there's no more stopping him from improving new creatures made from man and Mordor-orcs, onto terrible soldiers of unknown strength. And it did not take very long: his first half-orcs, man-orcs large and cunning, are now ready to serve their master, being the final tread up the stairs towards his finest warriors, and when spotted, they will make sure that Saruman's enemies will not have a chance to tell their story alive. They are right to be feared. Not only for their strength and brutality, but also for another aspect: who knows what comes next, now that the wizard has created able men-orc troops?
    Armed with a large axe, befitting these creature's evil and ferocious nature, and some basic armour, they are able to put up quite a fight and to instil fear into the hearts of their many enemies. When used well on the offence, they are brutal and savage and not easily tamed, but when scattered, they are routed just as easily.

    Wargs of Isengard:


    The wolves of Isengard are ferocious creatures, hunting even at times the men of the mark, and their horses. How much more terrible are they when mounted by cruel orcs. These viscous scouts, while few, are the enemies and bane of the horsemen. They leap from woods and hills and devour both man and beast. The wolves of Isengard are pure evil and not to be tamed. They will rip apart any who would stand in their way. Controlled by a capable orc rider, they are even more dangerours. Let the rider of the Mark fear the wolves, and the wolf-riders of the White Hand!

    Uruk-Hai Scouts:

    Saruman's finest creation, the fighting Uruk-Hai are here exemplified. Ferocious, vile, fast-moving as any orc, yet strong and disciplined, well-trained for warfare as any soldier as men, able to withstand sunlight: that combination makes the Uruk-hai almost perfect soldiers. They are unfamiliar with fear in their lust for blood and men-flesh. They have an excellent stamina too, whatever is there on Middle-Earth that could oppose such beasts of war? These scouts will follow their master's order of pursuit, no matter where to. They will hunt you down, and slay you. These troops are Saruman's best hope for finding the Ring of Power. And when he does, no one will stop him. For a new order is rising.

    Uruk-Hai Archers:


    Uruk-Hai archers are a darkened shadow of the rangers of northern lands. They are fast moving, shoot and run troops, who have no fear of melee combat. They wield strong composite bows backed with large uruk scimitars. They are a fearless and effective tool of the White Hand, who prowl the forests and the plains seeking to overtake caravans or raid forgotten villages, like thieves in the night. When these decided to hunt you, you are almost certain of death even if you guard yourself. Best not draw their attention...

    Tier 3


    Uruk-Hai Infantry:


    "We are the fighting Uruk-hai! We slew the great warrior. We took the prisoners. We are the servants of Saruman the Wise, The White Hand: The Hand that gives us man's-flesh to eat." This new and stronger half breed of orcs, is the pride of the White Hand, and will stop at nothing to fulfill it's corrupted and twisted will. They resemble the new order that is rising. It will stain the land with the blood of the Free Peoples. Soon, it's victory, is at hand! March on, to war!

    Uruk-Hai Pikemen:


    The Fighting Uruk-Hai are not a mindless rabble of orcs: they are a trained and organized group, that combines discipline and a thriving orcish ferocity to maximum effect, as the White Hand would wish it to be like. The designed hook at the top of the pole is yet another example of the wizard's cunning. With all that said, these are able to maintain solid pike formations. Any head-on charge will be in vain, no horsemen of Rohan can stop the impenetrable wall of Uruk-Hai Pikemen! A solid fist upon the ranks of Men, ready to strike and kill.

    Uruk-Hai Crossbowmen:


    Saruman is a cunning wizard, he has designed a new and deadly weapon to rain death upon Middle-Earth: crossbows. And more: crossbows to be wielded by the strong Uruk-Hai. They are large two-handed bows which fire iron bolts, well-able to penetrate the mail of the Rohirrim. They wear partial plate armour to protect them whilst firing and reloading, which takes a long time, and carry scimitars when melee is needed. These deadly missile units are the finest skirmishers of Isenguard.

    Isengard Ballista:

    Note that the unit picture is missing here. It will be there, but artillery cards will be made last. Furthermore, I can say that we will do our very best to give Isengard special easter egg concerning siegecraft, that will be kept in secret for now... (hint: it says "BOOM!")
    The White Wizard has devised many schemes for the men of the Mark, the Uruk-Hai, Wargs, and these great ballistas. They will take down with ease the wooden walls of the Rohirim, and even in time, the ancient walls of the Hornburg. They fire either large stones for destroying walls, or massive javelins for enemy soldiers. Another force of destruction. Who now has the strength left to oppose the white hand?

