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[Dúnedain76]

Rivendell

AKA Eriador

Age of the Ring

Rough write-up 

 

Synopsis: Rivendell is a faction that is relatively difficult to play. It's basic units will have trouble standing up to those of other factions and require the assistance of the faction's many heroes and upgrades.

Rivendell has access to the strongest 'tier 2' units in the mod, but these are expensive, both in terms of resource and CP cost.

There will be a lot of precise micromanagement involved to stay alive during early and midgame and to ensure a clean path to elites in the late game.

 

Heroes

Gildor Inglorion - 1000

Rank 1: Companion

Leadership to Hobbit units

Rank 3: The Wandering Companies

Summons a group of Gildor's Exiles. At rank 8, summons three groups.

Rank 5: Light of Telperion
Gildor reveals his blessed Lantern, causing enemy units to flee in fear
 

GIldor's Exiles - Summoned

Rank 1: Song to Elbereth
Friendly units temporarily become immune to fear
 

Arwen Undómiel - 800

Arwen must be ranked up through the Undómiel ability.

Rank 1: Undómiel

Rank 1 to 3 - 300

Rank 3 to 6 - 300

Rank 6 to 10 - 500

Each upgrade increases the effect radius of Undómiel's Leadership component

Rank 1: Nearby heroes gain +33% armor

Rank 3: Nearby heroes gain +33% armor and +33% experience gain

Rank 6: Nearby heroes gain an additional +33% armor

Rank 10: The radius of Arwen's leadership is greatly increased

Also passively grants Arwen a high percentage of ranged damage avoidance and increased armor per level.

Rank 3: Power of the Evenstar

Units within the radius temporarily gain fear immunity and heal whenever they deal damage. 

Enemy units within the radius lose all leadership.

Rank 6: Blessing of Tinuviel

Targetable spell that stuns enemy units.

Rank 10: Image of Lúthien

Targeted units and heroes temporarily become invisible and receive +50% movement speed

 

Halbarad Dúnadan - 1300

Rank 1: Unerring Loyalty

Aragorn gains +15% experience gain when near Halbarad

Rank 1: Spear/Bow toggle

Rank 3: Perseverance

Nearby Dúnedain gain +30% armor and 50% knockback resistance for a short time

Rank 6: Muster the Dúnedain

Targeted Gathering gains +75% unit production speed for a short time

Rank 10: The Banner of Arwen

Halbarad unfurls his banner. For 10 seconds, allied units and heroes in a large radius gain +x% damage and +200% experience. Enemy units and heroes lose -x% damage, -50% experience gain, and fear resistance. 

For the remaining duration, allied units and heroes in a large radius gain +200% experience, while enemy troops and heroes have reduced fear resistance and -50% experience gain.

After the banner is on the field for 60 seconds, it will disappear. The banner can be destroyed by the enemy in this time.

 

Aragorn II - 2000

Rank 1: Sword/Bow toggle

Rank 1: Kingsfoil

Heals nearby heroes.

Rank 1: Chieftain of the Dúnedain

Nearby Dúnedain gain +33% attack damage and become immune to fear.

Rank 3: Master Tracker

Aragorn and heroes and units near him gain +15% speed. When activated, Aragorn temporarily gains +150% vision range and +25% range for his bow attacks.

Rank 6: A Fire Shall Be Woken

Blademaster - however, Aragorn carries a torch in his free hand, rather than the dagger he'll use in Gondor's version. Heroes near him gain a small armor boost while the ability is active.

Rank 9: Isildur's Heir - Replaces Chieftain of the Dúnedain after Andúril is purchased

Nearby Dúnedain gain +33% attack damage and become immune to fear. When activated, all nearby units gain +33% Damage, +50% Armor and become immune to fear.

 

Glorfindel - 3000

Rank 1: Asfaloth

Mount

Rank 3: Revealed in Wrath

Glorfindel temporarily gains +100% attack damage. Passively instills fear into enemies, including Nazgûl.

