Don't endless loading times just heighten the tension, though? 
Good call. Time for another update!
As Obiajulu's forces approach Tharbad, a host of the Rohirrim is seen just outside the Southguard Fort. Battle is joined, in the hopes that the fort's garrison can also be destroyed and the fort taken without a costly assault.
The Rohirrim make a valiant charge, but their horses are tossed aside easily by the great Mumakil.
The foe withdraws, leaving the Haradrim in possession of the field. But the survivors retreat to the fort. Obiajulu settles in for a siege.
In the North, the Southron armies declare war.
Abaan will spearhead the attack. A Corsair from Umbar, he has much experience with such coastal raids: attack a lightly-held town, destroying any opposition in the field, and claim your prize without a siege.
His host comprises Corsairs and Swertings, Umbar Guard and the best cavalry in the fleet: Scarlet Shields and the dread Inquisition Enforcers. But the Elves prepare to defend their lands with formidable Lindon Guards.
Abaan moves to the higher ground. The larger part of the Elven resistance is deployed ahead, beyond the trees. The reinforcing garrison approaches from farther downhill.
Abaan orders the right wing of his cavalry forward, hoping to scatter the Elven archers.
Though weakened, the Elven Bows do not flee. As the Elven infantry marches to engage, the riders are forced to withdraw. Abaan throws his infantry forward into a chaotic melee. The Elven Retainers have sped tirelessly up the hill; giant Men of Far Harad rush to meet them.
Beneath the shade of the trees, the elite Umbar Guard clash with the deadly Elves of Lindon.
The Elves take losses, but too few - and the host of Harad is cut to pieces. With most of his infantry in flight, Abaan throws himself and his remaining cavalry into the fray.
The charge is stopped short by the wall of Elven polearms. Abaan withdraws from the field.
Of this proud host of Harad, only one-eighth returns to the ships. Two untested armies remain, to try another assault. But this first skirmish has taught Abaan and the other commanders to be wary of these strange folk. Future battles must be fought with more care. And now, the men of the fleet look anxiously for news from the south - for Obiajulu and the fearsome Mumakil that march in his train. If they cannot force an overland passage to Mithlond, the men fear they will be unable to take the city itself.
The men of the expedition have more to fear, however, than Elvish wights. The displeasure of the Emperor is just as dangerous - especially now that he has made allegiance with a shadowy new figure who desires nothing less than the utter ruin of the Firstborn:
The Black Ships Sail
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I tried to make Khand a protectorate too, but accidentally starved out their entire ruling family, so the faction was destroyed. I gave their couple of territories to Far Harad.
Originally Posted by CountMRVHS