    Tier 4

    White Hand Stormers:

    Saruman's purpose is to dominate this Middle-Earth, though there can be only be one Lord of the Earth, and He does not share power. So Saruman has to outclass, outmatch and outwit one of the most powerful beings left in this world: Sauron. In his physical form, Sauron is neigh-invincible, but if one could strike at him from is blind side, he could beat him in the blindness wrought upon him in his desperate search to find the Ring. Saruman's Uruk-hai are not a mindless rabble of orcs: their armour is thick, their shield broad. This befits The White Wizard's mind of metal and wheels. Saruman will need the strength to storm the most powerful keeps effectively to launch a surprise attack upon him that once supposedly was his overlord. With massive tower shields, the wicked hooked sword of Isengard and the plated armour of the furnaces of Orthanc, the White Hand Stormers are Saruman's hope to seize the initiative in the struggle for ultimate power and turn the tide in what seems a prematurely decided battle not for the Free Peoples, but for the power of Orthanc.

    Berserkers:

    "What of the dawn?" they jeered. "We are the fighting Uruk-hai: we do not stop the fight for night or day, for fair weather or for storm. We come to kill, by sun or moon. What of the dawn?" The berserkers of the White Hand, are truly bloodthirsty warriors. They will never stop fighting and their lust for war and blood will never be stilled, even when they would be mutaleted themselves. With no armour but a helmet and massive cleavers, these Uruks fear no dawn, nor any power of men, elves, or dwarves...


    In the battle statistics, Uruk-hai will have equal strength to any able-bodied mam, but with larger numbers. Combined with plated armour, advaced weaponry and an all-round roster, an Uruk-hai army is neigh-impossible to stop. Well at least, if you manage to field and handle one properly.


    We cannot hold you from gazing upon a life soldier of Isengard, for what is all this preview, without real, life Uruk-Hai? Of course, Saruman is not yet on his full strength, but our skilled modeller Enpremi is working on it. With BOOMING effect, if you understand what I mean. Oh yes, he is my preciouss...



    Credits for Mordor unit descriptions and faction description to Cshewey
    Credits for Unit cards to Cyrius_pt
    Credits for unit roster and Isengard descriptions to Maestro

    Last edited by Maestro1; July 16, 2017 at 04:13 PM.

  2. #2
    Alkar's Avatar Decanus
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    Default Re: [01 Mar '16] Preview: Isengard

    Quote Originally Posted by Maestro1 View Post


    Preview: Isengard
    A long-expected preview for the White Wizard and his Uruk-Hai
    ---------------------------------------------------------------

    Now, my friends, is the time to start fearing the White Hand, for a new order is rising, and its victory, is at hand!
    This preview will show all that there is to know about the current plans of the corrupted Wizard in his pinacle of Orthanc. If you start reading this, be mindful not to become corrupted yourself...



    Faction Description
    ---------------------------



    Orthanc and Barad-Dûr, the Union of the Two Towers, who now has strength to oppose them? Fools! They do not understand that to fight against the Power in the East is vanity! Elves are fading into the past, dwarves will remain in their mountains, and men, men have no strength left to fight.They are divided and leaderless, their armies will be but petty squabbles against the Black Legion. Against his might there can be no victory, we must join with Sauron. It would be wise.

    Long have I forseen this doom in the high tower at the foot of the Isen, long has he disguised himself, only now to appear in full strength. The eastern sky has grown dark, Mordor is rising, fumes rise from pits as he forges new legions. Black Uruks, they are stronger than the orcs of the old Mordor, and he will cover the sky with his last shadow to ease the passing of those who would oppose him, under the sun. In Gondor, the Tower of the Moon and the Dome of Stars have both been desolated, how long do they think they have before Ectheleon's Tower too will fall, and his White Tree, burn?

    I have seen much in the Palantír, he will strike hard against Gondor and break it apart from three fronts. The corsairs from the sea, the Haradrim from the south and his own legions from the east. If any help were to come to Gondor it would be from Rohan, but no help will come. For long have the fires of industry been burning inside Isengard, our army is ready. The once weak and frail uruks of Mordor, now perfected into my fighting Uruk-Hai. They are bread for one purpose, to destroy the armies and lands of the horse lords. They have no fear of daylight and wield a ferocity yet unknown to men. Théoden, King of Rohan, is an old man and Gríma my servant has already begun to poison his mind, he will not lead his people to the aid of their friends. Even if their armies marched to Gondor he will have no people to lead, the Dunlendings are raiding, burning farms and vilages, and now, our Uruk-Hai will march upon Edoras and the Hornburg. When Rohan is crushed, Gondor will fall. Our wargs and pikes will be quite the match for their horsemen, and the armour of the Uruk-Hai is thicker than that of any hauberk of Rohan. Our forces are prepared,the world of men will burn!