Rank 5: Light of Aman

Friendly troops with the radius are granted experience.

Rank 7: Slayer of Demons

Blasts back enemy units. For a while after, Glorfindel’s melee attacks pin enemy heroes.

 

Elrond Half-Elven - 4000

Rank 1: Lord of Rivendell

+150% experience gain to nearby units. Decreases the cost of Library upgrades when Elrond is bought.

Rank 3: Skill of the Elves

Elrond's attacks temporarily deal splash and knockback damage

Rank 6: Herald of Gil-Galad

Elrond dons his armor. Gains +50% armor.

Rank 7: The Last Homely House

Vanilla restoration

Rank 10: The Ring of Air

Creates a circular sanctuary in which friendly troops are buffed

 

Gandalf the Grey - Summoned
Rank 1: Love of Halfling Leaf
Summons several barrels of Old Toby that produce resources.
Rank 1: Let's Risk A Little More Light
Nearby archers gain +20% range and +15% accuracy
Rank 1: Disturber of the Peace
Wizard Blast with fire effects.
Rank 1: The Foe-Hammer
Lightning Sword.
Rank 1: You Shall Not Pass!
Nearby foes are knocked back and take damage.

 

Elladan - Unlocked from Spellbook

Rank 1: Gwenyn

When the Sons of Elrond are close, they gain +150% armor and +100% attack damage. If Elrohir dies while Elladan is on the field, Elladan gains a temporary +200% damage increase but also loses -150% of his armor.

Rank 1: Hatred of Orcs

The Sons of Elrond deal +33% damage to all Orcs. When activated nearby orcs lose -25% speed.

Rank 3: Bright Blade

A powerful sword strike that knocks over enemy units

Rank 5: Representatives of Elves and Men

Nearby friendly heroes gain a small boost to their ability recharge cooldowns and heal faster outside of combat.

 

Elrohir - Unlocked from Spellbook

Rank 1: Gwenyn

When the Sons of Elrond are close, they gain +150% armor and +100% attack damage. If Elladan dies while Elrohir is on the field, Elrohir gains a temporary +200% damage increase but also loses -150% of his armor.

Rank 1: Hatred of Orcs

The Sons of Elrond deal +33% extra damage to all Orcs. When activated nearby orcs lose -50% armor.

Rank 3: Swift Strikes

Elrohir temporarily gains +33% attack speed at the cost of -33% armor

Rank 5: Representatives of Elves and Men

Nearby friendly heroes gain a small boost to their ability recharge cooldowns and heal faster outside of combat.

 

Círdan the Shipwright - Summoned, requires White Council Observatory, starts at rank 5, lasts until killed

Rank 1: Nówë

Círdan provides counsel to targeted heroes, who permanently gain a chunk of experience and +10% armor

Rank 1: Ancient Craftsman

Targeted structure is repaired

Rank 1: Messenger of Ulmo

Can be cast on a well to increase its heal rate and provide nearby units with fear immunity

Rank 1: Call of Belegaer

Temporarily reduces cost and recruitment time of Elf units

 

Tom Bombadil - Summoned

Rank 1: Ho! Tom Bombadil!

Blasts back enemy units.
Rank 1: Incorruptible
Temporarily cancels all damage dealt to Tom.

Rank 1: Master of the Old Forest

Summons Old Man Willow for a short time. Upon summon, enemy units get knocked back. Once Old Man Willow is summoned, enemy units near him are put to sleep.

 

 

Buildings

Orchard

Cost: 300

Main Resource Structure

Fruit Bonus: Reduces cost of Cavalry

 

Eriador Encampment

Cost: 250

Rank 1: Recruit Hobbit Shirrifs - 250

Basic infantry unit, carrying clubs. At rank 3, gain Rock toggle. Strong versus pikes and heroes. Can stealth near trees.

