Carnen
Carnen, or the Redwater by its Mannish name, flows from the Iron Hills on the borders of Rhovanion and Rhun. Eventually meeting with the Celduin, the River Running, the river flows into the Sea of Rhun. The large amount of iron deposits carried from the Iron Hills gives the river a reddish tinge, and hence the name 'Redwater'.
The map has a 1 vs 1 layout with castles, and contains several outposts, settlements, towers and strategic river crossings to control. Players can launch direct offensives through the centre of the map, or flank their opponent using alternate crossing points.
Above, Dain and troops from the Iron Hills cross the Carnen, and swiftly slay an orc raid. Dain and his bodyguard then defend the area against the combined forces of Mordor and Harad.
Minhiriath
Minhiriath lies in Eriador, forming the large expanse of land between the Greyflood and Brandywine Rivers. It was once populated by those travelling between Arnor and Gondor, and scattered tribes of wild men. However, the ruin of Eriador, and the fall of Arnor, have seen Minhiriath become desolate and ruined. Only remnants of it's former usage now remain.
Minhiriath is a 7 player castles map, the only one of its kind. Interesting as a free-for-all or a 3 vs 4 map, players will be able to fight over two central outposts, and numerous settlements and towers. The central bridge also allows players to pass both under and over it, making it a crucial strategic point to control.
Yeoman archers guard the entrance to the bridge, whilst the Rohirrim recover at the nearby outpost. Elfhelm, Theoden and Eomer then lead the Rohirrim under the bridge, whilst the archers keep watch from above. Lastly, Theoden rallies his Royal Guard by the shallow stream that meanders through the land.
Lossarnach
Lastly, but certainly not least, is Lossarnach, one of Gondor's southern fiefdoms. Located within the vales of the White Mountains, the River Erui flows through the centre of the town. Its mountainous woodlands are lush and green, and are filled with flowers in the spring. Lossarnach is home to many of Gondor's people, and its lord led a company of men to the defense of Minas Tirith during the War of the Ring.
The map has a 6 player castles layout - perfect for 3 vs 3 matches with teams each side of the river, or for some intense free-for-all matches. The town occupies the centre of the map, and is spread across the central river which is spanned by two bridges. There are two outposts, one on each side of the town, which players will find fun trying to defend amongst the narrow town streets and turns. The river is also forded on either side of town, providing various flanking options.
In the town streets, Boromir and Faramir defend a nearby settlement against attacking forces of orcs and haradrim. Gondor forces hold the south bridge against an orc incursion, and Boromir sounds the Horn of Gondor, quelling a raid on Lossarnach's outskirts.