    But in the end Sauron will need the Ring of power to finalize his dominion over Middle-Earth. If he seeks to be god and king over this world, he must have total control, the One Ring, Isildur's Bane is ever calling him...Find it! For if the Ring comes to Orthanc, it will not be Sauron that rules Arda, but Saruman, the Wizard of many Colours! And at last I will set this land as it should have been from the foundation. Where the wise rule over the foolish, and the petty pay tribute to the great. The Ring of Power must be found, but not by him. It is rumored to be carried by a halfling, if you should find any, bring them to me and you will be greatly rewarded. For now the Two Towers are at Union, but there can be only one, Lord of the Ring!

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Isengard: Plots, Quests & Features



    The Saruman the Wize has many colours. On his road to dominion over Middle-Earth, there will be many perils.
    For his orcs, the following traits will bestow Isengard:


    Orc Factions Race Traits:


    Followers of Melkor: Orcs serve Morgoth, the Maia who once ruled Angbad, and are eternal foes of all others.
    (Units cause fear to all enemy factions, combat bonus at night)

    Fiends: Orcs hate all true creatures of Eru and so they have no sympathy...or mercy for them.
    (Increased income from looting and slaves, diplomatic penalty with all "good" factions)

    Isengard Trait:

    A New Power is rising: Saruman's new lust for power drives him to use his power as a wizard for all kinds of foul purposes, making Isengard a place where evil thrives.
    (Bonus on industry income, faster research, major diplomatic penalty with all "good" factions)

    Plots for the White Hand:

    Already are the Uruk-Hai scouts scrutinizing the lands of Middle-Earth in search for the One Ring, Saruman must find it before Sauron does. Therefore, his eyes will be ever watchful.
    We have an extended manuscript for the One Ring quests starting from Bilbo's party all the way up to the Council of Elrond. This also includes a scenario in which Saruman acquires the One Ring. When he does, be ready for some serious stuff. Even the Dark Lord will have to recheck is defences against the oncoming tide of the White Hand.
    For victory, the possession of the One Ring might prove vital in determinating who dominates Middle-Earth...

    Quests: the breeding of the Uruk-Hai:

    Not always have Saruman's plots been able to recruit his Uruk-Hai. In order to do so, there must be research and experiment to gain the trust of the Dark Lord, after which, the Uruk-Hai will be breed inevitably and will swarm the plains of the Horselords:

    Quest #1: "The Treason of Isengard"

    *The Free Peoples of Middle-Earth do not know what storm is coming. The ancient realms of the Dúnedain lay in waste or have fallen into decay. The northmen are weak, caring only for their own survival. They have seen too many winters. All men are scattered, devided, leaderless.The Dwarves only care for their own treasures underground. They will not come to anyone's aid. Only the Eldar know what doom lies upon the land, for Elrond and Galadriel have seen it: Sauron has returned. No one knows however, what hope we yet have, what time is there left to act against the will of Mordor? The hour is later than they think. Soon, Sauron will start breeding his orcs again in the Black Land. He will rally Easterlings, Southrons and Corsairs beyond the count to set loose his storm. And the Free Peoples will see their homes burned. For against the will that now stirs in the East, there can be no victory, only death. For a military victory, there is no hope. We must join with him, yes, that would be wize.
    However, Sauron's fortress has a weak spot, for as long as the One Ring remains lost, he cannot regain his full strength. With it, his victory and dominance shall be total, but without it, there is still hope for another outcome of fate, one that equals that of Sauron in might: the White Hand shall rule Middle-Earth. If only it can obtain the Ring. The Ring will prove vital for all in this matter. Sauron must not have it, nor anyone else. Only I, myself, Saruman the Wize, can have it. Scouts must scrutinize all earth to find it soon...*

    Objective
    ---
    Succesfully recruit 4 units of Goblin-Men and a Ruffian Spy in Orthanc

    Minors
    ---
    -Ally with the Dunlendings.
    *Reward: ...*
    -Research 'Goblin Interbreeding'
    *Reward: ...*
    -Construct barrack tier 1 in Orthanc
    *Reward: ...*
    -Hold your Homeland Regions and your latest conquests
    *Reward: ...*