Rank 1: Took Archers - 300

Basic archer unit. Short range, high damage. Strong versus monsters. Get arrow upgrade and can stealth near trees.

Rank 2: Bree-Land Townsguard

Men armed with short spears and shields with light leather armor. At rank 3, gain Armor from the Barrows. May receive Tengwar-Inscribed Steel and Banner upgrades.

Rank 2: Recruit Fatty Bolger

Rank 2: Fear! Fire! Foes!

The Horn-call of Buckland is sounded decreasing recruit times of all Hobbit units.

Rank 2: Bree-land Ram

A standard battering ram carried by Bree-land Townsguard.

Rank 3: Recruit Farmer Maggot

Rank 1: Maggot's Hounds

Grip, Fang, and Wolf passively guard Farmer Maggot.

Rank 2: Bamfurlong

Summons Farmer Maggot's farm for a short time. Generates a large amount of resources.

 

Rivendell Dormitory

Cost: 1000

Rank 1: Rivendell Glaivesmen - 700

Anti-Cavalry lightly armored elves bearing glaives and shields. May receive Noldorin Armor, Tengwar-Inscribed Steel, and Banner upgrades.

Rivendell Glaivesmen deal additional damage to siege machines.

Rank 1: Rivendell Swordsmen - 700

Lightly armored Elves bearing two-handed swords. May receive Noldorin Armor, Tengwar-Inscribed Steel, and Banner upgrades.

Rivendell Swordsmen deal additional damage to siege machines.

Rank 2: Rivendell Archers - 700

Lightely armored Elves bearing longbows. May receive Noldorin Armor, Swan-feathered Arrows, and Banner upgrades.

Rivendell Archers deal additional damage to siege machines.

Rank 2: Knights of Rivendell - 900

Horse-Mounted Elves armed with spears and shields as well as bows. May receive Noldorin Armor, Tengwar-Inscribed Steel, Swan-feathered Arrows, and Banner upgrades.

Rank 3: Veterans of the Last Alliance - 2000

Limited to 1 battalion

Rank 1: Toggle sword/bow

Rank 1: Veterans of Many Wars

The Veterans have been in many wars during the ages of Middle Earth and can use the tactics learnt from those wars in the present. Only one ability can be used at a time. Nearby allied troops gain a small experience buff. Passive.

Rank 1: Siege of Eregion

The Veterans remember the times of Sauron's attack on the elven kingdoms of the North. The battalion is temporarily immune to knockback and fear.

Rank 3: War of the Last Alliance

The Veterans were there during the Battle of Dagorlad and the final siege of Barad-dûr where they fought alongside men and dwarves for the future of Middle Earth. Nearby Dúnedain and Bree-landers temporarily gain an armor increase while nearby elven units gain a damage increase.

Rank 5: Fall of Angmar

The Veterans were with Glorfindel in the complete destruction of Angmar's armies and capital. Melee attacks are temporarily AoE and gain increased siege damage, while ranged attack speed is increased.

 

Dúnedain Gathering

Cost: 450

Rank 1: Dúnedain Rangers - 550

Rangers of the North. Initially only recruited with bows. May receive Swan-feathered Arrows, Tengwar-Inscribed Steel and Banner Carrier upgrades

Rank 1: Equip Spears - 100

The rangers permanently equip themselves with spears, granting them bonus damage towards cavalry and heroes

Rank 1: Equip Swords - 100

The rangers permanently equip themselves with swords, granting them bonus damage towards infantry and slightly increased armor.

Rank 2: Woodscraft

Elven cloak

Rank 1: Dúnedain Outriders - 700

Rangers on hooves! May receive Tengwar-Inscribed Steel and Banner Carrier upgrades

Rank 1: Wedge Formation

Rank 2: Woodscraft

Elven cloak

Rank 1: Grey Company (Unlocked Through Library) - 1500

Rank 1: Spear/Bow Toggle

Rank 1: Grim Resolve

Nearby enemies lose 10% armour and damage and have reduced fear resistance. Each time a ranger falls, the other members of the battalion gain a small damage and armor boost for a short time. Stacks each time a ranger dies.  Passive.

