84 replies to this topic

[Nerevar42]

Mainly because East isn't South, and also because Easterlings are a subfaction of the Mordor faction.

[Esparado87]

Instead of having 2 types of mumakil units, why not have just 1 type of mumakil unit, that comes out "naked" but can be upgraded with either catapult or archers (and maybe other choises) so that the option decides what kind of unit the mumakil becomes.

Is there any other faction that has a system like that?

[r06ue1]

The Blue Wizards (or the Ithryn Luin) were two mysterious characters of Middle-earth; so-named because they both wore sea-blue robes.

These Istari were only hinted at in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, where Gandalf and Saruman, respectively, mention that there are five Wizards. However, other writings of Tolkien have more to say: In Tolkien's Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age it is revealed that aside from Curunír (Saruman), Olórin (Gandalf), and Aiwendil (Radagast), there were "others of the Istari who went into the east of Middle-earth, and do not come into these tales."^[1] Tolkien also writes in Unfinished Tales that the two Wizards were sent to the East. Their names in Valinor were Alatar and Pallando. Alatar was a Maia of the Vala Oromë who chose him to go to Middle-earth. Alatar asked his friend Pallando to join him on his mission.[2]
 

History

The Blue Wizards journeying to the East of Middle-earth

The time that they arrived in Middle-earth is uncertain. In Unfinished Tales, Tolkien wrote that the five Istari came to Middle-earth together in T.A. 1000. However, in The Peoples of Middle-earth, they are said to have arrived in the Second Age, around the year 1600, the time of the forging of the One Ring.^[3] Their mission was directed at weakening Sauron's forces in the eastern and southern parts of Middle-earth whereas the other Istari were focused on the western regions.

It is also uncertain whether they failed in their mission, but it seems most likely. In Unfinished Tales Tolkien writes that, "indeed of all the Istari, one only remained faithful," referring to Gandalf. Also in letter 211 ,he said ,"what success they had I do not know; but I fear that they failed, as Saruman did, though doubtless in different ways; I suspect that they were founders or beginners of secret cults and 'magic' traditions that outlasted the fall of Sauron". ^[4] However, in a text found in The Peoples of Middle-earth, alternate set of names are given, Morinehtar and Rómestámo (or Rome(n)star), "Darkness-slayer" and "East-helper". It is not clear whether these names were intended to be replacements for Alatar and Pallando, or whether they had a second set of names (for instance, their names used in Middle-earth).

 

https://lotr.fandom....ki/Blue_Wizards

[Boop878]

Would it not make more sense to have the 'Tribes of Harad' spell summon a couple of tribal units, like with Easterling spell now, and have the 'Forth, Men of Darkness' spell summon an Easterling Encampment instead? That way the unit summon is for units that are already a part of the faction. And the building summon is for units that are allies of Harad, but are not part of their main army (like with Dol Amroth).

 

I think some players would prefer this, because it allows for the possibility of having the Easterlings be a bit more closely tied to Harad, without fully absorbing them and making Haradwaith just an 'Evil Men' faction. The latter is not on the table, but this would be a good alternative, and would keep the integrity of Haradwaith in tact. 

Edited by Boop878, 10 April 2022 - 10:51 AM.

[Boop878]

Yep, Sûladan got killed by Théoden. And that's the sound we're going for.

I really like the backstory you have given him. The whole 'works for the Golden King, but really wants to free his people from Gondor's oppression' is just a really nuanced take. It really evokes that tragedy of war, like with Faramir talking about how many of the Haradrim were forced to fight against their will. Adding to that the Zigur-hardcore followers, the Umbarians with beef from the Kinn-strife + their own anti-faithful feelings going back to Numenor, the tribes and creatures subjugated with fear and endoctrination to fight for Sauron. This faction is just so fascinating and varied lore-wise. It's lightyears away from most MotE factions that just duplicate slightly different versions from the Rhun/Harad designs seen in the movies. Can't wait to see what else 8.0 has in store for us. 

Edited by Boop878, 10 April 2022 - 11:27 AM.