    As soon as Saruman has completed his objectives, the new quests will slowly grant him access to the Uruk-Hai, replacing his first rabble-creatures. Also, the hunt for the One Ring has started

    Quest #2: "The Union of the Two Towers"

    Objective
    ---

    Recruit at least 2 Half-Orc units in Orthanc
    *Reward: ...*

    Minors
    ---

    -Send a Ruffian Spy towards Bree and infiltrate the settlement for at least 5 turns.
    *Reward: ...*
    -Ally with Mordor
    *Reward: access to research 'Orc Interbreeding'*
    -Research 'Orc Interbreeding' and construct barrack tier 2 in Orthanc
    *Reward: ...*
    -Hold your Homeland Regions and your latest conquests
    *Reward: ...*

    Quest #3: "Fighting Uruk-hai"

    Objective
    ---

    Recruit at least 5 units of Uruk-Hai tier 2 in Orthanc
    *Reward: ...*

    Minors
    ---

    -Infiltrate Bree for at least 5 turns and buy-off merchants of Pipe-Weed
    *Reward: ...*
    -Research 'Uruk-Hai' and construct tier 3 barracks in Orthanc
    *Reward: ...*
    -Plunder the Westfold Region with an army for at least 5 turns
    *Reward: ...*
    -Hold your Homeland Regions and your latest conquests
    *Reward: ...*


    And after quest 3, it is time to prepare yourself for war, for the land will be stained with the blood of Rohan!

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Preparing for war: Isengard's Armies

    At last, you will have an exclusive look into the Palantír and will gaze upon the armies of Isengard:



    An insight of Isengard's armies and an in-detail description of its units. Note that the style of the descriptions is slightly different than that of my colleague. You will see a clear development in Saruman's interbreeding experiments, that befits the quests.

    Snagas:

    Although Saruman once was a wizard who actively aided the Free Peoples, he has now been corrupted. He studied so much on Sauron and the One Ring, that he know covets to possess the latter more than anything. His prime goal will ever be to obtain it. As a first step, he seeks to create able scouts. For that purpose, he got his hand on some snagas from the Misty Mountains, either captured by him or given by the more able orcs from that population, who wouldn't miss a few of their snaga rabble. As a unit by themselves, if need be, they will fight, if only it is for their own lives, since they know nothing of loyalty to a commander, whom they only serve when driven by a whip. Neither are they skilled fighters or well-armed. They are numerous, and that is their only strength, but a strength that should not be underestimated: if they are cornered and have run from a fight as much as they can, they will storm at their foes, of which there are many, superior in every manner to themselves, and when the storm comes, their enemies should do well to be prepared for the oncoming tide.

    Goblin-Men Bows:


    Now that Saruman is corrupted and seeks power for his own, he knows more than ever that he needs the One Ring. He also knows, that he does not yet have the strength to reveal his purposes to Middle-Earth and that he needs cunning and intrigues to bend matters to his will, such as rallying the Dunlendings to pledge their allegiance to him. For both purposes, he experimented, interbreeding Dunlendings with goblins from the Misty Mountains as a starter. Now, he has his first success: creating Goblin-Men, treacherous and vile. Goblin-men are half man, half orc, giving these creatures an orc's villainous and ferocious nature, as well as the wits and strength of a man. Although they are not very able soldiers, these creatures represent the fact that Saruman is able to interbreed succesfully at all. This is the first tread up the stairs to whatever foul things come into his dark mind to create. That said, these creatures will indeed serve their master's will: they will infiltrate the lands to the north, and turn the settlements of the Northmen of Eriador slightly into grim and obscure places with stealth and cunning, as Saruman would want it to be, and in those lands, they are already known as 'Ruffians'. In combat, they will be a unit of hit-and-run tactics. They will shoot their foes in the dark with their bows, or jump out of the scrub, slitting his throat. Should they come in the open, they are easily overcome, but should their enemies neglect their presence and close in carelessly, they will strike.