Rank 3: Silent Defenders

Aragorn, Halbarad and the Sons of Elrond passively gain bonus damage around them. When activated, nearby units recruited from the Encampment (including Fatty Bolger and Farmer Maggot) gain bonus armour temporarily. At level 4, this ability will also make nearby Dúnedain temporarily gain increased attack speed.

Rank 5: Skilled Hunters

For 30 seconds, a target unit or hero is marked by the Grey Company. The target shares vision with the player, loses speed and has a 33% chance to take more damage from each Grey Company and Dunedain attack.

 

Rank 1: Elladan (Unlocked Through Spellbook) - 800

Rank 1: Elrohir (Unlocked Through Spellbook)- 800

 

Rivendell Watchtower

Cost: 500

Main Defensive Structure

May be garrisoned

 

Rivendell Blacksmith

Upgrade Structure

Rank 1: Banner Carriers - Advances Battalion to Rank 2. Unlocks Miruvor for Elvish units: Battalion passively heals when out of combat.

Rank 1: Tengwar-Inscribed Steel

Rank 2: Noldorin Armor

Rank 3: Swan-feathered Arrows

Rank 3: Andúril, the Flame of the West - Requires Lay of Lethian upgrade to be purchased

Steel Bonus: Reduces cost of upgrades

 

Rivendell Library

Cost: 500

Rank 1: Elven Medicine: A Compendium  - 2000

Authored by Elrond himself, this book is essential material for those wishing to learn the secrets of healing.

Allows Bree-Land, Dúnedain, and Hobbit units to heal when outside of combat.

Rank 1: A Sleepless Malice: Reflections on the Nature of Evil - 600

A passionate appeal to watchfulness and warning against inertia in times of apparent peace, written by King Thranduil.

Stations Noldorin Guards at structures.

Rank 1: The Lay of Leithian - 1000

The classic story of love between an Elf maiden and a mortal man. Translated into the common tongue by Bilbo Baggins.

Unlocks the Grey Company to be purchased from the Dúnedain Gathering

Rank 1: Reverence of Yavanna - 1500

Documentation of various rites and songs concerning the Vala Yavanna, collected and edited by the lady Celebrian.

Increases Orchard production by 30%.

Rank 1: Reflections Upon the Battle of Dagorlad - 4000

A collection of writings on the Battle of Dagorlad. Timelines, battleplans and poetry, gathered by Valandil, son of Isildur.

Allows one battalion an additional battallion of Last Alliance Veterans to be recruited from the Library.

Rank 1: Practical Application of Fëanorian Smithing - 1500

This exhaustive treatise on Noldorin smithing techniques was authored by Celebrimbor.

Permanently reduces cost of upgrades.

 

Statue of Gil-Galad

Cost: 200

Heroic Statue

 

Wall Hub

Cost: vanilla

 

Hall of Fire

Summoned

Rank 1: The Last High King 

Summons a vivid retelling of the Fall of Gil-galad

Rank 1: The Son of Doom

Summons a vivid retelling of the Fate of Túrin Turambar
Rank 1: Challenger of Morgoth

Summons a vivid retelling of Fingolfin's Challenge

 

Each retelling lasts a very short time. When used, causes other retellings to go on cooldown. While active, retelling terrifies nearby enemy units and deals fire damage to enemies near them.

 

Conservatory (Fortress)

Banners of the Noldorin

Leadership

Song and Merriment

Enables the recruitment of Rivendell Revelers from the Conservatory

Rivendell Reveler - 500

Recruit a party of elven revelers. Limit of 5.

