Capital: Isengard
Culture: Followers of Melkor
Likely Allies: None
Likely Enemies: Rohan
Ambition, thy name is Saruman. The great wizard, once friend to all who desired peace in Middle Earth, has now turned to dark pursuits. From the top of Orthanc, the impenetrable tower at the center of his fortress at Isengard, he looks over the world with covetous eyes. At the moment, Saruman swears allegiance to Sauron, dark lord of Mordor, promising to conquer the Rohirrim in his name. But deep in his rotten soul, Saruman desires to establish his own empire, and rule over all of Middle Earth. When the time comes, he will destroy Sauron and take his place on high. Such ambition might seem foolhardy to some, but backed by the vicious Uruk-Hai and the savage men of Dunland, Saruman has all of the tools he needs to realize his objectives. First Rohan, then the world. To war!
Strengths:
- Large unit size, very good AR particularly with its higher-tier units, which are armour-piercing. Superior in AR to immediate enemy, Rohan, with the possible exception of Rohan’s axemen and swordsmen
- Economy is relatively strong, even for a small faction. Is able to maintain significant armies even without expanding
- Relatively secure position, sheltered by the Misty Mountains. Will usually have only Rohan to deal with
- Ugluk naturally possesses a +2 movement bonus. Saruman is an elite commander, a match for whatever Rohan can muster
- Evil faction, so most generals will naturally be night fighters
Weaknesses:
- Its two main settlements, Isengard and Duneard, are somewhat isolated from each other. Beware that the Rohirrim do not take advantage…
- Begins the game without a spy, and only one diplomat. Only two towns available at start, limiting the number of spies and diplomats which can be recruited
- Infantry bodyguards, few cavalry options |