    Goblin-Men Ruffians:

    Now that Saruman is corrupted and seeks power for his own, he knows more than ever that he needs the One Ring. He also knows, that he does not yet have the strength to reveal his purposes to Middle-Earth and that he needs cunning and intrigues to bend matters to his will, such as rallying the Dunlendings to pledge their allegiance to him. For both purposes, he experimented, interbreeding Dunlendings with goblins from the Misty Mountains. Now, he has his first success: creating Goblin-Men, treacherous and vile. Goblin-men are half man, half orc, giving these creatures an orc's villainous and ferocious nature, as well as the wits and strength of a man. Although they are not very able soldiers, these creatures represent the fact that Saruman is able to interbreed succesfully at all. This is the first tread up the stairs to whatever foul things come into his dark mind to create.That said, these creatures will indeed serve their master's will: they will infiltrate the lands to the north, and turn the settlements of the Northmen of Eriador, in which they are already known as 'Ruffians', if one refers to 'strange folk walking around here these days', than they are probably refering to these, slightly into grim and obscure places with stealth and cunning, as Saruman would want it to be. In combat, they will be a unit of hit-and-run tactics. They will jump out of the scrub in the dark to slit the throat of their victim, or assassinate the enemies of the White Hand in the Streets of Eriador. Should they come in the open, they are easily overcome, but should their enemies neglect their presence and close in carelessly, they will strike.

    Half-Orc Axes:


    For Saruman, getting into experimenting with interbreeding orcs and men, means that he will create better and better warriors, for he knows that his foul things will not go unnoticed forever and if the time comes, he will need to have some warriors to repel an unpleasent visit at the walls of Orthanc. No indeed, in time, all foul things come forth, and if men are to see his experiments, let them gaze their eyes upon new creatures, never seen before.
    Ever has Sauron watched carefully every move his puppet Saruman made, for as far Saruman was not able or willing to hide his movements. Sauron has now acknowledged Saruman's successes and send him orcs of his own for Saruman to experiment with. If Saruman would succeed, there's no more stopping him from improving new creatures made from man and Mordor-orcs, onto terrible soldiers of unknown strength. And it did not take very long: his first half-orcs, man-orcs large and cunning, are now ready to serve their master, being the final tread up the stairs towards his finest warriors, and when spotted, they will make sure that Saruman's enemies will not have a chance to tell their story alive. They are right to be feared. Not only for their strength and brutality, but also for another aspect: who knows what comes next, now that the wizard has created able men-orc troops?
    Armed with a large axe, befitting these creature's evil and ferocious nature, and some basic armour, they are able to put up quite a fight and to instil fear into the hearts of their many enemies. When used well on the offence, they are brutal and savage and not easily tamed, but when scattered, they are routed just as easily.

    Wargs of Isengard:


    The wolves of Isengard are ferocious creatures, hunting even at times the men of the mark, and their horses. How much more terrible are they when mounted by cruel orcs. These viscous scouts, while few, are the enemies and bane of the horsemen. They leap from woods and hills and devour both man and beast. The wolves of Isengard are pure evil and not to be tamed. They will rip apart any who would stand in their way. Controlled by a capable orc rider, they are even more dangerours. Let the rider of the Mark fear the wolves, and the wolf-riders of the White Hand!

    Uruk-Hai Scouts:

    Saruman's finest creation, the fighting Uruk-Hai are here exemplified. Ferocious, vile, fast-moving as any orc, yet strong and disciplined, well-trained for warfare as any soldier as men, able to withstand sunlight: that combination makes the Uruk-hai almost perfect soldiers. They are unfamiliar with fear in their lust for blood and men-flesh. They have an excellent stamina too, whatever is there on Middle-Earth that could oppose such beasts of war? These scouts will follow their master's order of pursuit, no matter where to. They will hunt you down, and slay you. These troops are Saruman's best hope for finding the Ring of Power. And when he does, no one will stop him. For a new order is rising.

    Uruk-Hai Archers:


    Uruk-Hai archers are a darkened shadow of the rangers of northern lands. They are fast moving, shoot and run troops, who have no fear of melee combat. They wield strong composite bows backed with large uruk scimitars. They are a fearless and effective tool of the White Hand, who prowl the forests and the plains seeking to overtake caravans or raid forgotten villages, like thieves in the night. When these decided to hunt you, you are almost certain of death even if you guard yourself. Best not draw their attention...

    Uruk-Hai Infantry:


    "We are the fighting Uruk-hai! We slew the great warrior. We took the prisoners. We are the servants of Saruman the Wise, The White Hand: The Hand that gives us man's-flesh to eat." This new and stronger half breed of orcs, is the pride of the White Hand, and will stop at nothing to fulfill it's corrupted and twisted will. They resemble the new order that is rising. It will stain the land with the blood of the Free Peoples. Soon, it's victory, is at hand! March on, to war!