Rank 1: Story-teller
Increases experience gain of friendly units by 10% (stacks)

Passively decreases the cooldown of the Hall of Fire's vivid retellings by 10% (stacks)

Rank 1: Stay Awhile and Listen

Passively decreases the speed and attack damage of enemy units in a wide radius by 15% (does not stack)

Rank 1: Ainulindalë

When cast on an Orchard, temporarily increases its resource production by 50% (does not stack)

Rank 1: Akallabêth

Deals significant damage over time to structures. Can be cast from a large distance

Wardens of Imladris

Archer Guards

Girdle of Imladris

Drastically increases armor of fortress

The Last Homely House

The Conservatory's musicians begin to play. Nearby units are healed and fortified.

White Council Observatory

Unlocks three spells that can be cast from the Fortress

- Lightning Strike: Saruman's magic deals damage and stuns units within its radius.

- Master of the Havens: Allows the summoning of Círdan the Shipwright

- Aiwendil, Bird-Friend: Radagast's friendship with Gwaihir's folk allows the fortress to temporarily summon a Giant Eagle.

 

Buildplots

Watchtower

Ballista

Flood Gate

Wall Hub

 

Powers

Tier 1

Tangado Haid!: Rallying Call

Wisdom of the Eldar: Farsight

Tolo dan nan galad: Heal

 

Tier 2

Remnant of the Old Kingdom: Summons a ruined Arnorian outpost. Friendly Units within the ruins gain increased armor. Enemies lose all leadership

The Sons of Elrond: Unlocks Elladan and Elrohir from the Dúnedain Gathering.

Many Meetings: Randomly summons 3 battalions from across Middle-earth.

Breath of Manwë: Summons a stationary Whirlwind. Sucks up and incapacitates enemy units. Deals additional damage toward buildings.

 

Tier 3

The Grey Pilgrim: Summon Gandalf the Grey

Blessing of Ulmo: Weather power - rain falls, units become immune to fear, get healed slightly, Orchards produce more and get increased armor

Hall of Fire: Summons the Hall of Fire. The Hall of Fire can call forth images of the past to fear and damage your enemies.

 

Tier 4

Wrath of the Bruinen: Vanilla

Come Merry Dol!: Summons Tom Bombadil

[Vidstige]

These are some truly exciting ideas, looks like this will be my favorite faction! How will the Dúnedain rangers differ from the Ithilien rangers, apart from the weapon toggle? 

[Getfuzzy88]

The High Elves will always have a special place in my heart, ever since I first heard of them from my cousin. He introduced me to the wonderful arts of Tolkien just before the first movie had it's premiere.

 

You have made the High Elves extremly good and intresting. Never have I seen them being portraded in such a way. Amazing!

[Ectheldir]

Interesting idea to have Tom Bombadil as a fourth row spell. No other version of BFME I know of put him there. But, I think that is actually needed to present his actual might.

 

I have two questions, tho:

1. Where do the Bree-Land Townsguard get their Tempered Blades from? It's not  represented  the Rivendell Blacksmith.

2. Shouldn't Glorfindel frighten his enemies instead of fear them with his level 3 ability.

All in all this sounds like a really interesting Rivendell-concept.

Edited by Ectheldir, 07 March 2017 - 09:12 PM.

[Mathijs]

Interesting idea to have Tom Bombadil as a fourth row spell. No other version of BFME I know of put him there. But, I think that is actually needed to present his actual might.

 

I have two questions, tho:

1. Where do the Bree-Land Townsguard get their Tempered Blades from? It's not  represented  the Rivendell Blacksmith.

2. Shouldn't Glorfindel frighten his enemies instead of fear them with his level 3 ability.

All in all this sounds like a really interesting Rivendell-concept.

 

1. I think we discussed that it would still be the Tengwar-inscribed Blades, but that they'd just have a different button and description on the Bree-land units.

2. We want his enemies to flee before him!

 

Look forward to a new Tom Bombadil model, by the way.

[Joragon]

So what are the different functions of the heroes? Or is there a differentation between mass slayer, hero counter, supporter etc?

 

And I don't know what is a counter for the Dunedain with their spear/bow toggle? Riders aren't, sword fighters aren't, spear fighters aren't, archers aren't, heroes perhaps?

Edited by Joragon, 08 March 2017 - 10:21 AM.

[Mathijs]

We don't classify heroes the way Edain does. It tends to lead to short-changing certain characters' abilities in the lore by pidgeonholing them into specific roles. Our hero design is based first on what their characters were or did in the stories. The powers in these documents are all untested and work in progress - once they're all finished, balance testing will likely change much of it.

 

The counter for the Dúnedain is overwhelming them.

[Hoarmurath]

"The counter for the Dúnedain is overwhelming them." As is the case with most of the Rivendell

[Rider of Rohan]

Dunedain will take some decent damage from heroes and slash.

[Joragon]

We don't classify heroes the way Edain does. It tends to lead to short-changing certain characters' abilities in the lore by pidgeonholing them into specific roles. Our hero design is based first on what their characters were or did in the stories. The powers in these documents are all untested and work in progress - once they're all finished, balance testing will likely change much of it.

 

The counter for the Dúnedain is overwhelming them.

Ah ok, so your main goal is lore-friendliness and to create a middle earth which is exactly like in the books/movies and gameplay is secondary but also not unimportant, right? Just to know your goals as basis for discussion.

[Rider of Rohan]

In a sense yes. We tend to do balance stuff after our ideas are implemented.

[Elf_in_silver_armor]

I will be your guide!

[Er-Mûrazôr]

Did you make all of aragorns costumes because you wanted to add him to several factions so he will wear the costume he wore during the time he helped that faction in the movie at that time for example in gondor he would ultimately acquire his king of gondor outfit in rivendel he would acquire ranger outfit with narsil (from when elrond gave him reforged blade) and in rohan ultimately acquiring the shirt of mail he took from helms deep armory?

Edited by Er-Mûrazôr, 11 March 2017 - 03:21 AM.

[Dúnedain76]

No, only because I wanted to.

 

I did know that I wanted him to be in Rivendell however.

[Er-Mûrazôr]

You literally made enough outfits for him to change every level up will this be the case 

[Dúnedain76]

Well I made all of his major outfits he wears throughout the trilogy. It fitting to the amount of levels is very much a coincidence.

[BorealisValkyrie]

Do you think that Old Bilbo could play a part in this faction? Even if he were endowed with a very secondary role? I suppose Rivendell is to be set in the War of the Ring timeline: at that time, Bilbo had settled in Elrond's domain and there had found the perfect environment to finish his book, benefiting from the renowned atmosphere of Imladris (which Tolkien describes in quite plain words) that permits one to enjoy one's own passion to the fullest or to find a proportionate mixture of the things one cherishes the most.

His hypothetical role will certainly not have anything to do with war, yet some structure-related supportive properties could be suitable for him; or, in order to opt for more conventional solutions, enhancements influencing heroes or troops. Given your noble approach to the lore, with which I completely agree, Bilbo's presence wouldn't do anything else but strengthen even more the characterisation of the very ensemble.

QUOTATION: ''His house was perfect whether you liked food, or sleep, or work, or story-telling, or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, nor a pleasant mixture of them all. Evil things did not come into that valley.''

[Mathijs]

I would like to see Ian Holm's Bilbo. We just don't know exactly what to do. I'll bring it up again in our next team meeting.

[BorealisValkyrie]

I'm really glad to hear that, Mathijs. Whether it be during his adventurous journeys or in the calmness of Rivendell, Bilbo does represent a truly Tolkien-ish character, embodying some of the Professor's own views.

Thank you for taking the topic into consideration.

[Mathijs]

We came to a decision. Bilbo will be part of the Library's idle animation, talking to (exchanging riddles with?) Lindir, like in the book.