    Uruk-Hai Pikemen:


    The Fighting Uruk-Hai are not a mindless rabble of orcs: they are a trained and organized group, that combines discipline and a thriving orcish ferocity to maximum effect, as the White Hand would wish it to be like. The designed hook at the top of the pole is yet another example of the wizard's cunning. With all that said, these are able to maintain solid pike formations. Any head-on charge will be in vain, no horsemen of Rohan can stop the impenetrable wall of Uruk-Hai Pikemen! A solid fist upon the ranks of Men, ready to strike and kill.

    Uruk-Hai Crossbowmen:


    Saruman is a cunning wizard, he has designed a new and deadly weapon to rain death upon Middle-Earth: crossbows. And more: crossbows to be wielded by the strong Uruk-Hai. They are large two-handed bows which fire iron bolts, well-able to penetrate the mail of the Rohirrim. They wear partial plate armour to protect them whilst firing and reloading, which takes a long time, and carry scimitars when melee is needed. These deadly missile units are the finest skirmishers of Isenguard.

    Isengard Ballista:
    Note that the unit picture is missing here. It will be there, but artillery cards will be made last. Furthermore, I can say that we will do our very best to give Isengard special easter egg concerning siegecraft, that will be kept in secret for now... (hint: it says "BOOM!")
    The White Wizard has devised many schemes for the men of the Mark, the Uruk-Hai, Wargs, and these great ballistas. They will take down with ease the wooden walls of the Rohirim, and even in time, the ancient walls of the Hornburg. They fire either large stones for destroying walls, or massive javelins for enemy soldiers. Another force of destruction. Who now has the strength left to oppose the white hand?

    Berserkers:

    "What of the dawn?" they jeered. "We are the fighting Uruk-hai: we do not stop the fight for night or day, for fair weather or for storm. We come to kill, by sun or moon. What of the dawn?" The berserkers of the White Hand, are truly bloodthirsty warriors. They will never stop fighting and their lust for war and blood will never be stilled, even when they would be mutaleted themselves. With no armour but a helmet and massive cleavers, these Uruks fear no dawn, nor any power of men, elves, or dwarves...

    We cannot hold you from gazing upon a life soldier of Isengard, for what is all this preview, without real, life Uruk-Hai? Of course, Saruman is not yet on his full strength, but this might come close to it:



    Who now still has the sterngth to oppose the White Hand? When in Multiplayer, think twice before overlooking these troops. They will serve you well indeed.
    Finally, we say onto you: prepare for the onslaught of the Uruk-Hai. For a new order is rising!!
    Wow, really nice! My rep button finally works.

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  3. #3
    MOS-Lukas-Dwarf's Avatar Tiro
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    Default Re: [01 Mar '16] Preview: Isengard

    Great work holy man.... i have no complaints everything is as i imagined, even the crossbow helmets
    I love the easter eggs and this roster is basically perfected!

    Missing texture in the preview so you might want to replace it with something but Damn im so ing hyped!

    Will it be possible to make the Isengard Ballista function with firing Stones and Ballista Javelins as different ammo?

    Will the Javelins fired be a replica model of those in the films or a generic javelin from base game vanilla?

    Fabulous preview PLEASE GIVE US MORE OF THESE THEY'RE AMAZING ARTWORK,
    I´d love to help the process with these, im an experienced digital painter and these unit cards look like great fun!

    Also hope to see some of these in a preview soon, they're very important

    https://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgu...D6AQMwgjKAcwBw
    Last edited by MOS-Lukas-Dwarf; March 01, 2016 at 09:41 AM.
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  4. #4

    Default Re: [01 Mar '16] Preview: Isengard

    Quote Originally Posted by MOS-Lukas-Dwarf View Post
    Great work holy man.... i have no complaints everything is as i imagined, even the crossbow helmets
    I love the easter eggs and this roster is basically perfected!

    Missing texture in the preview so you might want to replace it with something but Damn im so ing hyped!

    Will it be possible to make the Isengard Ballista function with firing Stones and Ballista Javelins as different ammo?

    Will the Javelins fired be a replica model of those in the films or a generic javelin from base game vanilla?

    Fabulous preview PLEASE GIVE US MORE OF THESE THEY'RE AMAZING ARTWORK,
    I´d love to help the process with these, im an experienced digital painter and these unit cards look like great fun!

    We could use the help with them, Cyrius_PT is doing it all atm and doing an excellent job, but im sure he wouldnt mind getting some help. Contant Mr J or Vikus if you want to.

  5. #5
    MOS-Lukas-Dwarf's Avatar Tiro
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    Default Re: [01 Mar '16] Preview: Isengard

    Quote Originally Posted by cshewey View Post
    We could use the help with them, Cyrius_PT is doing it all atm and doing an excellent job, but im sure he wouldnt mind getting some help. Contant Mr J or Vikus if you want to.
    I'll get on it
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  6. #6
    cyriuspt's Avatar Libertus
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    Default Re: [01 Mar '16] Preview: Isengard

    uhuh, great job Maestro1 as always

    i want to tell to the people, this is not the final vesion, so, something probably will change or something will not.

    Quote Originally Posted by MOS-Lukas-Dwarf View Post
    Great work holy man.... i have no complaints everything is as i imagined, even the crossbow helmets
    . . .

    Fabulous preview PLEASE GIVE US MORE OF THESE THEY'RE AMAZING ARTWORK,
    I´d love to help the process with these, im an experienced digital painter and these unit cards look like great fun!
    . . .
    Big thanks, just trying to do my best and credits always for the Team too



    Quote Originally Posted by cshewey View Post
    We could use the help with them, Cyrius_PT is doing it all atm and doing an excellent job, but im sure he wouldnt mind getting some help. Contant Mr J or Vikus if you want to.
    well, i'm Ok with this, but i think we can get some help for drawing 2D Concept Art for the different units, like cshewey says, Contant Mr J or Vikus.

  7. #7
    MOS-Lukas-Dwarf's Avatar Tiro
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    Default Re: [01 Mar '16] Preview: Isengard

    Quote Originally Posted by cyriuspt View Post
    well, i'm Ok with this, but i think we can get some help for drawing 2D Concept Art for the different units, like cshewey says, Contant Mr J or Vikus.
    Im very much interested in either but Ill have to wait and see if Mr J sees me up to standard with yourself
    "You must be king before the long night begins... Only you can unite the living against the dead"

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  8. #8

    Default Re: [01 Mar '16] Preview: Isengard

    I have read your Isengard Preview and I have an idea for a Quest that I think you might like.
    *Please, feel free to take and use this, and edit spelling or edit out anything you don't like or can't use.
    Surplus Orcs Necessity Humans
    Saurman the Wise is constantly looking for new humans and orcs to experiment on, so that he can continue production and improvement of the breeds of half orc half human men. The latest creations where not successful and ended badly, so we need more humans to experiment on, While Snagas and orcs are easily acquired by orc slave traders, and by the Great Eye the same cannot be said to for humans, we lack them. Saurman is certainly close to finding and perfecting the new breed, and assures us that we are soon going to achieve it. So travel out of Isengard and into the wold and hunt some human Scum!
    How to achieve: Win two battles and then enslave them.
    Reward: 5% decrease of recruitment cost and 5% decrease of upkeep. Four turns only for your new breed of half-orc, half human units.

  9. #9

    Default Re: [01 Mar '16] Preview: Isengard

    Great roster!!
    Kind regards

  10. #10
    Maestro1's Avatar Tiro
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    Default Re: [01 Mar '16] Preview: Isengard

    Of cpurse credits to cshewey, cyrius, finrod felagund, mr.J, Vikus, and oll the others that contributed to this content!
    Alkar, pm ;p

  11. #11
    Alkar's Avatar Decanus
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    Default Re: [01 Mar '16] Preview: Isengard

    Quote Originally Posted by Maestro1 View Post
    Of cpurse credits to cshewey, cyrius, finrod felagund, mr.J, Vikus, and oll the others that contributed to this content!
    Alkar, pm ;p
    Yep I'm finding some useful quotes atm.

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  12. #12
    ♔atthias♔'s Avatar dutch speaking
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    Default Re: [01 Mar '16] Preview: Isengard

    my favorite faction yess thank you
    sauron has no Idea what is coming for I shall be an ally to men and enemy to sauron
    read I play a good saruman
    dundeling units coming in the future I assume?
    and will saruman have quest choice to stay good an use only dundeling uint armoured by his smithing skill just a suggestion
    also will have the uruk hai better stats than mordors uruks?
    Last edited by ♔atthias♔; March 01, 2016 at 06:59 AM.
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  13. #13
    Maestro1's Avatar Tiro
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    Default Re: [01 Mar '16] Preview: Isengard

    For the quests goes, as you might have seen in a preview video, there are those three options: free, missions as extra, or (if possible, but it is the aim) fixed to missions. As a result, missions will ne fully lore accurate. So no, no missions for saruman to become good. No dunlending units planned for alpha, they have their own faction. Expect AOR units from dunland in isemgard maybe in final release.
    Uruk-hai are better than mordor uruks, though slightly and the mordor uruks are bit mote numerous

  14. #14
    ♔atthias♔'s Avatar dutch speaking
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    Default Re: [01 Mar '16] Preview: Isengard

    Quote Originally Posted by Maestro1 View Post
    For the quests goes, as you might have seen in a preview video, there are those three options: free, missions as extra, or (if possible, but it is the aim) fixed to missions. As a result, missions will ne fully lore accurate. So no, no missions for saruman to become good. No dunlending units planned for alpha, they have their own faction. Expect AOR units from dunland in isemgard maybe in final release.
    Uruk-hai are better than mordor uruks, though slightly and the mordor uruks are bit mote numerous
    thanks for answering
    Rise of Mordor 3D Modelers Wanted
    Total War - Rise of Mordor
    Are you a 3D Environment and Character artist, or a Character Animator?

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    Massive Overhaul Submod Units!
    D you want some units back in MOS 1.7? Install this mod http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showt...n-1-1-RELEASED
    It adds back units who were deleted from the campaign in MOS 1.7, namely the Winged Swordsmen, the Citadel Guard Archers and the Gondor Dismounted Bodyguard.

    Under the proud patronage of
    Frunk of the house of Siblesz

  15. #15
    Maestro1's Avatar Tiro
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    Default Re: [UPD 1 MAR 16] Preview: Isengard faction

    @atthias, yeah, its like more epic. You may betray them both

    @mos-lukas. Its just an idea. We havent gone into artillery but we will try to give all factions with artillery (so erebor, dale and such) a unique strength

  16. #16

    Default Re: [UPD 1 MAR 16] Preview: Isengard faction

    In my opinon the unit cards look way to cartoon like and stuppid plus names of the early tier units minus the snaga, also i was hoping to see some wildmen in thier roster. Finally i hope that they get trolls

  17. #17
    Commissar Caligula_'s Avatar The Ecstasy of Potatoes
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    Default Re: [UPD 1 MAR 16] Preview: Isengard faction

    Quote Originally Posted by Northern-Ranger View Post
    In my opinon the unit cards look way to cartoon like and stuppid plus names of the early tier units minus the snaga, also i was hoping to see some wildmen in thier roster. Finally i hope that they get trolls
    All the unit cards will have this Age of Charlemagne-esque style, and so far over 60 have been made. Give it a chance, a lot of thought has gone into it.
    Also, this is just the Alpha build, the roster may be expanded at a later date, and I believe trolls aren't going to be added until we have an animator.



  18. #18
    Mr.Jox's Avatar WHY SO SERIOUS?!
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    Default Re: [UPD 1 MAR 16] Preview: Isengard faction

    Quote Originally Posted by Northern-Ranger View Post
    In my opinon the unit cards look way to cartoon like and stuppid plus names of the early tier units minus the snaga, also i was hoping to see some wildmen in thier roster. Finally i hope that they get trolls
    I'm just curious what you wanted to see instead. It looks like cartoon because it's supposed to look like cartoon. And man, did you read any books or all you want in the mod is tons of epic badass looking stuff with total nonsense? Trolls were never a unit of Isengard.

  19. #19

    Default Re: [UPD 1 MAR 16] Preview: Isengard faction

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr.J View Post
    I'm just curious what you wanted to see instead. It looks like cartoon because it's supposed to look like cartoon. And man, did you read any books or all you want in the mod is tons of epic badass looking stuff with total nonsense? Trolls were never a unit of Isengard.
    I didnt finnish readingg them but sometimes you have to sacrifice lore for gameplay and im not asking for stuff that makes no sense just stuff that might make it better. Also everything i say is just my opinion. So what ever you do I'll support the mod but remember most who will play would have watched the film but not read the books(means for every thing)

  20. #20

    Default Re: [UPD 1 MAR 16] Preview: Isengard faction

    Quote Originally Posted by Northern-Ranger View Post
    I didnt finnish readingg them but sometimes you have to sacrifice lore for gameplay and im not asking for stuff that makes no sense just stuff that might make it better. Also everything i say is just my opinion. So what ever you do I'll support the mod but remember most who will play would have watched the film but not read the books(means for every thing)
    I would like to see the part of the film where you saw trolls with Isenguard?



    You guys a doing a great job at bringing this to life as a fan of the films and the books I am excited. Keep up the great work

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